Electric convection heater and method of use for exterminating insects

Abstract

An electric heater includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a fan disposed in the upper housing, and a heater disposed in the upper housing. Electrical control components and circuitry are disposed in the lower housing and are connected for energizing the heater and for operating the fan. Mechanical support members are arranged for spacing the upper housing from the lower housing in order to create air discharge flow paths for air flow exiting from the upper housing. The discharged air at an elevated temperature is used to elevate the temperature of objects within a room for exterminating bed bugs.

1 . An electric heater comprising:
 an upper housing;   a lower housing;   a fan disposed in said upper housing;   a heater disposed in said upper housing;   electrical control means disposed in said lower housing for energizing said heater and for energizing said fan; and   mechanical means for spacing said upper housing from said lower housing in order to create an air discharge opening for air flow existing from said upper housing.   
     
     
         2 . The electric heater of  claim 1  wherein said heater is disposed between said fan and said air discharge opening. 
     
     
         3 . The electric heater of  claim 2  which further includes a conduit extending from said lower housing to said upper housing. 
     
     
         4 . The electric heater of  claim 3  wherein said heater is constructed and arranged as a heater panel including a plurality of heating elements. 
     
     
         5 . The electric heater of  claim 4  which further includes a deflector cone which is constructed and arranged as part of said lower housing. 
     
     
         6 . The electric heater of  claim 5  which further includes a first thermocouple positioned in said air discharge opening. 
     
     
         7 . The electric heater of  claim 6  which further includes a second thermocouple positioned in said upper housing. 
     
     
         8 . The electric heater of  claim 1  which further includes a conduit extending from said lower housing to said upper housing. 
     
     
         9 . The electric heater of  claim 1  wherein said heater is constructed and arranged as a heater panel including a plurality of heating elements. 
     
     
         10 . The electric heater of  claim 1  which further includes a deflector cone which is constructed and arranged as part of said lower housing. 
     
     
         11 . The electric heater of  claim 1  which further includes a first thermocouple positioned in said air discharge opening. 
     
     
         12 . The electric heater of  claim 1  wherein said electrical control means includes a 480 volt, three-phase receptacle for connecting to an external power source. 
     
     
         13 . The electric heater of  claim 12  wherein said electrical control means includes a SCR power supply. 
     
     
         14 . The electric heater of  claim 13  wherein said heater is a 20 Kw, three-phase heater panel. 
     
     
         15 . The electric heater of  claim 14  wherein said electrical control means further includes a temperature controller with a high temperature shut-down alarm. 
     
     
         16 . The electric heater of  claim 15  wherein said electrical control means further includes a plurality of receptacles which are constructed and arranged for electrical connection to external components. 
     
     
         17 . The electric heater of  claim 1  wherein said electrical control means further includes a temperature controller with a high temperature shut-down alarm. 
     
     
         18 . A method of exterminating insects from within a defined space by elevating the temperature within the defined space, said method comprising the following steps:
 (a) providing an electric heater;   (b) identifying the defined space to be treated by exterminating insects;   (c) providing a generator for supplying electricity to the electric heater;   (d) providing temperature sensors to be used within said defined space;   (e) placing said electric heater in said defined space;   (f) connecting said generator to said electric heater;   (g) positioning said temperature sensors at locations within said defined space;   (h) energizing said electric heater to elevate the temperature of said defined space; and   (i) operating said electric heater until the sensed temperature within said defined space exceeds 110° F.   
     
     
         19 . An exterminating system for insects which are found within a room of a structure, said exterminating system comprising:
 an electric heater;   a generator electrically coupled to said electric heater; and   a plurality of temperature sensors positioned within said room, said plurality of temperature sensors being constructed and arranged for monitoring an elevated temperature in said room due to operation of said electric heater.   
     
     
         20 . The exterminating system of  claim 19  wherein said electric heater comprises:
 an upper housing; 
 a lower housing; 
 a fan disposed in said upper housing; 
 a heater disposed in said upper housing; 
 electrical control means disposed in said lower housing for energizing said heater and for energizing said fan; and 
 mechanical means for spacing said upper housing from said lower housing in order to create an air discharge opening for air flow existing from said upper housing.