WO2011053256A2

WO2011053256A2 - Automatic lethal ovitrap

Info

Publication number: WO2011053256A2
Application number: PCT/SG2010/000421
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erich Dollansky; Timothy Van Der Haegen
Original assignee: Erich Dollansky; Timothy Van Der Haegen
Priority date: 2009-11-02
Filing date: 2010-11-01
Publication date: 2011-05-05
Also published as: SG170643A1; WO2011053256A3

Abstract

Apparatus (100) to collect and destroy the eggs of water breeding insects like mosquitoes. The apparatus consists of four main components. A top (600) and a bottom (603), a top channel (601) and a bottom channel (602).

Description

Automatic Lethal Ovitrap

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an environmental sound, simple and cost- effective method of controlling water-breeding mosquitoes.

Background of the Invention

Some 1.5 million people die every year as a result of a mosquito bite. The World Health Organization considers mosquito control as a critical element of any mosquito-borne disease prevention.

The effectiveness of any method using chemical agents is dropping more and more. This is proven by the world-wide rise of mosquito-related fatalities.

The concept of autmatic lethal ovitraps was introduced with the application PCT SG 2007 000137.

Summary of the Invention

This invention describes an apparatus to be manufactured in large quantities to implement the concept of autmatic lethal ovitraps. The invention reduces the number of components needed to two or four depending on the manufacturing technology and materials used.. A low number of individual components is a crucial factor for the final price of a product.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 illustrates an automatic lethal ovitrap seen from top.

Figure 2 illustrates an automatic lethal ovitrap seen from top with a cover removed.

Figure 3 illustrates an automatic lethal ovitrap seen from bottom.

Figure 4 illustrates an automatic lethal ovitrap seen from the side with the external connections visible.

Figure 5 illustrates an automatic lethal ovitrap seen from the side without external connections visible.

Figure 6 illustrates the four main components of an automatic lethal ovitrap in a sectional drawing seen from the side.

Figure 7 illustrates the four main components of an automatic lethal ovitrap in a sectional drawing from the side.

Figure 8 illustrates an ovitrap and its integration into an automatic lethal ovitrap.

Figure 9 illustrates the water management system and its integration into anautomatic lethal ovitrap.

Figure 10 illustrates the internal water channels of an automatic lethal ovitrap.

Figure 11 illustrates an inlay concept for an ovitrap of an automatic lethal ovitrap.

Figure 12 illustrates an water level regulator together with a fresh water supply and its integration into an automatic lethal ovitrap.

Figure 13 illustrates a noise dampener and a controller compartment and its integration into an automatic lethal ovitrap.

Figure 14 illustrates a seal used to seal of the water inside an automatic lethal ovitrap.

Figure 15 illustrates the locations of different sensors in the automatic lethal ovitrap.

Figure 16 illustrates an alternative version of the bottom channel. Figure 1

Figure 1 shows an automatic lethal ovitrap 100 from top. The shown automatic lethal ovitrap 100 has a rectangle shape. Any other shape can be used. The surface of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 is flat. An ovitrap 101 is integrated into the surface of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. An ovitrap 102 is integrated into the surface of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. An ovitrap 103 is integrated into the surface of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. An ovitrap 104 is integrated into the surface of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. Any number from one onwards of ovitraps can be integrated into an automatic lethal ovitrap 100 depending on the targeted mosquito species. Four ovitraps (101, 102, 103, 104) seem to be very effective against different Aedes and Culex species. A cover 105 covers the centre section of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100.

Operation

During normal operation, the four ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 are filled with water. The water is kept stagnant. This attracts mosquitoes of different species to lay their eggs into them. The automatic lethal ovitrap 100 empties at predefined times the ovitraps, keeps them dry for a predefined time and fills them again with water. The cycle then continues.

As a result, the mosquitoes resident near the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 will lay a high percentage of their eggs into it. This will reduce the mosquito population within a few weeks.

Figure 2

Figure 2 shows the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 from top with the cover 105 removed. A water management system 1 10 is integrated into the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. The water management system 110 is covered by the cover 105 when the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 is operated normally. The water management system 1 10 consists of a fresh water supply 1 11, a water level regulator 1 12, a noise dampener 1 15 and a controller 1 16. The fresh water supply 1 1 1 is a container holding fresh water to be supplied via a pump 1 13 to the water level regulator 112. A floating ball valve 114 regualtes the water level inside the fresh water supply 1 11. The floating ball valve 1 14 is connected to a water supply network. The noise dampener 1 15 contains a pump 1 17. The noise dampener 115 contains a valve 118. The pump 117 pumps the water contained in the noise dampener 115 out of the automatic lethal ovitrap when it is instructed to do so. The valve 1 18, alternatively, opens when instructed to do so and so empties the noise dampener 1 15.

The controller 1 16 is connected to the pump 1 13. The controller 1 16 is connected to the valve 1 18. The controller 1 16 is connected to the pump 117.

Figure 3

Figure 3 shows the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 from the bottom. A drain

120 allows the drainage of the ovitrap 101, 102, 103, 104 content. A drain

121 allows the drainage of a drainage channel 7011. A drain 123 allows the drainage of an supply channel 7010. A drain 122 allows the drainage of the fresh water supply 111.

Figure 4

Figure 4 shows the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 in a side view. Preferably, the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 is shaped as a rectangle when seen from its four sides. Other shapes are possible. A connection for a water supply 140 is integrated into the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. A drain 141 is integrated into the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. A connection for electricity supply 142 is integrated into the automatic lethal ovitrap 100.

Water is supplied via the connection for water supply 140. Electricity is supplied via the connection for electricity 142. The drain 141 allows the drainage of the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104.

Figure 5

Figure 5 shows the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 from one of the four side which do not contain any connections. Preferably, the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 is shaped like a rectangle when seen from the side.

Figure 6

Figure 6 shows the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 in a sectional side view as marked as A-A in figure 1. The section does not include any active elements of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. The automatic lethal ovitrap 100 consists of a top 600, a bottom 603, a top channel 601 and a bottom channel 602. The top 600 and the top channel 601 can be manufactured as a single piece. The bottom 603 and the bottom channel 602 can be manufactured as a single piece.

Figure 7

Figure 7 shows the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 in a sectional side view as marked B-B in Figure 1. The section includes the ovitrap 101 and the ovitrap 102. The joint 704 connects the top 600 and the top channel 601. A joint 704 does not exist if the top 600 and the top channel 601 are manufactured as a single piece. The detail 7000 is detailed out in Figure 8.

Figure 8 Figure 8 shows the detail 7000 in a sectional side view. Ovitrap 101 is used as an example. The ovitrap 101 has a supply opening 7001 on its bottom. The ovitrap 101 has a drainage opening 7002 on its bottom. Preferably, the supply opening 7001 is located higher than the drainage opening 7002. Preferable, the water flowing into the empty ovitrap 101 should flow first out again via the drainage opening 7002 flushing left over objects at the bottom of the ovitrap 101 into the drainage opening 7002. The supply opening 7001 is connected via a channel to a supply channel 7010. The drainage opening 7002 is connected via a channel to a drainage channel 7011. The top 600 is joint with the bottom 603 via a seal 7030. The seal 7030 stops objects from entering the inside of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. The connection between the top 600 and the bottom 603 is done preferably near the top of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. The connection between the top 600 and the bottom 603 is preferably shaped to that the top 600 can be taken out straight. The top channel 601 is connected to the side of the bottom 603 via a seal 7031. The bottom channel 602 is connected via a seal 7032 with the bottom 603. The seal 7032 stops objects from entering the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. The top channel 601 and the bottom channel 602 are connected via a seal 7020. The seal 7020 has the size and shape of the contact area where the top channel 601 and the bottom channel 602 are joint with openings for the supply channel 7010 and the drainage channel 701 1 and all connections from the ovitraps 101 , 102, 103, 104, the water level regulator 1 12 and the noise dampener 115.

Figure 9

Figure 9 shows the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 in a sectional side view as marked C-C in Figure 1. The section includes the water level regulator 1 12 and the noise dampener 115. The water level regulator 1 12 contains a wall 901. The height of the wall 901 defines the water level in the ovitrap 101, 102, 103, 104. The water level regulator 1 12 has an outflow 900. The outflow 900 connects the water level regulator 112 with the supply channel 7010. The supply channel 7010 allows the free flow of water between the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 and the water level regulator 1 12.

The noise dampener 1 15 has an inflow 910. The inflow 910 is connected to the drainage channel 7011. The drainage channel 701 1 allows the free flow of water between the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 and the noise dampener 1 15. The noise dampener 1 15 has a valve 1 18 installed at or near its bottom. The valve 1 18 is connected to the drain 120. When the valve 118 opens the content of the noise dampener 115 and the connected ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 will be drained out.

At the lowest point of the drainage channel 7011, a valve 7141 connects the drainage channel 701 1 with the drain 121. The valve 7141 is opened when all the water contained in the; drainage channel 701 1 has to be drained off. At the lowest point of the supply channel 7010, a valve 7143 connects the supply channel 7010 with the drain 123. The valve 7143 is opened when all the water contained in the supply channel 7010 has to drained off.

Figure 10

Figure 10 shows the bottom channel 602 from top. The drainage channel 7011 is cut so into the bottom channel 602 that it connects the noise dampener 1 15 with the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 without crossing the supply channel 7010. The supply channel 7010 is cut so into the bottom channel 602 that it connects the water level regulator 1 12 with the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 without crossing the drainage channel 701 1. An alternative drainage channel 1302 is cut so into the bottom channel 602 that it connects the drain 141 with an opening 1301 at or near the bottom of the noise dampener 1 15.

Both the supply channel 7010 and the drainage channel 701 1 can be either cut into the top of the bottom channel 602 and/or the bottom of the top channel 601. Maintenance is easier if the supply channel 7010 and the drainage channel 7011 is cut only into the bottom channel 602.

The alternative drainage channel 1302 can be either cut into the top if the bottom channel 602 and/or the bottom of the top channel 601.

Maintenance is easier if the alternative drainage channel 1302 is cut only into the bottom channel 602.

Figure 11

Figure 11 shows an ovitrap 11000 to be used as part of an automatic lethal ovitrap. The ovitrap 11000 is shaped so that it can contain water with an opening on the top so mosquito have access to the water store herein. The ovitrap 1 1000 has an opening 11003 on its bottom. The ovitrap 11000 has an opening 1 1004 on its bottom. The opening 1 1003 is placed so in the bottom of the ovitrap 11000 that water flowing through it into the ovitrap 11000 will first flow directly out via the opening 1 1004 while the water clears the bottom of the ovitrap 11000. The side wall of the ovitrap 11000 has a step 1 1002 near its bottom. The step 11002 is shaped so that an object inserted into the ovitrap 1 1000 can rest on it. The step 11002 has to be shaped so that water will flow off it when the ovitrap 11000 is emptied. A wall 1 1001 is inserted into the ovitrap 11000 so that it covers the wall of the ovitrap 1 1000 so that mosquitoes coming closer will not see the walls of the ovitrap 1 1000. The shape and colour of the wall 11001 can be adjusted to the targeted mosquito species.

Mosquitoes of the species Aedes prefer dark colours for their breeding spot. If the ovitrap 11000 is manufactured in a different colour, the wall 11001 will be of a dark colour. Also the shape of the wall 11001 can be adjusted to the special needs of the mosquito. The wall 11001 can also be used to expose only a fraction of water surface of the water stored into the ovitrap 11000 to the mosquito.

Figure 12

Figure 12 shows the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 in a sectional side view marked as a-a in Figure 2.

The fresh water supply 1 1 1 is integrated into the top 600 so that it can contain water at a water level lower than the height of the wall 901. The fresh water supply 11 1 is separated from the water level regulator 1 12 by the wall 901. The bottom of the water level regulator 112 is lower than the wall 901 but higher than the bottom of the fresh water supply 11 1. The outflow 900 in the bottom of the water level regulator 112 is connected to the supply channel 7010.

A valve 7142 is inserted into the fresh water supply 111 at its lowest point. The valve 7142 connects the fresh water supply 1 11 with the drain 122. When the valve 7142 is opened, all the water contained in the fresh water supply 111 can be drained off.

Figure 13

Figure 13 shows the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 in a sectional side view as marked b-b in Figure 2.

The noise dampener 115 is integrated into the top 600. The noise dampener 1 15 is shaped so that it can contain water. The bottom of the noise dampener is lower than the bottom of the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 but higher than drainage channel 7011. The controller 116 is separated from the noise dampener 1 15 by a wall 1300. The controller 1 16 is the container for the electronics to control the automatic lethal ovitrap 100.

A pipe 1303 is connected to the opening 1301. The pipe 1303 has an opening 1304 at or near its highest point. The opening 1304 is placed so that it is located above the water level as defined by the water level regulator 1 12 during normal operation. The opening 1304 is placed so that the water dripping out of it falls back into the noise dampener 1 15. The pipe 1303 is connected to the pump 1 17.

Figure 14

Figure 14 shows the seal 7020 from top. A cut out 1400 allows the flow through between the the supply channel 7010 and the ovitrap 101. A cut out 1401 allows the flow through between the the supply channel 7010 and the ovitrap 102. A cut out 1404 allows the flow through between the the supply channel 7010 and the ovitrap 103. A cut out 1413 allows the flow through between the the supply channel 7010 and the ovitrap 104. A cut out 1411 allows the flow through between the supply channel 7010 and the water level regulator 1 12. A cut out 1412 allows the flow through between the the drainage channel 7011 and the ovitrap 101. A cut out 1402 allows the flow through between the the drainage channel 701 1 and the ovitrap 102. A cut out 1403 allows the flow through between the the drainage channel 701 1 and the ovitrap 103. A cut out 1413 allows the flow through between the the drainage channel 701 1 and the ovitrap 104. A cut out 1414 allows the flow through between the the drainage channel 7011 and the noise dampener 115. A cut out 1408 allows the flow through between the the drain 120 and the noise dampener 115. A cut out 1409 allows the flow through between the the alternative drainage channel 1302 and the noise dampener 1 15.

Additional cut outs can be implemented to save material and weight in areas where a seal is not needed.

Figure 15

Figure 15 shows the locations of the different sensors of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100. A pressure sensor 1500 determines the pressure of the water supplied to floating ball valve 1 14. A water level sensor 1501 determines the water level inside the fresh water supply 1 11. A water level sensor 1502 determines the water level inside the water level regulator 1 12. A water level sensor 1503 determines the water level inside the noise dampener 1 15. A water level sensor 1511 determines the water level inside the ovitrap 101. A water level sensor 1512 determines the water level inside the ovitrap 102. A water level sensor 1513 determines the water level inside the ovitrap 103. A water level sensor 1514 determines the water level inside the ovitrap 104. A temperature sensor 1504 determines the temperature the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 is working in. The pressure sensor 1500 is connected to the controller 116. The water level sensor 1501 is connected to the controller 1 16. The water level sensor 1502 is connected to the controller 1 16. The water level sensor 1503 is connected to the controller 116. The temperature sensor 1504 is connected to the controller 116. The water level sensor 151 1 is connected to the controller 116. The water level sensor 1512 is connected to the controller 1 16. The water level sensor 1513 is connected to the controller 116. The water level sensor 1514 is connected to the controller 116.

The controller 116 activates an alarm when the water pressure sensor 1500 signals a water pressure below a predefined threshold. Normal operation of the automatic lethal ovitrap can continue as long as the water level inside the fresh water supply is sufficient to supply the pump 1 13 with water.

The controller 1 16 activates an alarm when the water level reported by the water level sensor 1501 falls below a predefined threshold. The controller 116 deactivates the pump 113 when the water level reported by the water level sensor 1501 falls below a predefined threshold.

The water levels reported by the water level sensor 1502, the water level reported by the water level sensor 1503, the water level reported by the water level sensor 1511, the water level reported by the water level sensor 1512, the water level reported by the water level sensor 1513 and the water level reported by the water level sensor 1514 should be identical during normal operation when the water in the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 is kept stagnant.

While the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 are filled with fresh water, the water levels reported by the water level sensors 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, 1503 are below the water level reported by the water level sensor 1502. It is a sign of a blockage in the supply channel 7010 when one or more water levels reported by each of the water level sensors 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, 1503 deviates too much from the water level reported by the water level sensor 1502. The controller 116 activates an alarm if it detects this condition.

While the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 are drained, the water levels reported by the water level sensors 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, 1502 are above the water level reported by the water level sensor 1503. It is a sign of a blockage in the drainage channel 701 1 when one or more water levels reported each of the water level sensors 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, 1502 deviates too much from the water level reported by the water level sensor 1503. The controller 116 activates an alarm if it detects this condition.

The controller 1 16 activates the pump 113, deactivates the pump 1 17 and/or closes the valve 1 18 when the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 are to be filled with water. The controller 1 16 deactivates the pump 113, activates the pump 117 and/or opens the valve 118 when the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 are to be drained. The controller 116 can deactivate the pump 113 when the water level sensors 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514 report that the water level inside the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 is above a predefined level. This will save energy and increase the life time of the pump 1 13. Alternatively, the controller 116 activates and deactivates the pump 113 as defined in a schedule whenever the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 are to be filled with water.

The controller 116 delay the refilling of the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 after they have been drained empty for a predefined period of time to allow them to dry out and so kill all the remaining larvae and /or pupae.

Figure 16

Figure 16 shows an alternative version of the bottom channel 602. An leak detection channel 1600 is placed so that water leaking from either one of the supply channel 7010 and /or the drainage channel 7011 will flow into the leak detection channel 1600. A water sensor 1601 is placed inside the leak detection channel 1600. The water sensor 1601 reports the presence of water to the controller 1 16. The controller activates an alarm when water is reported inside the leak detection channel 1600.

An additional leak detection channel could be placed between the supply channel 7010 and the drainage channel 7011. This is normally not necessary.

The supply channel 7010 and the drainage channel 7011 could be combined into a single channel. Combining the supply channel 7010 and the drainage channel 7011 has the disadvantage that the water has to flow in and out into the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 through the same channel and so, washing out the eggs is not possible anymore. When the supply channel 7010 and the drainage channel 7011 are separated a number of draining /refilling cycle can be run and so the eggs which got stuck inside the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 are flushed out by the fresh water.

Overview

The assembled automatic lethal ovitrap 100 looks like a box with four corners. The dimensions have to be adapted to the specific needs of the targeted mosquito species. The number and the size of the provided ovitraps has to be adapted to the specific needs of the targeted mosquito species.

Other shapes and sizes are possible when the targeted mosquito species requires this.

An automatic lethal ovitrap 100 targeting mosquitoes of the species Aedes and Culex has ideally four ovitraps. When seen from top, the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 looks like a square of lm * lm. When seen from the side, the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 looks like a rectangle with a length of lm and a height of 0.3m.

The materials used have to be weather resistant. The automatic lethal ovitrap 100 has to be installed in open nature. Ideally, the automatic lethal ovitrap is buried in the soil so that the top of it is just above soil level. The automatic lethal ovitrap has to be surrounded by plants attracting mosquitoes to get a higher egg count.

The four ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 are located near the four corners of the automatic lethal ovitrap.

The automatic lethal ovitrap 100 is assembled out of its four components: the top 600, the top channel 601, the bottom channel 602 and the bottom 603. The top 600 and the top channel 601 can be combined into a single piece. The bottom 603 and the bottom channel 602 can be combined into a single piece.

The active elements of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 are all integrated into its top 600.

The side walls of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 are preferable part of the bottom 603. The side walls of the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 give guidance to the bottom channel 602, the top channel 601 and the top 600 when assembled.

The top channel 601 and the bottom channel 602 channel water between the water level regulator 112, the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 and the noise dampener 1 15.

Assembly sequence:

The seal 7032 is inserted into the bottom 603.

The bottom channel 602 is inserted into the bottom 603.

The seal 7020 is laid on top of the bottom channel 602.

The seal 7031 is inserted into the bottom 603.

The top channel 601 is inserted into the bottom 603.

The seal 7030 is inserted into the bottom 603.

The top 600 is inserted into the bottom 603.

The additional components like the valve 121, the valve 122, the valve 123, the pump 113, the floating ball valve 114, the valve 1 18 and the pump 1 17 are inserted later.

With the guidance given by the bottom 603, the bottom channel 602, the seal 7020, the top channel 601 and the top 600 fit together so that the supply channel 7010 and the drainage channel 701 1 form water channels inside the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 so that the water level regulator 112 is able to supply water to the ovitraps 101, 102, 103, 104 and the noise dampener 1 15 is able to collect the returning water from the ovitraps 101 , 102, 103, 104.

The seal 7020 can be part of either the top channel 601 or the bottom channel 602 or both when at least one of either the top channel 601 or the bottom channel 602 is manufactured out of a material which is able to seal off water under low pressure. The top 600 and the bottom 603 can be manufactured using stainless steel. The top channel 601 and the bottom channel 602 can be manufactured using several plastic materials.

The top 600 and the top channel 601 can be combined into a single piece using material like glass-fibre reinforced concrete. The bottom 603 and the bottom channel can be combined into a single piece using a material like glass-fibre reinforced concrete.

When concrete is used as a material blocks of styrofoam can be inserted into the mould so that the minimum wall thickness is still achieved but the overall weight is reduced.

Plastic materials like polyester, ABS or PVC - with or without glass-fibre reinforcements - also can be used to manufacture the top 600, the top channel 601, the bottom channel 602 and the bottom 603. The top 600 and the top channel 601 can be glued together. The bottom 603 and the bottom channel 602 can be glued together. Any other joining method can be used instead of glue when needed.

The top channel 601 and the bottom channel 602 can be manufactured out of rubber. Rubber would eliminate the need for the seal 7020.

Alternatively, the top 600 can be joined with the bottom 603 with a hinge. When the top channel 601 is manufactured as a single piece together with the top 600 or when the top channel 601 is later joined with the top 600, the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 can be easily opened like the bonnet of a car. An additional mechanism has to be included to hold the top 600 in the open position.

When opened, all water carrying channels are directly accessible. A blockage can be removed by hand or it can be pushed out straight by the use of a screw driver.

The drains 121, 122, 123 are used to drain all the water contained in an automatic lethal ovitrap off. The drains 121, 122, 123 are not used for normal operation. The drains 121 , 122, 123 are used for maintenance or in an emergency situation. An emergency situation could be when the controller 1 16 detects low temperatures reported by the temperature sensor 1504 while the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 is operating. The controller 116 will under this condition open the valves 121, 122, 123 while the floating ball valve 1 14 will remain closed to drain all the water contained inside the automatic lethal ovitrap 100 off before the water can freeze.

Under normal operating conditions, the valves 7141, 7142, 7143 are closed.

The valve's 1 18 default position is open. This can be used to drain the water off in case of a power failure. The automatic lethal ovitrap 100 can be implemented with only the valve 1 18 or the pump 117 or both the valve 1 18 and the pump 1 17.

The floating ball valve 114 alternatively can be implemented as a electromechanical valve controlled by the controller 116.

The controller 1 16 can be connected to an information network. The information network can be used to exchange information between the connected automatic lethal ovitraps 100 connected to the information network. A display and control unit can be connected to the information network. The display and control unit can receive status information from the connected automatic lethal ovitraps 100 and display this information on a display. The display and control unit can send commands to the connected automatic lethal ovitraps 100 via the information network. The display and control unit can be used to administer a network of automatic lethal ovitraps 100 from a single location. Several display and control units can be connected to the information network.

The controller 116 can be connected to a keyboard. The controller 1 16 can be connected to a display. Commands can be entered via the keyboard. Information can be display at the display.

Claims

What claimed is

1. An apparatus (100) to attract water-breeding mosquitoes to lay their eggs into one or more provided breeding spots (101, 102, 103, 104) and to automatically destroy the collected eggs consisting of

a upper component (600, 601) containing breeding spots and

a lower component (602, 603) sealing the internal water circuits.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further consisting of.

containers able to hold water functioning as

ovitrap (101),

Water Level Regulator (112),

Fresh Water Supply (111) and

Noise Dampener (115)

integrated into the upper component (600, 601).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 further consisting of:

a drainage opening (7002) at the bottom of the container functioning as said ovitrap (101) connecting the container functioning as said ovitrap (101) to a drainage channel (7011) and a supply opening (7001) at or near the bottom of the container functioning as said ovitrap (101) connecting the container functioning as said ovitrap (101) to a supply channel (7010);

an outflow (900) installed near or at the bottom of the container functioning as said water level regulator (112) connecting said container functioning as said water level regulator (112) with said supply channel (7010);

a wall (901) separating the container functioning as said water level regulator (112) and the container functioning as said fresh water supply (1 1 1);

an inflow (910) installed in the container functioning as said noise dampener (115) - connecting said container functioning as said noise dampener (115) with said drainage channel (7011) - so that water contained in the container functioning as said ovitrap (101) can flow freely between the container functioning as said ovitrap (101) and the container functioning as said noise dampener (115);

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 further consisting of: a first drain (121) is connected via a first valve (7141) with said drainage channel, (7011) so that all the water contained in said drainage channel (7011) and the containers functioning as said ovitrap (101) and said noise dampener (115) is drained out via said first drain (121) when said first valve (7141) is opened.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 further consisting of:

a second drain (122) is connected via a second valve (7142) with the container functioning as said fresh water water supply (111) so that the container functioning as said fresh water supply (111) is drained out via said second drain (122) when said second valce (7142) is opened.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 further consisting of:

a third drain (123) is connected via a third valve (7143) with said supply channel (7010) so that said supply channel (7010) is drained out via said third drain (123) when said third valve (7143) is opened.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 further consisting of:

a controller (1 16) is connected to a first pump (1 13) and a second pump (1 17);

said first pump (113) pumps water from the container functioning as said fresh water supply (1 11) into the container functioning as said water level regulator (112) and

said second pump (117) pumps water contained in the container functioning as said noise dampener (115) to a drain (141)

8. The apparatus according to claim 7 further consisting of

a temperature sensor (1504) connected to said controller (1 16).

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 further consisting of

a seal (7020) seals the connection between said upper component (600, 601) and said lower component (602, 603).

10. The apparatus according to claim 7 further consisting of

a leak detection channel (1600) shaped as a closed loop surrounding all other water channels inside said automatic lethal ovitrap (100) so that water leaking from said supply channel (7010) or water leaking from said drainage channel (7011) flowing to the outside of said automatic lethal ovitrap (100) will flow into said leak detection channel (1600).

11. The apparatus according to claim 7 further consisting of a water sensor (1601) is installed inside said leak detection channel (1600) so it can detect the presence of water inside said leak detection channel (1600) and

a connection between said water sensor (1601) and said controller (1 16).

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 further having

all channels (900, 910, 7001 and 7002) contained in the upper component (600, 601) connecting the containers functioning as said ovitrap (101), said water level regulator (112), said fresh water supplu (1 11) and said noise dampener (115) with said supply channel (7010) or said drainage channel (7011) shaped straight so that they can be fully cleaned when the upper component (600, 601) is separated from the lower component (602, 603).

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 further having

said supply channel (7010) and said drainage channel (7011) arranged so that they fully accessible when said upper component (600, 601) is separated from said lower component (602, 603).

14. A method to protect an automatic lethal ovitrap (100) from damage by frozen water comprising the steps of

monitoring the temperature said automatic lethal ovitrap (100) works in;

stopping all pumps (113, 1 17) contained in said automatic lethal ovitrap (100);

stopping the inflow of fresh water via a valve (114) and

opening all drainage valves (7141, 7142 7143) when said temperature falls below a threshold near the temperature water starts to freeze.