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Abstract

A method and apparatus for eradicating fire ants by permeating the soil in a fire ant mound with very small particles. These particles tend to infiltrate and disable the joint structure of the ants, eventually killing them. One particularly effective composition is diatomaceous clay--commonly known as fuller's earth. The invention incorporates a pump which pressurizes water and feeds it into a mixer. The mixer adds a continuous stream of fuller's earth, which mixes with the water to form a colloid. The pressurized mixture is then fed through a flexible line to a user-held injector assembly. The injector assembly incorporates an elongated reciprocating shaft, on the end of which is a probe. The user thrusts the probe into an ant mound occupied by the fire ants. The colloid of water and fuller's earth is then injected through a central passageway within the reciprocating shaft into the probe. A series of venturi are situated around the probe. These allow the colloid to shoot out into the surrounding soil once the probe is in place. Because it is often difficult to thrust the probe into the mound, another feature is included: The user-held injector assembly incorporates a cyclic valve admitting the pressurized water to a reciprocating shaft. The reciprocating shaft is free to move back and forth in a direction along its central axis. When the user admits the pressurized colloid to the injector assembly by pressing a trigger, the cyclic valve causes the reciprocating shaft to pulse forward and backward rapidly. This action assists the user in thrusting the probe into the ant mound, and also assists in the distribution of the colloid in the ant mound.

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First Claim