A Ray-Gun for Crop Pests
This is a serious invention, but I can’t get a vision of “The Far Side” out of my mind.
“Microwave system and method for controlling the sterilization and infestation of crop soils” was patented by William T. Joines of Durham, NC on October 13, 2009. Given Patent Number 7,601,936 by the USPTO, it is classified as 219/695 for electric heating using microwave heating with a waveguide applicator and an input power port arrangement.
Given the rather longish first claim, we’ll get the gist of this invention from its abstract:
“The method and the system are applicable in farming activities, pest control, industry, agriculture, forestry, etc. for controlling insects and other plant pests from crops. The system performing the method comprises a source of lethal impact which is a microwave generator with a microwave guiding element directed so as to infested soil. The microwave energy is transferred from a microwave generator into the pests located in the desired soil location, killing the plant insects and pests.”
A member of the patentECO Agriculture Index family of patents, this innovative use of microwave technology may help to improve crop yields by reducing (permanently) soil infestations of insects, grubs, and other pests.
For an approach to furry underground pests, check out the Rodenator web site and videos. I’ve spoken with someone who has observed one of those bad boys up close and personal, and he said it’s really something. The groundhogs were less of a problem after that.
Gary Larsen, you retired much too soon.
