Swinging Or Sliding Closure Patents (Class 43/61)
  • Patent number: 11825831
    Abstract: A bait station having an enclosed housing defining an internal volume is disclosed, wherein the internal volume is divided by a partition wall defining a main chamber and an electronics compartment. The electronics compartment has a wireless communication module including a computer processor and transceiver. The main chamber has a single access for a targeted type of pest and a bait access door. A bait platform is located within the main chamber, and a bait monitoring sensor is also located within the main chamber. The bait monitoring sensor is communicatively coupled with the wireless communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley Zirkle, Charles Evan Meyers
  • Patent number: 11819017
    Abstract: A door hinge mechanism for a live catch wire mesh animal cage trap and a method of mounting a cage trap door to a wire mesh animal cage trap using the door hinge mechanism is provided. The hinge mechanism includes a door mounting portion and a roof mounting portion joined by a body portion. The door mounting portion captures a laterally extending upper edge bar of the door and positions the door relative to a laterally extending wire bar on the roof to couple the door to the trap body and create a hinge axle therebetween. The roof mounting portion, which is spaced rearwardly from the door mounting portion by the body portion, secures the hinge mechanism to the roof of the trap body. When so mounted, the hinge mechanism provides greater trap stiffness at the hinge, improved rigidity of the hinge mechanism and trap door, and reduced friction in the hinge pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Gauker
  • Patent number: 11765560
    Abstract: A trap monitoring apparatus, method and system includes an electronic monitoring device monitoring a trap for predetermined condition(s) based on received sensory input, the electronic monitoring device having a wireless transmitter that sends alert messages to a remote notification service based on receiving alerts from sensors, and further based on values of one or more operational parameters to determine whether to ignore sensed predetermined conditions, or to immediately notify or delay notifying a remote notification service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: PICA Product Development, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Stapleford, Richard Shevelow, Phillip A. Pare
  • Patent number: 11723355
    Abstract: An animal trap is configured to enclose the entrance to a burrow and appear to the animal as an extension of the burrow. As a result, the animal will be likely to enter the animal trap under the mistaken belief that it is exiting the burrow. The animal trap may include a main body and a cage floor that define a capture area. The main body is designed to form a pathway into the capture area which is downwardly oriented so that the trap can be placed directly overtop the burrow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas Alfred Brown
  • Patent number: 11617362
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices for controlling pests, and, more specifically, to devices for monitoring and communicating the presence of pests, and eliminating pests. The pest control system comprises a frame configured to be removeably positioned in a pest control station, a panel pivotally coupled to the frame, and pest control device positioned in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Siler, Joseph Langmaid, Piyush Soni, Neil Spomer, Michael K. Hanson
  • Patent number: 11470835
    Abstract: A mouse trap is disclosed comprising a jar that is attached to a housing and includes a plastic bag inside. The housing and jar include a mouse entrance that leads inside the plastic bag, which is intended to include some bait at a distal end to lure the mouse into the jar. The trap includes a pressure or motion detector that senses when a mouse has entered the jar. The trap includes a solenoid that triggers a spring loaded hollow rod to close the jar when the mouse enters, and actuates a vacuum that removes the air from the plastic bag with the mouse inside. The removal of oxygen from the bag causes the mouse to lose consciousness, and eventually suffocate in its sleep. Once the mouse is dead, the bag can be removed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Stephen P. Shoemaker Trust
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11412728
    Abstract: A live animal trap with improvements to ease of use, reliability and cost is disclosed. A simple repeatable one-hand set action lifts a front entry door. A hold-close assembly trips to secure the front door without sliding motions. A low friction latch and trip links thereto provide consistent set action resistant to shaking and undesired trip. A rear door is fitted next to a bait location to allow near vertical access for bait placement and unattended, unobstructed release. A changeable torque arm provides adjustable trip force. A trip tray is spaced above a floor to require a small set-up motion to access the bait and further ensure trip. The front door can be opened and set by a remotely located rooftop interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventors: Joel S. Marks, Surapon Arleekul
  • Patent number: 11417197
    Abstract: Pest control systems and methods are described. The systems comprise a portable electronic device which is configured to identify one or more of multiple PCDs within a range of a portable electric device which have been activated, and to provide an indication to a user corresponding to at least one of the identified activated PCDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Smart Wave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Triventi, Volodimir Bondarenko, Gavin Singh, Clemente Receno, Peter Zosimadis, Mike Zosimadis, Andrew Hunt
  • Patent number: 11185066
    Abstract: A rodent trap covered base defines an enclosed interior accessible through a sliding plastic tunnel defining a passageway for rodents into the interior. The tunnel has a projecting strike member, and is biased by an underlying spring to a retracted position. A trigger engaging member extends from the tunnel to be retained by a catch on a trigger mounted to the base. When a rodent passes through the tunnel into the base interior, it is directed by barriers towards a rodent attracting bait. To reach the bait, the rodent must press against a pivotably mounted trigger, thereby dislodging the trigger from the trigger engaging member which releases the tunnel to be driven by the spring to retract along parallel tracks to bring the strike plate forcibly against the rodent within the trap, usually killing it, and closing the trap, which is then presented covered within the trap for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Walsh, Daniel C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11172670
    Abstract: An animal sorting device comprising a housing having an entrance, an exit, and an animal dispatch chamber. The animal dispatch chamber comprises entrant assessment means to determine if an entrant is either a pest or a non-pest, animal dispatching means to dispatch the pest, and means to urge either a dispatched pest towards an aperture or the non-pest towards the exit. A modular animal sorting device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: ITRAP TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Jonathan Round
  • Patent number: 11166449
    Abstract: A cage type animal trap having an enclosure with an animal access opening into a vacant interior sized to receive an animal to be trapped. The access opening is closed by a door that is movable from a closed to an opened position by an actuating mechanism having a flexible actuating member with one end secured to the door and the other end releasably held by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured to move the door to the opened position by tensioning the actuating member and, in response to a trigger mechanism, to release the second end of the actuating member and allow the door to move from the opened position to the closed position thereby trapping the animal in the animal enclosure. A door lock in abutment with the outer surface of the door prevents the door from being opened by a trapped animal. A part of the actuating mechanism is in engagement with the door lock when the door is closed such that the door lock is automatically disengaged when the actuating member is tensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rich, Robert Theodore Cruz, Edward J. Holliday, Marko Konstantin Lubic
  • Patent number: 11147261
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bidirectional linkage type mousetrap including: a base, an upper shell, a first pedal, a second pedal, clamping shafts, and torsion springs. A bait placing cup and clamping frames are arranged on the base. Each clamping frame includes side plates and a clamping rack. Each of the first pedal and the second pedal includes a touch portion, a clamping shaft accommodating groove, and a clamping shaft buckle. Mousetrap inlets are arranged on two ends of the upper shell respectively. The mousetrap has two inlets and two-way linkage, which increase the probability of catching a mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Lie Yang
  • Patent number: 11129376
    Abstract: A trap for capturing small animals, such as raccoons, includes a housing with front and rear doors, and a three-way trigger which is actuated by an animal trying to reach bait located in the housing and behind the trigger. The trigger can be moved longitudinally forward to a set position which holds the door open to release the door to a closed position. The trigger can be actuated or tripped in either left or right lateral directions, or in a rearward longitudinal direction to release the door to a closed position. The trigger is spring biased toward the set position. The front door slides vertically within guide tracks extending along opposite lateral edges of the front door, or alternatively, is hinged for pivotal movement. The back door can be opened for positioning bait inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: N.P.Z., Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Ziegmann
  • Patent number: 11044901
    Abstract: A dome-covered rodent trap for capturing rodents. The trap has a base formed of walls and two openings through which rodents may enter. A snap mechanism for trapping rodents is secured to the base. A movable dome also is attached to the base. When the trap is set, the movable dome is maintained in a raised position. However, when the snap mechanism is triggered by a rodent, the movable dome moves downward to cover the base—thereby forming a sealed container around a captured rodent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey Frisch, Jonathan Frisch, Peter Chung, Zack Kowalksi, Marco Perry
  • Patent number: 10973222
    Abstract: A system and method for trapping and securing wild animals, especially hogs, by using a flexible perimeter fence attached to a counter weight. Springing of the traps drops the counterweight and pulls up the perimeter fence around the wild hogs. A modular frame breaks down easily for users to carry the automated hog trap into and out of the backcountry easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Ambush 360, LLC
    Inventor: Walter W. Pankey
  • Patent number: 10966420
    Abstract: In some implementations, an insect trap includes a plurality of individual cells, with each of the cells being configured to trap very few, and in some instances a single flying insect. Each cell defines a cavity and may be provided with an independently operable door to selectively close the cavity. One or more sensors may sense the presence of an insect to be trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Ching, Ethan Jackson, Michael J. Sinclair, Patrick Therien
  • Patent number: 10925276
    Abstract: Telltale rodent trap for trapping rodents in interior walls, ceilings and similar spaces including a baited and set spring-loaded trap attached to a base plate passing through a wall or ceiling opening to be exposed to interior spaces frequented by rodents. A cover plate having a telltale aperture fits over the opening. An elongated telltale is attached at one end to a trap arm pivoting between a first position when the trap is set and a second position when the trap is sprung. The other end of the elongated telltale is inserted between the cover and base plates and is visible in the telltale aperture of the cover plate. When the trap is sprung, the trap arm pulls the elongated telltale so it is no longer visible in the telltale aperture indicating that a rodent has been trapped and the trap assembly should be removed and reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Bret Christopher Reilly
  • Patent number: 10798541
    Abstract: A trap monitoring apparatus, method and system includes an electronic monitoring device monitoring a trap for predetermined condition(s) based on received sensory input, the electronic monitoring device having a wireless transmitter that sends alert messages to a remote notification service based on receiving alerts from sensors, and further based on values of one or more operational parameters to determine whether to ignore sensed predetermined conditions, or to immediately notify or delay notifying a remote notification service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Pica Product Development, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Stapleford, Richard Shevelow, Phillip A. Pare
  • Patent number: 10721920
    Abstract: An octopus trap that includes a housing defining an interior containment space; an entrance opening to the interior containment space through which an octopus may enter the interior containment space; a trap door assembly that includes a trap door that is biased toward a first, closed position in which the entrance opening is blocked, the trap door being displaceable between the closed position and a second, open position in which the entrance opening is revealed; a trigger assembly that is capable of retaining the trap door in its open position against its bias, and that is capable of being triggered by an octopus from inside the containment space such that, when triggered, it causes the trap door to displace from its open position to its closed position and wherein the trigger assembly is capable of retaining the trap door in its closed position once triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventors: Glen Hamilton Alexander, Anthony Stephenson Haygarth
  • Patent number: 10561138
    Abstract: An electronic animal trap assembly for trapping an animal using motion detection includes a box that may be positioned on a support surface. The box has an open end and a rodent pass passes through the open end to enter the box. A door is hingedly coupled to the box and the door is selectively urged between an open position and a closed position. The door is aligned with the open end of the box such that the door selectively exposes and closes the open end. A control unit is coupled to the box and the control unit detects motion within the box. The control unit is operationally coupled to the door. The control unit selectively urges the door into the closed position when the control unit detects motion within the box. In this way the control unit traps the rodent in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: Peregrino Brimah
  • Patent number: 10455827
    Abstract: A cage type animal trap having an enclosure with an animal access opening into a vacant interior sized to receive an animal to be trapped. The access opening is closed by a door that is movable from a closed to an opened position by an actuating mechanism having a flexible actuating member with one end secured to the door and the other end releasably held by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured to move the door to the opened position by tensioning the actuating member and, in response to a trigger mechanism, to release the second end of the actuating member and allow the door to move from the opened position to the closed position thereby trapping the animal in the animal enclosure. A door lock in abutment with the outer surface of the door prevents the door from being opened by a trapped animal. A part of the actuating mechanism is in engagement with the door lock when the door is closed such that the door lock is automatically disengaged when the actuating member is tensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: WOODSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rich, Robert Theodore Cruz, Edward J. Holliday, Marko Konstantin Lubic
  • Patent number: 10433536
    Abstract: A live animal trap with improvements to ease of use, reliability and cost is disclosed. A simple repeatable one-hand set action unlocks both a primary and a secondary lock and lifts a front entry door. A hold-close assembly trips to secure the front door without sliding motions. A low friction latch and trip links thereto provide consistent set action resistant to shaking and undesired trip. A changeable torque arm and preload provides adjustable trip force. A trip tray is spaced above a floor to require a small set-up motion to access the bait and further ensure trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventors: Joel S. Marks, Surapon Arleekul
  • Patent number: 10159241
    Abstract: An animal trap having a housing including an open end, the open end having a bottom wall plate, both side wall plates and both side lateral guides; and a door slidably and movably mounted to the housing through the both side lateral guides for swinging upward and downward between an open position and a closed portion, whereby an animal that enters the housing through the door is automatically trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventors: Heung Yong Ha, Peter J. Ha
  • Patent number: 10070642
    Abstract: A hermetically sealing, enclosure-type mousetrap is provided having a reusable housing and a disposable cartridge that contains an internal high voltage killing mechanism. Upon entry of a mouse into the cartridge through a rodent access opening, the opening is closed and the mouse is killed using the high voltage mechanism. Closure of the door hermetically seals the cartridge with the dead mouse inside, after which the cartridge can be disposed of without any contact between the user and the carcass along with any parasites and pathogens associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: WOODSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marko K. Lubic, Andrew Gauker, Christopher J. Kamery
  • Patent number: 9814228
    Abstract: A trap for capturing a plurality of animals is provided. The trap can comprise an enclosure having an opening through which the at least one animal can pass to enter the enclosure. A gate, movable between an open position and a closed position, is positioned therein the at least one opening and can be selectively moved from the open position to the closed position when desired. Methods are also provided for capturing at least one animal by providing a trap with a gate, positioning the gate in an open position, monitoring the trap until at least one animal has entered the trap, and remotely triggering the gate to move from the open position to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: JAGER PRO, LLC
    Inventor: Rodney Gene Pinkston
  • Patent number: 9730436
    Abstract: A cage-type animal trap has an over-center set mechanism for holding open a door for closing the trap access opening. The set mechanism includes a pivotally mounted set lever coupled to the door of the trap by an actuating cable. A bait pedal is movably mounted inside the trap with a trip rod and link assembly secured to the pedal and to the set mechanism so that when an animal enters the trap, the weight of the animal moves the pedal, causing the trip rod and link assembly to actuate the set mechanism. Upon actuation, the set lever pivots past its over-center position to allow movement of the cable which enables the door to move from an opened position to a closed position to trap the animal inside the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: WOODSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alan Weir Bucher
  • Patent number: 9730437
    Abstract: A live animal trap with improvements to ease of use, reliability and cost is disclosed. A simple repeatable one-hand set action lifts a front entry door. A hold-close assembly trips to secure the front door without sliding motions. A low friction latch and trip links thereto provide consistent set action resistant to shaking and undesired trip. A rear door is fitted next to a bait location to allow near vertical access for bait placement and unattended, unobstructed release. A changeable torque arm provides adjustable trip force. A trip tray is spaced above a floor to require a small set-up motion to access the bait and further ensure trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventors: Joel S. Marks, Surapon Arleekul
  • Patent number: 9717229
    Abstract: A cage type animal trap having an enclosure with an animal access opening into a vacant interior sized to receive an animal to be trapped. The access opening is closed by a door that is movable from a closed to an opened position by an actuating mechanism having a flexible actuating member with one end secured to the door and the other end releasably held by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured to move the door to the opened position by tensioning the actuating member and, in response to a trigger mechanism, to release the second end of the actuating member and allow the door to move from the opened position to the closed position thereby trapping the animal in the animal enclosure. A door lock in abutment with the outer surface of the door prevents the door from being opened by a trapped animal. A part of the actuating mechanism is in engagement with the door lock when the door is closed such that the door lock is automatically disengaged when the actuating member is tensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: WOODSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rich, Robert T. Cruz, Edward J. Holliday, Marko Lubic
  • Patent number: 9661839
    Abstract: A cage having an automatic door is described. A front side of the cage is provided with a door panel. A top edge of the door panel is hingely attached to the cage. A bottom edge of the door panel is attached to the cage through a spring. A pedal is provided on a bottom surface of the cage. A front side of the pedal is hingely attached to the cage. The pedal is connected with a connecting rod. An upper end of the connecting rod extends upward and forward along a sidewall of the cage and is bent towards an exterior of the door panel. A spring supporting seat is fixed on the sidewall of the cage. Said spring supporting seat is connected with a spring. The connecting rod is fixedly provided with a spring contact point. Spring can move the connecting rod up toward the top of the cage and forward toward the front of the cage to lift up the pedal. A hook is fixedly provided on an outer surface of the door panel. An opening of the hook faces the top of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Hongwen Zhu
  • Patent number: 9439412
    Abstract: Disclosed is a non-lethal animal trap that comprises a housing, a mechanically actuated trap door, a motion sensor, and a microprocessor controlled tripping mechanism. The trap includes a pathway having a first and second entrance and a first and second trap door. The pathway includes animal bait therein, whereabove a motion sensor detects objects and motion within the pathway such that the entrances to the pathway are closed by the trap doors. The motion sensor sends signals to the microprocessor, which in turn activates an electrical latch mechanism that releases the trap door mechanism from its set position to its closed position. Once closed, each trap door includes a brace that prevents the animal from forcibly opening the door. The animal is then trapped for later disposal or relocation. A plurality of indicator lights provides notification of the device operational state, including device standby, triggered, and trapped animal notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Kittelson
  • Patent number: 9420777
    Abstract: A cage-type animal trap with two opposed animal access openings that can operate in a one-door-opening configuration or a two-door-opening configuration. The trap has a set mechanism for holding one or both doors open to allow access through the corresponding trap access openings. The set mechanism includes a set lever that is movable from a set position to a tripped position and that is coupled to the doors of the trap by an actuating member. Upon actuation, the set lever moves from the set to the tripped position to allow movement of the actuating member which enables one of the doors to move from an opened position to a closed position when the trap is operating in a one-door-opening configuration, and both of the doors to move from the opened position to the closed position when the trap is operating in the two-door-opening configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: WOODSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph A. Radesky, Christopher J. Kamery, Marko Konstantin Lubic, Christopher T. Rich
  • Patent number: 9374993
    Abstract: A mouse trap having a guillotine killing mechanism is provided. The trap includes a housing with a door, a guillotine positioned to extend at least partly into an interior of said housing, a trigger mechanism including a lever and catch to hold the guillotine in a raised position to set the trap, and a spring for biasing the guillotine to a lowered killing position when the trigger mechanism is activated to release the guillotine from the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: WOODSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Matthew A. Smith
  • Patent number: 9372171
    Abstract: A nanosensor for detecting molecule characteristics includes a membrane having an opening configured to permit a charged carbon nanotube to pass but to block a molecule attached to the carbon nanotube. The opening is filled with an electrolytic solution. An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field relative to the opening to drive the charged carbon nanotubes through the opening. A sensor circuit is coupled to the electric field generator to sense current changes due to charged carbon nanotubes passing into the opening, and to bias the electric field generator to determine a critical voltage related to a force of separation between the carbon nanotube and the molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Binquan Luan, Ruhong Zhou
  • Patent number: 9363989
    Abstract: A torqued slide bar animal trap having a cage door hingedly disposed at a top side of a cage apparatus, said cage door supportable in an open position angularly extended longitudinally from the cage apparatus when a slide bar is engaged to an attachment piece, said attachment piece disposed upon the cage door proximal the top side of the cage apparatus, wherein the cage door applies torque to the slide bar and rapidly swings to a closed position enclosing an open end of the cage apparatus when a trigger mechanism releases the slide bar from the attachment piece, and each of a pair of ring members falls along each of a pair of door frame struts and an associated one of a pair of door bars to secure the cage door in the closed position by prevention of divergence of the cage door from the open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Harley Odeal Wells
  • Patent number: 9204627
    Abstract: This is a versatile, durable, practical box trap with an adjustable swing bar wire trigger system designed to live capture wildlife through the use of highly powered fast closing doors. It was engineered to address every known problem, circumstance and issue dealing with nuisance wildlife control. This produces a tool that anyone can use in virtually every circumstance with confidence. The combination of an adjustable variable wire triggering system with powered doors, as anticipated, has produced the most versatile live traps known. Not only are they the best trap available, but they are made to be affordable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: James Edward Comstock
  • Patent number: 9060505
    Abstract: A cage type animal trap having an enclosure with an animal access opening into a vacant interior sized to receive an animal to be trapped. The access opening is closed by a door that is movable from a closed to an opened position by an actuating mechanism releasably held by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured to move between hold and release positions, the hold position moving the door to the opened position and the release position releasing the actuating member to allow the door to close and trap the animal in the animal enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: WOODSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher T Rich, Robert T. Cruz, Edward J. Holliday, Marko Lubic
  • Patent number: 9044003
    Abstract: A trigger mechanism for an animal cage having a door that can be closed by linking to hanging bait comprises a frame for mounting to that cage. The frame includes a first support pivotally mounted at its base end, a second support fixedly mounted substantially perpendicular to the frame; and a door actuation bar pivotally mounted to the frame at one end. That actuation bar connects to a latch on the cage door and pulls on that latch to close the door when an animal inside the cage engages bait hanging from a strike arm pivotally mounted at one end to the second frame support. A link arm pivotally mounted at one end to the first frame support connects at its opposite end to an intermediate point along the strike arm with varying levels of tension. A kit for converting animal cages from floor pedal actuation to this hanging bait improvement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventors: Dean Pletcher, Caleb Moore
  • Patent number: 9015987
    Abstract: Disclosed is a trap including a status LED configured to indicate a trap status, a door sensor configured to indicate a door status, and a status button, configured to: 1) wake a micro controller such that the telemetry-enabled trap can be registered with a telemetry system, and 2) cause the status LED to indicate at least the trap status and the door status. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring the trap. The method includes receiving GPS data, monitoring the GPS data for valid positional information, and receiving an event message from a trap tracker module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: New Frequency, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Moran, Darrell Hollis, Frank Bowers, Leo Desjardins, Michael Cruse, Kevin Keegan, Bret Warren
  • Patent number: 9003691
    Abstract: A controller for a pest trap that includes a sensor, signaler, power source and activator in a housing to be attached to and detached from a pest trap. The sensor detects an animal in the trap and directs an activator to close a door of the trap. A signal is transmitted from the signaler of the housing to indicate that the trap has been activated and the door has been closed. The signal may be collected by a remote receiver. The housing may be detached from the trap and attached to a second trap, or reset on the same trap for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Rany Arlichson
  • Patent number: 9003692
    Abstract: A single use, hermetically sealing mousetrap has an enclosure accessible through a rotatably mounted door controlled by a spring-loaded door opening gear mechanism. Inside the enclosure is a spring-actuated setting axle/kill bar and setting bar combination that is movable between a kill position and a set position by manipulation of a setting handle positioned outside the enclosure. When in the set position, the door opening gear mechanism opens the door and tensions a torsional door spring. When the trap is tripped, the kill bar moves rapidly to the kill position which releases the door opening gear mechanism and allows the door spring to close the door and hermetically seal the trap with the dead mouse inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Gauker, Marko Konstantin Lubic, Gregory Greisman
  • Publication number: 20150059234
    Abstract: A fast closing remotely activated animal trap gate includes a gate with a wire mesh and a frame to hold the gate, with the gate moving within the frame between an open position and a closed position. A cable, interacting with a system of weight-reducing pulley wheels, holds the gate within the frame in an open position, and a release rod holds the cable in place. The release rod is retracted in order to allow release of the cable and consequent movement of the gate from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, low friction ball-bearing trolley wheels assist in the fast, downward fall of the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Scott Dykes, Randall Dykes, Ralph Hickle
  • Patent number: 8933812
    Abstract: A signaling device that indicates actuation of a remotely located mousetrap comprises a base that supports the trap, a power supply, and a mounted electrical interface switch. The switch is held open by a non-conductive interrupter positioned between the switch contacts and connected to the bail of the trap. The bail dislodges the interrupter and closes its switch when the trap is actuated, producing a visual flashing light at the users location. The signaling device can be tested by a test actuator switch located at the users location. A tether clips the signaling device to the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: William B Clifford
  • Publication number: 20150000181
    Abstract: A cage-type animal trap has an over-center set mechanism for holding open a door for closing the trap access opening. The set mechanism includes a pivotally mounted set lever coupled to the door of the trap by an actuating cable. A bait pedal is movably mounted inside the trap with a trip rod and link assembly secured to the pedal and to the set mechanism so that when an animal enters the trap, the weight of the animal moves the pedal, causing the trip rod and link assembly to actuate the set mechanism. Upon actuation, the set lever pivots past its over-center position to allow movement of the cable which enables the door to move from an opened position to a closed position to trap the animal inside the trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: WOODSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alan Weir BUCHER
  • Publication number: 20140352199
    Abstract: Generally, an animal trap floatable in a body of water having an entry enclosure defining an entry opening having a trap door which by operation of a door latch including a door trip element and a door set element rotates about a door pivot axis between a set-closed condition and a tripped-open condition allowing an animal lured by a bait in a bait station to fall through a trap floor into an interior chamber defined by apertured walls of a container allowing serial capture of plurality of animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Mike Loyd Matney
  • Patent number: 8857102
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a rodent proofing and entrapment system, the system comprising: a rodent proof shell; a opening disposed in the shell communicating with a rodent passage; a bridge having a proximal end disposed proximate to the first opening and a distal end disposed proximal to a trap chamber, the bridge being configured to pivot on a pivot axis; a door, engaged by the proximal end of the bridge, such that when a rodent crosses the pivot axis towards the distal end of the, the door closes; a flap depending from the distal end of the bridge excluding rodent access beneath the bridge and closing the trap chamber when the distal end of the bridge is in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Gary B Weisberg, Barry Franks, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140298710
    Abstract: A humane animal trap includes an enclosure having an opening with a door disposed therein. The door is pivotable about an upper edge between open and closed positions, and is biased toward the closed position by a torsion spring. A transfer arm is disposed along a side of the enclosure and has a catch that is biased into engagement with the door when the door is in the open position and a trip release is engaged with the transfer arm. The transfer arm is operable to rotate the catch away from the entry door in response to disengagement of the trip release. A mechanical sensor is disposed in the enclosure and includes a trip pad coupled to the trip release. The mechanical sensor disengages the trip release from the transfer arm when an animal enters the trap, thereby closing the door behind the animal and capturing it unharmed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Pomerantz
  • Patent number: 8839550
    Abstract: A rodent station for capturing or trapping mice, rats or other rodents may provide one or more rodent entry points and is sized to receive one or more rodent suppression devices, such as conventional snap traps, ramp traps, glue boards, etc. The rodent station may present a high contrast entrance that is relatively darker than the station enclosure. The station opening size may be adjustable to accommodate both mice and/or rats. An interior receptacle for station maintenance records or other printed material may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gardner, Jay R. Anderson, Christopher C. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20140259873
    Abstract: A two-piece, sanitary, safe and humane mousetrap comprising an entrance device and a container, wherein the entrance device comprises a tunnel, a one-way door, a mousetrap support piece, a fastening mechanism, and a door locking mechanism, is disclosed. Specifically, the mousetrap is formed by inserting the container to the entrance device from the back of the tunnel all the way to the one-way door. Preferably the one-way door comprises a pivotal wire door with a push-and-lock mechanism or comprises a gate with a touch-and-drop mechanism. The preferred entrance device is able to fit a common bottle. When the entrance device contains a flat rim fitted around the tunnel, the entrance device is capable of fitting containers of various sizes and shapes during repeated uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Shawn Zhu
  • Publication number: 20140208633
    Abstract: A trigger mechanism for an animal cage having a door that can be closed by linking to hanging bait comprises a frame for mounting to that cage. The frame includes a first support pivotally mounted at its base end, a second support fixedly mounted substantially perpendicular to the frame; and a door actuation bar pivotally mounted to the frame at one end. That actuation bar connects to a latch on the cage door and pulls on that latch to close the door when an animal inside the cage engages bait hanging from a strike arm pivotally mounted at one end to the second frame support. A link arm pivotally mounted at one end to the first frame support connects at its opposite end to an intermediate point along the strike arm with varying levels of tension. A kit for converting animal cages from floor pedal actuation to this hanging bait improvement is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Dean Pletcher, Caleb Moore
  • Patent number: 8782946
    Abstract: A cage-type animal trap has an over-center set mechanism for holding open a door for closing the trap access opening. The set mechanism includes a pivotally mounted set lever coupled to the door of the trap by an actuating cable. A bait pedal is movably mounted inside the trap with a trip rod and link assembly secured to the pedal and to the set mechanism so that when an animal enters the trap, the weight of the animal moves the pedal, causing the trip rod and link assembly to actuate the set mechanism. Upon actuation, the set lever pivots past its over-center position to allow movement of the cable which enables the door to move from an opened position to a closed position to trap the animal inside the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Weir Bucher