Sunday, November 7, 2010

Mr. Frost's Bug Zapper

On this day in history, November 8, 1910, Mr. William H. Frost of Spokane, Washington was issued U.S. Patent No. 974,785 for his invention of an "electric insect destroyer." As shown, the invention had a number of  parallel electrically energized wires of different polarity, set up so that a flying insect passing between the wires would cause a spark to  jump the wires and zap the insect. Shown at left are wires and tensioners to keep the parallel segments taut. Also shown on the interior of the array of wires is a light bulb to attract the insects.  The charge on the wires was supplied using an induction coil and a battery. The patent specification described a flat frame and a cylindrical arrangement.



5 comments:

  1. Did they have electricity in 1910 ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. They had batteries - and induction coils.

    ReplyDelete
  3. And what is the best against bugs now? give advice please

    ReplyDelete
  4. You can see here see here about the means against beetles. really good tool for your money, so you can read, I think you will not regret

    ReplyDelete