|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||l||l|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
`
`US 20070290062A1
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. N0.: US 2007/0290062 A1
`(43) Pub. Date: Dec. 20, 2007
`
`Forsythe et al.
`
`(54)
`
`(76}
`
`AEROSOL GENERATING APPARA'I‘USES
`AND METHODS FOR AEROSOLIZING
`CHEMICALS
`
`Inventors: John M. Forsythe. Nantpa. ll) (US):
`Jan W. de Weerd. Meridian. ID (US):
`Curtis Lee Eames. Meridian. ll) (US);
`Henry J. Duncan. Glasgow (GB)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`TRASK BRI'I'T
`P.0. BOX 2550
`SALT LAKE (.‘ITY, UT 84110 (US)
`
`(21}
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`111807.357
`
`(22)
`
`lriled:
`
`May 24. 2007
`
`Related 0.8. Application Data
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 60f802.919. Iiled on Ma}r
`24. 2006.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`[51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`7.044
`.4238
`3053 V24
`3053
`7/16
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. (Tl. 2391’82391’135
`
`[57")
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Thermal loggers may include two or more feed inlets for
`introducing multiple feed streams to a thermal logger aero-
`sol generation zone such that the feeds may be introduced at
`different
`temperatures. Alternatives also include lhennal
`loggers having multiple barrels such that dillerenl chemicals
`may be aerosolized in different aerosol generation zones to
`produce multiple aerosols which may be combined and
`applied to agricultural products. produce, or other surfaces
`or volumes. and thermal loggers including. inlets for inject-
`ing non-combustible gases or liquids.
`
`110
`
`150
`
`100/
`
`l
`171
`
`T
`172
`
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`Exhibit 1004
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 0001
`Page 0001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 20, 2007 Sheet 1 of 2
`
`US 2007/0290062 A1
`
`
`
`272A
`
`271A
`
`/ 250A
`
`
`
`FIG. 2
`
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`Exhibit 1004
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 0002
`Page 0002
`
`

`

`Patent Appiication Publication Dec. 20, 2007 Sheet 2 of 2
`
`US 2007/0290062 A1
`
`300
`
`\
`
`31%
`
`310
`
`AIR
`l
`
`.-
`
`
`.I
`
`3105
`
`380A
`
`350
`
`371A
`
`350A
`
`h #390
`I
`.I
`I
`
`3503
`
`I
`
`AIR
`
`3713
`
`m
`
`FIG. 3
`
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`Exhibit 1004
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 0003
`Page 0003
`
`

`

`US 200W0290062 Al
`
`Dec. 20, 2007
`
`AEROSOL GENERATING APPARATUSES AND
`METHODS FOR AEROSOLIZING CHEMICALS
`
`CROSS-R]ildiRliNCli TO Kills/X1131)
`APPI . ICA‘l‘IUN
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of US. Provi-
`sional Application No. 150802.919. filed May 24. 2006.
`
`BACKGROUND Ol" 'I‘llli INV’I'EN’ITON
`
`[0002]
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0003] The invention relates to devices and methods for
`producing aerosols from one or there chemicals. More
`particularly.
`the invention relates to aerosol generating
`devices capable of aerosolizing two or more composition
`feed streams conjointly or sequentially for application to a
`surface.
`
`[0004]
`
`2. State of the Art
`
`loggers or aerosol generation devices
`[0005] Thertnal
`have been used to generate aerosols of chemicals which car]
`be applied to agricultural products or produce such as tubers.
`potatoes. and frttit. Thermal generation devices generally
`produce a single chemical aerosol from a chemical feed inch
`into an aerosol generation zone ofthe thermal logger. Often
`times. the single feed inlet
`is not positioned in an ideal
`position within the thermal fogger to produce an aerosol at
`a desired temperature. In addition. the production ofa single
`aerosol requires that multiple applications,
`i.e. multiple
`thermal fogging rtms. are required to apply more than one
`chemical aerosol to a desired target.
`
`[0006] Thermal foggers currently being utilized to getter—
`ate aerosols from chemicals, and especially for chemicals
`ttsed to apply aerosols to harvested fruits and vegetables.
`include thermal foggers such as Leco machines and more
`advanced thermal
`foggers as disclosed in US Pat. No.
`6.322.002, entitled “Aerosol Generating Device“ and issued
`to Forsythe et al. on Nov. 27. 2001. the disclosure of which
`is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Another
`litermal aerosol generating device is disclosed in US. Pat.
`No. 4.226.179. entitled “Apparatus 1"or Applying Sprout
`Inhibitor" and issued to Sheldon et al. on Oct. 7. 1980. the
`
`disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
`entirety.
`
`is desirable to develop methods and
`[0007] Therefore. it
`devices for applying multiple chemical aerosols from a
`single thermal logger device. It is also desirable to provide
`methods whereby the aerosolizing temperature for each
`chemical
`introduced to the thermal fogger may be con-
`trolled. Such control may improve output and provide aero-
`sols that are optimized based upon the chemicals being
`applied aerosolized by the thermal logger.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0008] According to embodiments of the invention. a
`thermal fogger or aerosol generation device may include
`more than one feed inlet such that one or more feed streams
`may be introduced simultaneously, overlapping. or sequen~
`tially into a thermal fogger for aerosol generation in a
`controlled manner. The thermal
`foggers according to
`embodiments of the invention may be configured to produce
`aerosols from feed streams at different temperatures based
`
`upon the location of the iced inlets in the thermal fogger.
`Preferred aerosolizing temperatures may vary depending
`upon the particular chemical being aerosolized.
`
`[0009] According to some embodiments of the invention.
`an aerosol generation zone within a thermal fogger includes
`two or ntore feed inlets. wherein the feed inlets are posi-
`tioned at diil'erent
`locations within an aerosol generation
`zone to provide a desired temperature for aerosolizing a
`chemical introduced through the separate feed inlets. For
`example. a first feed inlet may be positioned in a portion of
`the aerosol generation none which is hotter than the location
`of a second feed inlet, which may be positioned downstream
`from the first inlet, such that a chemical introduced through
`the first feed inlet is aerosolized at a higher temperature than
`a chemical introduced at the second feed inlet.
`
`[0010] According to other embodiments of the invention.
`a thermal
`logger may include two or more barrels. each
`barrel having a combustion zone and an aerosol generation
`zone. The temperatures within each of the two or more
`barrels may be controlled such that the temperatures within
`the aerosol generation zones can be the satne or different.
`Chemicals introduced through the two or more barrels may
`be aerosolized at a desired temperature and combined to
`produce an aerosol product having a desired chemical corn—
`position.
`
`In still other embodiments of the invention. aero-
`[0011]
`sols may be applied to agricultural crops or produce using
`thermal aerosol generation whereby a first chemical may he
`introduced to a first aerosol generation zone at a first
`temperature and a second chemical may be introduced to a
`second aerosol generation zone at a second temperature. The
`first and second chemicals may be introduced into the same
`aerosol generation zones or into different aerosol generation
`zones. The temperatures within the aerosol generation
`zones. or at the positions of introduction of the chemicals
`into a single aerosol generation zone. may be controlled to
`aerosolize the first and second chemicals at difi'erent tem-
`
`peratures. The first and second temperatures may difl'er by
`any amount. and may preferably difler by about 25° F. or
`more.
`
`[0012] According to other embodiments of the invention.
`potatoes. sttch as potatoes in a storage facility. may be
`treated with two or more chemicals simultaneously using
`thermal foggers according to embodiments of the invention.
`One or more chemicals may be aerosolized by a thermal
`logger having multiple barrels andfor a single barrel with
`multiple feed inlets such that a desired aerosolized chemical
`composition may be directed from a thermal
`logger to a
`potato storage facility. For example. CIPC and DMN. CIPC
`and clove oil. C IPC and higher alcohols. or DMN and clove
`oil aerosols may be simultaneously applied to a tuber or
`potato storage facility using a thermal fogger according to
`embodiments of the invention. ‘lhe Cll’C‘ aerosol generation
`temperature may be different.
`typically higher.
`than the
`aerosol generation temperature of any of the other chemi-
`cals. and where DMN can be applied at a temperature higher
`than clove oil and generally at about the saute or higher
`temperature than higher alcohols. Other chemicals may be
`substituted for the recited chemicals in various combina-
`tions.
`
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`Exhibit 1004
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 0004
`Page 0004
`
`

`

`US 200W0290062 Al
`
`Dec. 20. 200'?
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0013] While the specification concludes with claims par-
`ticularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is
`regarded as the present invention. this invention can be more
`readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill
`in the art from the following description of the invention
`when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
`in which:
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a thermal fogger according to
`[0014]
`embodiments of the invention;
`
`FIG. 2 illustrates a thermal fogger according to
`[0015]
`embodiments of the invention; and
`
`FIG. 3 illustrates a thermal
`[0016]
`embodiments of the invention.
`
`logger according to
`
`1)] iTAlIlil) DESCRIPTION OF Tl-Ili
`11 .[,US'1‘R.NI'I£I) EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0017] According to particular embodiments of the inven-
`tion. a novel aerosol generator. or themtal fogger. is pro-
`vided. While particular embodiments of the invention may
`be referred to as aerosol generators. it is understood that the
`recitations “thermal
`logger“ are occasionally used to
`describe aerosol generators and the use of the recitations
`“aerosol generator" and “thermal fogger" are considered
`equivalents with respect to embodiments of the invention. A
`“thermal logger" may also include a hot air generator.
`
`[0018] According to embodiments of the invention. a
`combustion-type aerosol generator. or thermal fogger. may
`be adapted to include two or more inlets for accepting and
`commtmicating one or more feed streams into an aerosol
`generator to produce an aerosol therefrom. In other embodi-
`ments of the invention. a thennal logger may include two or
`more barrels spatially configured to provide two or more
`aerosolized products to one or more surfaces. In still other
`embodiments of the invention. a thermal fogger having two
`or more inlets may include one or more control systems for
`controlling the amounts ol‘ feed streams which are aero-
`solizetl by the thermal logger such that the composition of
`the aerosol produced by the thermal fogger may be com
`trolled.
`
`[0019] According to some embodiments of the invention a
`thermal logger may include two or more inlets for accepting
`chemical feed streams to be aerosolized. A thermal fogger
`according to particular embodiments of the invention is
`illustrated in FIG. 1. The thermal fogger 100 may include a
`combustion zone 110 and an aerosol generating zone 150. A
`first feed inlet 17] may be positioned and configured to
`deliver a first feed stream into the aerosol generating zone
`150. A second feed inlet 172 may be positioned and con-
`figured to deliver a second feed stream into the aerosol
`generating zone 150 at a different location from the first teed
`inlet 171. Inlet feed streams which are fed to the aerosol
`generating zone 150 may be aerosoiized within the aerosol
`generating zone 150 in the same manner that feed streams
`introduced to an aerosol generating zone ofa conventional
`thermal
`l'oggcr are aerosolized. An aerosol product 190
`produced by the thermal fogger 100 exits the thermal fogger
`100 and may be applied to a surface or distributed into a
`volumetric space. For example. an aerosol product 190 may
`be directed into a potato storage facility where the aerosol
`product 190 may be distributed onto the surfaces of potatoes
`
`stored in the facility. The aerosol product may contain
`separate.
`initiate droplets or particles of each chemical
`although the aerosol product may be a combination of
`chemicals.
`
`feed inlet 171 and
`[0020] While two feed inlets—first
`second feed inlet 112 are illustrated in FIG. 1. it is under-
`stood that particular embodiments of the invention may
`include a plurality of feed inlets such that two or more feed
`streams may be introduced into the aerosol generating zone
`150 ofa thermal fogger 100 simultaneously. sequentially. or
`in an overlapping fashion. The inclusion oftwo or more feed
`inlets according to embodiments of the invention provides
`various options for the creation of an aerosol product 190.
`For instance. the presence of two or more feed inlets allows
`the introduction of two or more dillerent feed streams into
`
`an aerosol generating zone 150 of a lhennal logger 100. The
`ability to acrosolizc two or more feed streams and combine
`the aerosols in a common aerosol generating zone into a
`single aerosol product 190 may be beneficial.
`
`In some particular embodiments of the invention.
`[0021]
`the presence of two or more food inlets allows chemicals or
`aerosol agents to be introduced into difl‘erent temperature
`zones within the aerosol generating zone 150 of a thermal
`logger 101). For example. the temperature within the aerosol
`generating zone 150 CIOsest to the combustion zone 110 is
`typically higher than the temperature within the aerosol
`generating zone 150 closest to the exit of the thermal logger
`100. A chemical or aerosol agent which is to be aerosolized
`within the aerosol generating zone 150 may be introduced at
`a point
`in the aerosol generating zone 150 where the
`temperature is sullicient. or even preferred. for aerosolizing
`a particular chemical or aerosol agent. For instance. in the
`application of sprout inhibiting chemicals to stored tubers, it
`may be desirable to apply aerosols of both C IPC and clove
`oil to the tubers. C IPC‘ may be aerosolized at a temperature
`of about 500° F. or more while the clove oil may be
`aerosolized preferably at a temperature of about 500° F. or
`less. Introduction of the CIPC into the aerosol generating
`zone 150 closer to the combustion zone llllI may provide a
`temperature of 500" ll. or greater for aerosolizing the (TIPC
`introduced therein. The clove oil may be introduced further
`down the length of the aerosol generating zone 150 in a
`region where the temperature is at or below about 500° F. In
`this manner. chemicals may be introduced into a portion of
`the aerosol generating zone 150 of a thermal fogger 100 such
`that such introduction will aerosolize the introduced chemi-
`
`cal. A preferred temperature for aerosolizing liquid (7113C is
`generally above about 600° F. while that of clove oil is
`below about 500° F.
`
`[0022] The thermal logger 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be
`a countercurrent-lypc thermal logger. While a countercur-
`rent~type thermal
`fogger is illustrated in FIG.
`I to help
`illustrate particular embodiments of the invention.
`it
`is
`understood that embodiments of the invention may be
`incorporated with other types of thermal
`foggers. For
`example. a Leco thermal
`logger or a suspense thermal
`logger. such as those described in U .8. Pat. No. 6.3 22.002.
`may be modified or retrofitted according to embodiments of
`the invention to include two or more inlets for accepting and
`introducing chemicals or aerosol agents into the aerosol
`generating zones of such thermal foggers. Other thermal
`loggers may be similarly modified or retrofitted lo inclttde
`two or more inlets for accepting and introducing chemicals
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`Exhibit 1004
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 0005
`Page 0005
`
`

`

`US 200W0290062 A1
`
`Dec. 20, 200'?
`
`or aerosol agents into an aerosol generating zone of the
`thennal logger. The retrofitting or modification of conven-
`tional thermal loggers may include the installation of one or
`more additional feed inlets in an aerosol generating zone of
`the thermal fogger. In other embodiments, a conventional
`thennal fogger may be retrofitted with a barrel extension
`having additional
`inlets for the introduction of aerosol
`agents or chemicals. In still other embodiments. conven-
`tional thermal foggers may be modified to include new inlet
`placements within aerosol generating zones of a themial
`l‘oggcr in addition to barrel extensions having additional
`inlet positions.
`
`In other embodiments of the invention. a then'nal
`[0023]
`l'ogger 100 such as that
`illustrated in FIG. 1. may be
`equipped with one or tnore gas inlets (not shown) which
`allow the introduction of air. gas streams. or other compo-
`nents into the aerosol generating zone 150 of the thermal
`fogger 100. Any gas introduced into the aerosol generating
`zone 150 is preferably non—combustible. For example. mul—
`tiple gas inlets may be configured to allow the introduction
`of air. such as a pressurized air stream.
`into the aerosol
`generating zone 150. The gas inlets may be configured or
`positioned in a manner so as to cause turbulence or a desired
`tnotion or movement within the volumetric space of the
`aerosol generating zone 150. For instance. the gas inlets may
`be located circtmIferentially around the aerosol generating
`zone 150 and pointed or otherwise directed towards the
`combustion zone [10 of the thermal logger such that gas
`introduced into the gas inlets llows countercuirent to the
`gases produced in the combustion zone "0 and directed to
`the aerosol generating zone 150. The intersection ol‘ the gas
`from the gas inlet and the gases or air from the combustion
`zone 110 may cause a turbulent flow ofthe combustion gases
`and air through the aerosol generating some 150. In other
`embodiments. the gas inlets may be configured to provide a
`gas stream into the aerosol generating zone 150 which
`results in the swirling motion of the aerosols limited in the
`aerosol generating zone 150. In other embodiments. the gas
`inlets may be configured to provide a gas stream having a
`flow pattern consistent with a gas flow from the combustion
`chamber towards an exit of the aerosol generating zone 150.
`The turbulent and other gas firms which may be created by
`introducing gas or air through the gas inlets may be used to
`tnix the aerosols within the aerosol generating zone 150 or
`to produce a desired tlow pattern for an aerosol From a single
`chemical or multiple chemicals. The configuration. number.
`and use of gas inlets are not
`limited to the particular
`embodiments of the invention discussed herein.
`
`[0024] Other methods for disturbing or controlling the
`pattern of gas. aerosol. and air flow through the aerosol
`generating zone 150 may also be used with embodiments of
`the invention. For example. bafiles may be included in the
`aerosol generating none 150. such as on the walls or sus-
`pended within the aerosol generating zone 150. to promote
`turbulent flow or other fomts of fluid and gas flow through
`the aerosol generating zone 150.
`
`[0025] According to other embodiments of the invention.
`a thermal
`logger 200 may include two or more aerosol
`generating chambers 250A and 2503. as illustrated in FIG.
`2. Each of the aerosol generating chambers 250A and 250B
`may include one or more feed inlets. For example. as
`illustrated in l-"IG. 2. a first aerosol generating chaunber 250A
`may include a first feed inlet 271A and a second feed inlet
`
`2'72A for accepting and delivering to the first aerosol gen-
`erating chamber 250A different feed streams to be aero-
`solized. A second aerosol generating chamber 2503 may
`also include multiple feed inlets. sttch as a first feed inlet
`27113. a second feed inlet 272I3. and a third feed inlet 2738.
`While multiple feed inlets are illustrated in FIG. 2.
`it
`is
`understood that each of the aerosol generating chambers
`250A and 2503 may include one or more than one feed inlet
`as desired.
`
`[0026] The feed inlets may be configured to deliver feed
`streams to the first aerosol generating zone 250A and the
`second aerosol generating zone 250B. Feed streams intro"
`duced into the first aerosol generating zone 250A may be
`aerosolized within that zone and directed to the exit ofthe
`
`themial logger. Similarly. feed streams introduced into the
`second aerosol generating zone 2508 may be aerosolized
`within that zone and directed to the exit of the thermal
`fogger where they combine with the aerosol from the first
`aerosol generating zone 250A to produce an aerosol product
`290. Alternatively. the aerosols produced in each of the
`aerosol generating zones 250 may exit the themial logger
`200 separately and may be conveyed to an application site
`separately. The aerosol product 290 may be applied to a
`surface or delivered to a spatial volume. such as a potato
`storage facility.
`
`[0027] The then'nal 'fogger 200 may also include one or
`more adjustable baffles 220 which may be configured to
`isolate one or more of the aerosol generating zones 250 from
`the combustion zone 210 or to direct the flow of aerosol
`within the aerosol generating zones 250. For example. the
`adjustable baflle 220 illustrated in FIG. 2 may be adjusted to
`isolate the first aerosol generating zone 250A from the
`combustion zone 210 sttch that gases from the combustion
`zone 210 are not directed into the first aerosol generating
`zone 250A.
`thereby stopping the production of aerosol
`within the first aerosol generating zone 250A. The only
`aerosol produced by the thermal fogger 200 when the first
`aerosol generating zone 250A is isolated from the combusw
`titm zone 210 would be an aerosol from the second aerosol
`generating zone 25013. Additional adjustable baflles (not
`shown) may also be configured to isolate the aerosol gen-
`erating zones 250 at the product end of the thennal logger
`200. The ability to isolate the aerosol generating zones 250
`from the combustion chamber 210 may allow individual
`aerosol generating zones 250 ofthe themial fogger 200 to be
`used in isolation.
`
`[0028] Bafiles and gas inlets may also be incorporated
`with the aerosol generating zones 250 of the thennal fogger
`200 illustrated in FIG. 2 to promote a desired flow pattern for
`the gases. air. and aerosols flowing through the aerosol
`generating zones 250. I“or example. gas inlets may provide
`pressurized gas to the first aerosol generating zone 250A to
`promote a turbulent flow of aerosol through the first aerosol
`generating zone 250A while pressurized gas introduced into
`the second aerosol generating zone 2503 may cause a
`swirling [low of gas. air. or aerosol therein.
`
`l‘ogger 200 illustrated in FIG. 2
`[0029] The thermal
`includes a single combustion chamber 210 which may be
`capable of providing gases produced by combustion. such as
`by combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel and heated air to each
`of the tWo aerosol generating zones 250A amd 25013 ofthe
`themtal logger 200. However. in other embodiments ofthe
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`Exhibit 1004
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 0006
`Page 0006
`
`

`

`US 200W0290062 A1
`
`Dec. 20, 200'?
`
`invention, multiple combustion chalnbers may be configured
`with the thermal logger 300 to provide a combustion cham-
`ber 310A and 310B for each of the aerosol generating zones
`350A and 3508 as illustrated in FIG. 3. [Each ofthe aerosol
`generating zones 350A and 35013 may include one or more
`feed inlets 3'71A and 371B as with other embodiments of the
`
`invention. Aerosol generated in the first aerosol generating
`zone 350A may combine with aerosol generated in the
`second aerosol generating zone 3503 to produce an aerosol
`product 390 which is a combination of aerosols formed li'orn
`Feed streams fed to the multiple feed inlets of the thermal
`l‘ogger 300.
`
`In other embodiments. the first combustion zone
`[0030]
`310A and aerosol generation zone 350A may be operated in
`conjunction with. simultaneously with. or in sequence with
`the second combustion zone 31013 and second aerosol
`generation zone 3508. For example. it may be desirable to
`apply two chemicals in aerosol form to a potato storage
`facility sequentially. A first chemical may be introduced to
`the first aerosol generation zone 350A while the first com-
`bustion zone 310A is rumring and the second combustion
`zone 31013 is oil‘. The second combustion zone 310B and
`
`second aerosol generation zone 3508 may be turned on
`when the application of the first chemical is complete. at
`which time the first combustion zone 310A is tumed ofl'.
`
`ending the production of aerosol of the first chemical fi'om
`the first aerosol generation zone 350A. In other instances, it
`may be desirable to overlap the application of two aerosols.
`In those situations. the first combustion zone 3 l 0A and first
`aerosol generation zone 350A may be operated while the
`second combustion zone 31013 and second aerosol genera-
`tion zone 350B are shut off. The second combustion zone
`
`310B and second aerosol generating zone 3508 may be
`started and operated while the first combustion zone 310A
`and the first aerosol generating zone 350A are still
`in
`operation. The first combustion zone 310A and first aerosol
`generating zone 350A could then be turned oil. such that the
`thermal fogger300 only provides an aerosol hour the second
`aerosol generating zone 350B. In still other embodiments.
`the first cornbustion zone 310A. first aerosol generating zone
`350A. second combustion zone 310i}. and second aerosol
`generating zone 35013 may be operated simultaneously such
`that both aerosol generating zones 350 produce aerosols to
`be applied together to a product.
`
`[0031] While particular illustrated embodiments of the
`invention show two aerosol generating zones in a thermal
`logger. it is understood that a thermal fogger may include a
`plurality of aerosol generating zones. In addition. while the
`illustrated embodiments show the combination of aerosols
`generated within multiple aerosol generation bones to form
`a aerosol product. it is understood that the output or exit of
`each aerosol generation zone may be isolated from the exits
`of other aerosol generation zones such that aerosols gener-
`ated in each aerosol generating zone are not mixed or
`combined within the thennal logger and may or may not be
`mixed during application of the aerosols to a product or
`space.
`
`[0032] Particular embodiments of the invention may also
`include one or more control systems for controlling the
`amounts of chemicals fed to a thermal fogger of the invert—
`tion. For example. the thermal fogger 300 illustrated in FIG.
`3 may include a first control system 380A for controlling a
`feed stream to the first
`inlet 371A of the first aerosol
`
`generating zone 350A and a second control system 380B for
`controlling a feed stream to the first inlet 3713 of the second
`aerosol generating zone 35013. The control systems 380A
`and 3803 may be configured to control various character—
`istiCs ol‘ the feed streams fed to the feed inlets 371A and
`
`37113. A control system 380 may control the [low rates of a
`feed stream through a feed inlet 371. A control system may
`also control other characteristics ola l'eed stream such as the
`
`feed stream temperature. pressure. and composition. For
`instance. the first control system 380A may be configured to
`combine two or more chemical feed streams into a single
`feed stream which may be fed to feed inlet 371A. The
`control system 380A may also be configured to heat the fer-:d
`stream to a predetermined temperature which may facilitate
`the production ol'aerosol [rent the feed stream in the aerosol
`generating zone 350A. Additional controls and configura-
`tions for the control systems 380 may be incorporated with
`embodiments of the invention.
`
`[0033] According to other embodiments of the invention.
`additional ports or inlets may be provided in a thennal
`logger. For instance. a port may be provided between two
`feed inlets to provide hot or cold air or other gases or liquids
`into the aerosol generating zone between the two feed inlets.
`The introduction of cold air. for example. may be used to
`cool the aerosol and combustion gases [lowing from the lirst
`feed inlet to the second feed inlet such that the temperatures
`of the combustion gases and aerosol reaching the second
`feed inlet are lower than those reaching the first feed inlet.
`For instance, a cold gas introduction downstream of the first
`feed inlet may pennit accurate control of the aerosolizing
`temperature at
`the second feed inlet. Additives such as
`chemicals. air. water. or other solutions may be introduced
`into the additional ports to alter temperatures within the
`aerosol generating zones. to provide additional components
`to an aerosol being generated. or for any other desired
`reason. Gas inlets and bafiles. such as those describe with
`respect to FIG. 1. may also be incorporated with embodi-
`tnents ol‘ the invention to alter the fluid and gas flow patterns
`within a thermal logger.
`
`[0034] The various embodiments of the invention may
`provide improved operating characteristics for thermal fog-
`gers and may provide additional
`latitude in configuring
`thermal
`loggers for aerosolizing multiple chemicals in a
`single thermal logger unit. For example. positioning ol‘the
`feed inlets into the aerosol generating zones of the various
`themral loggers of the invention may be tailored to provide
`a desired aerosol. i.e. a wet or dry aerosol or even a vapor
`for volatile chemicals. such as for applying DMN. The
`aerosol generating zones in a thermal fogger may exhibit
`diiiering temperatures in dillerent areas of the aerosol gen-
`erating zone. For example, the temperature of the aerosol
`generating zone nearest the combustion zone is typically
`higher than the temperature of the aerosol generating zone
`nearer to exit of the thermal
`logger where the aerosol
`product is expelled from the thermal logger. In applications
`where it is desired to aerosolize and combine two chemicals.
`where a first chemical requires a higher temperature to
`aerosolize titan the second chemical. the first chemical could
`be introduced closer to the combustion zone through a first
`feed inlet. The second chemical could then be introduced
`
`into the aerosol generating zone in a lower temperature
`region through a second l'ced inlet. ’l'hus. the positioning of
`the feed inlets into the aerosol generating zone may be
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`1,4 GROUP, INC.
`Exhibit 1004
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 0007
`Page 0007
`
`

`

`US 200W0290062 A1
`
`Dec. 20, 200'?
`
`configured to provide preferred temperatures at which the
`feed streams entering the feed inlets will be aerosolized.
`
`[0035] The combustion chambers of the thermal loggers
`according to embodiments of the invention may be config—
`ured such that the temperatures ofthe combustion chambers
`may be controlled.
`In addition. air or gas inlets into the
`combustion chambers may be configured to provide a
`desired combustion rate within the combustion chamber
`
`such that desired temperatures may be achieved within the
`aerosol generation zones to aerosolizc the desired chemicals
`introduced to the aerosol generation zones. Hot air. such as
`air at temperatures of about 400° F. and above. e.g. about
`400° F.
`to about 750° F.. may be provided by electrical
`heaters or the like if it
`is desired to eliminate combustion
`
`gases from the aerosols. Also. thennal energy from com-
`bustion gases may be transferred to hot air via a heat
`exchanger or other mechanism so that only the heated air
`enters the aerosol generating zone.
`
`In other embodiments of the invention. the posi-
`[0036]
`tioning and configuration of the feed inlets may be tailored
`to introduce feed streams into the aerosol generating zones
`such that a desired aerosol is produced. For example. it Iuay
`be desirable to supply an aerosol comprised oftwo chemi-
`cals. DMN and C IPC. to a potato storage facility. Using a
`thermal fogger according to embodiments of the invention.
`a CIPC feed stream may be introduced to a first aerosol
`generating zone of a thermal fogger while a DMN feed
`stream may be introduced to a second aerosol generating
`zone of the thermal fogger. liach of the feed streams may be
`controlled such that the desired amount of chemicals are
`
`aerosolized and introduced to the potato storage facility
`from the aerosol product stream of the thermal fogger. For
`instance. if a ratio of DMN to (.‘II’C of l to 10 was desired.
`the feed streams of DMN and C IPC could be controlled such
`
`that the aerosol product from the thermal fogger delivered an
`aerosol having the desired ratio of chemicals to the potato
`storage facility. The C‘IPC and DMN may also be applied
`with. mixed with. or otherwise substituted for by other
`chemicals or additives. such as. but not limited to. clove oil.
`mint oil. eucalyptus oil. solvents. alkyl naphthalene tuber
`sprout
`inhibitors. volatile aromatic oils. or alcohol
`tuber
`sprout inhibitors.
`
`ln other embodiments of the invention. the thermal
`[0037]
`l‘oggers may be preferably insulated. For example.
`the
`aerosol generating zones, the combustion nones. or both.
`may include insulation layers to improve heat retention
`within the thermal foggers and to better regulate tempera-
`tures within a thermal fogger.
`
`[0038] According to embodiments o f the invention. ther-
`mal loggers