US2995862A - Rodent exterminator - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 15, 1961 D. PIMENTEL 2,995,852

RODENT EXTERMINATOR Filed Nov. 13, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Deme/r/o P/menIe/ INVENTOR.

Aug. 15, 1961 Filed Nov. 13, 1957 D. PIMENTEL RODENT EXTERMINATOR Fig.2

3 Sheets-Sheet l A A 1/126 I Deme/r/o Hmenfe/ INVENTOR.

Aug. 15, 1961 Filed NOV. 13, 1957 D. PlMENTEL 2,995,862

RODENT EXTERMINATOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Deme/r/a Pimeme/ INVENTOR.

United States Patent 2,995,862 RODENT EXTERMINATOR D'emetrio Pimentel, l84 McDougall St., Brooklyn, N.Y. Filed Nov. 13, 1957, Ser. No. 696,133 5 Claims. (Cl. 4399) This invention generally relates to a rodent exterminator and more particularly to a trap for electrocuting mice, rats, etc.

A principal object of this invention is an electrocuting device for automatically electrocuting rodents entering the device.

A further object of this invention is to provide disposal meansfor removing the rodent from an electrocuting chamber to a storage chamber.

A still further object of thisinvention is to provide novel prompting means'to hasten the rodent along a path to the'electrocuting chamber.

A still further object of this device is to provide delay means incorporated in the over-all mechanism to reset the rodent exterminator for further use.

A final object of this invention is to provide neat, efficient and rapid means for exteirninating rodents which is also fool-proof.

This invention works on the principle that a rodent, seeking food, will enter a trapping compartment that is properly baited. The slightest contact of the rodent with a lever, at floor level, will close the contacts of'a microswitch. This switch controls a solenoid which is operatively connected to the door of the trapping compartment. Furthermore, the switch controls heating elments in the iloorof the trapping compartment. The hot floor will force the rodent along a ceitain'path wherein he will climb a ramp thatleads to an exterminating compartment. The rodent in the compartment will step on a lever which will actuate a micro-switch that controls a transformer which boosts low voltage to a value of 5000 volts. This'high voltage is then impressed on elements in the fioor'of the exterminating compartment which act to electrocute the rodent. A timer relay shuts ofi the current to the transformer and at the same time closes the circuit to a sole noid switch so that the floor of the exterminating compartment is tilted, dropping the'rodent into a storage compartment. A second timer relay which was actuated upon the rodents moving the initial lever of the system, resets the entire exterminator so that it is prepared to re-' ceive another rodent. The operation of the device completes its entire cycle in sixty seconds.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof; wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout, and'in which:

FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of the housing of the inventionillustrating its portability;

FIGURE '2 is'a further perspective view of the invention looking at the housing from the opposite side and specifically showing the sliding door leading to the storage-compartment;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view of the invention taken substantially alongthe plane 3-3 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE '4 is a sectional view of the invention taken ice ing the various electrical elements for actuating the mechanical details illustrated in the preceding figures.

Referring to FIGURE 1, numeral it generally desig: nates the rodent exterminator having a housing in the form of a rectangular box 12 which may be constructed of any rigid material. On one face of the rectangular box 12 is a handle 14 to lend portability to the exterminator. On an adjacent face is shown an electric plug 16 for supplying electric energy to the device and main switch 18. Above the main switch 18 is shown a switch 20 and a holder for circuit fuse 22. On the same face is located a pivotally connected door 24 which pivots about a shaft 26. The door 24 controls access to the inner portion of rectangular box 12.

FIGURE 2 shows a second door 28 which is pivotally connected to rotate about shaft 3%. This door 2.8 acts as an alternate entrance to the inner portion of rectangularbox 12. Each of the doors 24 and 28 are unbalancedabout their pivot points so as to be normally open. A door 32 slidably fits in frame 34 and controls access to a storage compartment within. Said storage compartment being designated as 36.

FIGURE 3 shows a rigid coupling 38 which is connected at door 28 at pivotal connection 40' and at door- 24 at pivotal connection 42. Another pivotal connec-' tion 44 exists on door 28. Pivotal connection 44 is coupied by rod 46 to a rotatable member 48. Rotatable= member 48 is supported from the box 10 and lirnitedly rotates about point 50. The rotation is in response to transverse movement of armature 52 of solenoid 54. The solenoid 54 is electrically connected to switch 56 whichis actuated by lever 58.

Also connected to member 48 is an angle member60 which operates to slidably move the door 62 in frame 64. The door 62 acts as an entrance to electrocuting chamber 66. Also shown in FIGURE 3 is a transformerhousing 68 for a step-up transformer supplying a high volt-- ageto the eleotrocuting chamber. A ramp 76 is shownwhich leads from near the floor 72 of the housing 12 to a location proximate the entrance 62 to the electrocuting chamber 66.

The electrccuting chamber 66 has an insulatedfloor portion 74 in which are placed exposed conductors 75" and 76 carrying a high voltage. The conductors 75 and- 76 are insulated from each other by insulated floor portion 74. The floor 74 is fixedly connected to a rod 78 by sleeves 8th flanged at 82. The rod 78 is fixedly attached to collar member 34 as is clearly shown in 'FIG-' URES 4 and 6. The collar fi l'has an extension 86 attached thereto having a slotted portion 88 therein which" cooperates with a pin 96. The pin 96 is fixedly attached to an armature 92 of a solenoid 94. Spring 93, secured between armature 92 and support 95 normally retains the armature 92 in a raised position for normallymaintaining floor 74 in a horizontal position. The rod -78 is rotatably connected to the rectangular box 12 at its opposite end as at96.

Members 98 and 100 are delay relay means which may, be 6C60 and 6No30 respectively; Lever 162 comprises one terminal of a switch whose contacts become closed upon physical touching by the rodent.

FIGURE 8 shows the electric circuitry involved in-thisinvention. Wherein 104 designates the live side of an A.C. line having a main switch 18 and fuse 22 therein. A I. safety element 98 in the form of a normally closed delay relay is connected to the hot side of the line and therer from to switch 56. .The switch 56 is of the single-pole double-throw type. Serially connected with the switch 56 is a solenoid coil 132 which acts to pull down movable contacts 103. The primaryside of transformer 112 in housing 113 will make contact through fixed terminal. 114, movable contact 108 and lead 116. Also connected" as shown is a test switch 20 which is normally opened. Switch 20, when closed, shunts movable contacts 108 to apply line voltage to transformer primary 110. Resistor 113 represents heating elements embedded in the floor 72 of the rectangular box 12. The secondary of transformer 112 is designated as 120 and is connected to the door solenoid 54 having an armature 52 attached thereto. Also connected to the secondary 120 of the transformer 112 is a movable contact 121 which is located so as to be controlled by solenoid coil 122. A pair of contacts of normally open delay relay 100 are connected to the secondary 120 of transformer 112 at contact 121 and therefrom to a solenoid 94 which is mechanically linked to the rod 78 and electrocution chamber 66. Connected proximate to solenoid 94 is a switch 127 which is located so that it will be mechanically opened upon actuation of the solenoid 94. Switch 102 is shown connected leading to coil 122 and past that to transformer 126 in housing 68 having a low voltage primary 128 and a high voltage secondary 130. The high voltage secondary is shown connected to conductors '75 and 76 on or in the floor 74 of the electrocution chamber 66.

In operation, a rodent within the vicinity of the invention will be attracted by a piece of cheese placed within the housing so that he will enter the housing at either door 24 or 28. His path will force him to engage contact 58 of switch 56 at least momentarily which will actuate solenoid coil 132. It will be apparent that switch 18 and the contact of normally closed delay relay 98 must be closed. The actuation of solenoid coil 132 will move the movable contact 198 to a touching relationship with fixed contact 134. A closed path will now exist through solenoid coil 132 from the hot side 1134 of the AC. line through the main switch 18, fuse 22, contacts of delay relay 98, connection 136, switch 127, contact 134, movable contact 108, through relay coil 132 to ground. Therefore, though switch 56 immediately opens after contact, solenoid coil 132 remains energized. With movable contact 108 touching fixed contact 134 the line voltage is applied to primary 110 of transformer 112. A six volt output results at the secondary 121? of transformer 112 and is applied to the delay safety element 98 and to the door solenoid 54. The actuation of the door solenoid 54 closes the doors 24 and 28 and opens the door 62 to the electrocution chamber 66. Also simultaneously energized are the heating elements 118 on or in the floor 72 of housing 12. An indicator light 119, connected in parallel with the heating elements 118, lights to indicate the energization thereof. The resulting heat causes the rodent to seek a cooler place whereby he will jump to ramp 70 and proceed through the entrance 62 of the electrocution chamber 66. In the electrocution chamber the rodent will contact at least momentarily, switch 102 thereby completing a circuit through solenoid coil 122 to place movable contact 121 in electrical contact with terminal 138. The contact between 121 and 138 will energize the coil of normally open delay relay 100. It will furthermore energize the primary 128 of transformer 126 to supply a high voltage through secondary 130 to conductors 75 and 76.

It is contemplated that the energized coil'of normally open delay relay 100 will close the relay contacts after 30 seconds. During this 30 seconds the rodent will be subjected to the high voltage of secondary 130 of transformer 126 impressed on conductors 75 and 76. At the end of arbitrary 30 seconds the trap solenoid 94 will be energized whereby rod 78 will be rotated through the.

pin 90, slot 88 and collar 84 connection to pivot the floor 74 with rod 78 and therefore to drop the rodent into a storage compartment 36. The energization of solenoid 94 will also open switch 127 cutting off the mechanical failure in the circuit safety element 98 in the form of a relay delay using a suggested arbitrary value of 60 Seconds will open and cut-0E any electrical energy to the solenoid coil 132 and thereby likewise return the circuit to its original condition.

The foregoing is considered as illustrativeonly of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An electromechanical rodent exterminator comprising a housing defining a floor, walls and a top, means in said housing for retaining a bait to attract a rodent, the end walls of said housing having entrance openings formed therein, normally open intermediately pivoted housing doors in said openings, rigid means pivotally coupling said doors to each other for common action, an enclosed electrocution chamber in said housing, a chamber door associated with said chamber providing entrance thereto, said chamber door operatively connected to said housing doors and electromechanical means in said housing in operative engagement with each of said doors for simultaneously closing said housing doors and opening said chamber door, said electromechanical means including a door control solenoid, and means for actuating said door control solenoid, said last named means including a source of electrical energy and a normally open operating initiation switch connecting said source and said door control solenoid, said operating initiation switch including an actuating lever, said actuating lever disposed in said housing proximate said housing doors, whereupon a rodent entering said housing through said housing doors will engage said actuating lever to operate said initiation switch for energizing said door control solenoid closing said housing doors and opening said chamber door, and a holding circuit connected to said control solenoid for retaining said control solenoid in an energized state.

2. An electromechanical rodent exterminator comprising a housing defining a floor, walls and a top, means in said housing for retaining a bait to attract a rodent, the end walls of said housing having entrance openings formed therein, normally open intermediately pivoted housing doors in said openings, rigid means pivotally coupling said doors to each other for common action, an enclosed electrocution chamber in said housing, a chamber door associated with said chamber providing entrance thereto, said chamber door operatively connected to said housing doors and electromechanical means in said housing in operative engagement with each of said doors for simultaneously closing said housing doors and opening said chamber door, said electromechanical means including a 'door control solenoid, and means for actuating said door control solenoid, said last named means including a source of electrical energy and a normally open operating initiation switch connecting said source and said door control solenoid, said operating initiation switch including an actuating lever, said actuating lever disposed in said housing proximate said housing doors, whereupon a rodent entering said housing through said housing doors will engage said actuating lever to operate said initiation switch for energizing said door con trol solenoid closing said housing doors and opening said chamber door, and a holding circuit connected to said control solenoid for retaining said control solenoid in an energized state, prompting means in said housing, said prompting means including heating elements disposed in said housing floor, said holding circuit connected to said prompting means for energizing said heating elements.

3. An electromechanical rodent exterminator comprising a housing defining a floor, walls and a top,

means on said housing for retaining a bait to attract a rodent, the end walls of said housing having entrance openings formed therein, normally open intermediately pivoted housing doors in said openings, rigid means pivotally coupling said doors to each other for common action, an enclosed electrocution chamber in said housing, a chamber door associated with said chamber providing entrance thereto, said chamber door operatively connected to said housing doors and electromechanical means in said housing in operative engagement with each of said doors for simultaneously closing said housing doors and opening said chamber door, said electromechanical means including a door control solenoid, and means for actuating said door control solenoid, said last named means including a source of electrical energy and a normally open operating initiation switch connecting said source and said door control solenoid, said operating initiation switch including an actuating lever, said actuating lever disposed in said housing proximate said housing doors, whereupon a rodent entering said housing through said housing doors will engage said actuating lever to operate said initiation switch for energizing said door control solenoid closing said housing doors and opening said chamber door, and a holding circuit connected to said control solenoid for retaining said control solenoid in an energized state, prompting means in said housing, said prompting means including heating elements disposed in said housing floor, said holding circuit connected to said prompting means for energizing said heating elements, a ramp extending from said housing floor to said chamber door, said prompting means urging said rodent along said ramp and into said chamber, said chamber having a floor portion therein, and exposed high voltage conductors carried by said floor portion, a normally open electrocuting switch, said electrocuting switch disposed in said chamber adapted to be closed by said rodent, said electrocuting switch operatively connected to said high voltage conductors for actuating same and operatively connected to said control solenoid for deenergizing said solenoid to close said chamber door.

4. An electromechanical rodent exterminator comprising a housing defining a floor, walls and a top, means on said housing for retaining a bait to attract a rodent, the end walls of said housing having entrance openings formed therein, normally open intermediately pivoted housing doors in said openings, rigid means pivotally coupling said doors to each other for common action, an enclosed electrocution chamber in said housing, a chamber door associated with said chamber providing entrance thereto, said chamber door operatively connected to said housing doors and electromechanical means in said housing in operative engagement with each of said doors for simultaneously closing said housing doors and opening said chamber door, said electromechanical means including a door control solenoid, and means for actuating said door control solenoid, said last named means including a source of electrical energy and a normally open operating initiation switch connecting said source and said door control solenoid, said operating initiation switch including an actuating lever, said actuating lever disposed in said housing proximate said housing doors, whereupon a rodent entering said housing through said housing doors will engage said actuating lever to operate said initiation switch for energizing said door control solenoid closing said housing doors and opening said chamber door, and a holding circuit connected to said control solenoid for retaining said control solenoid in an energized state, prompting means in said housing, said prompting means including heating elements disposed in said housing door, said holding circuit connected to said prompting means for energizing said heating elements, a ramp extending from said housing floor to said chamber door, said prompting means urging said rodent along said ramp and into said chamber, said chamber having a floor portion therein, and exposed high voltage conductors carried by said floor portion, a normally open electrocuting switch, said electrocuting switch disposed in. said chamber adapted to be closed by said rodent, said electrocutin" switch operatively connected to said high voltage conductors for actuating same and operatively connected to said control solenoid for deenergizing said solenoid to close said charnber door, said chamber floor portion being intermediately pivotally mounted, a storage compartment beneath said chamber floor portion, and disposal means for pivoting said chamber floor portion to dispose a rodent into said compartment, said disposal means including a first time delay relay. g

5. An electromechanical rodent exterminator comprising a housing defining a floor, walls and a top, means on said housing for retaining a bait to attract a rodent, the end walls of said housing having entrance openings formed therein, normally open intermediately pivoted housing doors in said openings, rigid means pivotally coupling said doors to each other for common action, an enclosed electrocution chamber in said housing, a chamber door associated with said chamber providing entrance thereto, said chamber door operatively connected to said housing doors and electromechanical means in said housing in operative engagement with each of said doors for simultaneously closing said housing doors and opening said chamber door, said electromechanical means including a door control solenoid, and means for actuating said door control solenoid, said last named means including a source of electrical energy and a normally open operating initiation switch connecting said source and said door control solenoid, said operating initiation switch including an actuating lever, said actuating lever disposed in said housing proximate said housing doors, whereupon a rodent entering said housing through said housing doors will engage said actuating lever to operate said initiation switch for energizing said door control solenoid closing said housing doors and opening said chamber door, and a holding circuit connected to said control solenoid for retaining said control solenoid in an energized state, prompting means in said housing, said prompting means including heating elements disposed in said housing floor, said electrocuting switch disposed in said chamber adapted to be closed by said rodent, said electrocuting switch operatively connected to said high voltage conductors for actuating same and operatively connected to said control solenoid for deenergizing said solenoid to close said chamber door, said chamber floor portion being intermediately pivotally mounted, a storage compartment beneath said chamber floor portion, and disposal means for pivoting said chamber floor portion to dispose a rodent into said compartment, said disposal means including a first time delay relay, and a second time delay relay for returning said entire exterminator to its original condition a predetermined time after operation of said operating initiation switch.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

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