Abstract: A door lock mechanism for an animal trap, an animal trap, and a method of capturing animals, typically, rodents and small animals. The door locking mechanism, trap and method employ a gravity-driven door and lock used for a door having a ledge and two bars that are pivotally mounted above the door. When activated by a release mechanism, the door and bars pivotally deflect whereby the bars engage the ledge on the closed door and prevent the door from being opened. The door lock mechanism may be used on any size and shape trap, but one typical trap for which the mechanism can be used is disclosed. A trap entrance arrangement having a conduit for leading animals to the entrance of a trap, that can be used with or without the disclosed door lock mechanism, is also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for effecting freeze-drying specimens containing solvents or condensing solvents having a shallow pan treatment chamber with little or no obstructions, holes or orifices. The treatment is effected by cooling the base of the chamber by using coolant-containing coils mounted beneath the base of the chamber. The direct thermal conduction of heat through the base of the chamber provides a more effective method of both cooling specimens and condensing solvents, typically water. A source of vacuum is provided to the chamber by a conduit located in the cover, sidewalls or base of the chamber. The method and apparatus may employ a moveable specimen holder positioned in the chamber. The moveable specimen holder may be mounted on a perforated tube which slidably engages a conduit in the base of the chamber. The perforated tube may a conduit to the source of vacuum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing the ends of one or more cables is disclosed. These methods and apparatuses may be used, for example, to secure pleasure craft, for example, surfboards, wind surfboards, canoes or kayaks, for storage or transportation. The methods and apparatuses are characterized by a device having two channels which are hinged at a common end and to which include means for attaching the one or more cables. When the channels are rotated into engagement the one or more cables are not only tensioned but the means for attaching the cables are concealed from tampering or damage. The channels are preferably secured to each other and disengagement is prevented by means of a locking mechanism and a release mechanism. The release mechanism is preferably a push-button release mechanism which facilitates use of the device.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for securing pleasure craft, for example, surf boards, snow boards, or canoes, which provide for ease of securing the craft and ease of releasing the craft are disclosed. These methods and devices typically employ some form of cables or other tensile members and cable locking or securing devices. Cable securing and locking devices are also disclosed. In particular, various cable securing devices consisting of a first u-shaped channels and a second u-shaped channel pivotably connected to the first u-shaped channel are disclosed. These u-shaped channels include cable attaching and tensioning devices which facilitate the restraint and removal of the cable. One attaching device includes a threaded nut-type fastener for retaining the cable in the channel and rotating disk element over which the cable passes which facilitates the tensioning of the cable during restraint of a craft or other device.