Abstract: A rat trap includes a frame with a tunnel or arch at a first and, the tunnel formed with a slit over the entrance. A spring is mounted on the frame and a locking mechanism can temporarily maintain the spring in tension. A cable is attached to the spring and includes a noose at a distal end. With the noose disposed in the slit, a switch such as a mechanical switch or an electrical switch is arranged to detect the presence of a rat in the tunnel below the slit. The switch operates to release the spring and withdraw the noose from the tunnel at a high rate of speed to capture the animal in the tunnel.

Abstract: A trap for collecting animals includes a bin and a frame mounted above the bin's open top. A panel is mounted to the frame and pivots with respect to the stationary frame via a connection to a hinge. The frame includes a bait compartment at a first end of the panel that lures an animal to climb the frame and traverse the panel to get to the bait. The panel is held level by a magnet when the panel is unweighted, but when an animal attempts to cross the panel the weight of the animal overcomes the bias of the magnet and the panel tips downward, delivering the animal into the bin.

Abstract: A machine for use in picking up objects having a cellophane outer covering using a vacuum, the machine comprising a housing, a vacuum source, a suction cup coupled to the vacuum source, a transport system for moving the suction cup horizontally and vertically within the housing, and a plurality of objects having a cellophane outer covering in the housing below the pick-up device. The plurality of objects include an adhesively applied target on at least one of the cellophane outer coverings, the adhesively applied target having a surface area greater than a surface area circumscribed by a lowermost edge of the suction cup, and the suction cup includes a threaded tubular member extending axially therein through, the threaded tubular member including stops that engage an upper and lower surface of the suction cup.

Abstract: A urinary catheter device is disclosed that uses a condom that is placed over the penis and connects to a tube that leads to a collection bag or container. To maintain the condom on the penis, the device includes a hinged sleeve that is placed over the condom on the shaft of the penis and prevents slipping. The sleeve is held in place by an elastic band, and the dry frictional contact between the condom, the sleeve, and the patient has been found to prevent the catheter device from slipping off the patient.

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.

Abstract: A system for maneuvering a pick-up device such as a vacuum, claw, or other crane for an arcade game or the like comprises a metallic frame and two motors. A mount is suspended over the frame and the movement of the mount is managed by monofilament loops rotated by the motors using a set of four stacks of pulleys. The arrangement of the pulleys allows the mount and pick-up device to be easily maneuvered anywhere within the frame.

Abstract: A utility hook assembly is disclosed that conveniently secures to a planar surface such as the bottom of a counter or cabinet, and has a plurality of hooks that extend perpendicular to a mounting base. The base may be half of a hinge plate with a plurality of eyelets that are collinear at an edge of the hinge plate. The eyelets each receive one of two L-shaped rods with an upturned, outwardly formed tip that cooperate to serve as hooks such that the hooks can swing/pivot about the eyelets. The legs are separated by a metallic spacer that maintains the integrity of the rods. A magnet is mounted proximal to the hinge plate in a position that intersects the arc traveled by the spacer when the hooks are fully rotated parallel to the horizontal plane. The magnet captures the spacer, which in turn allows the hooks to be hidden when not in use.

Abstract: An arcade-type crane game has a vacuum pick-up device for capturing a target such as a laminated card that has ticket values printed prominently on each side of the card, and moves the captured card to a reader such as a barcode reader or RFID reader to read the card's information, e.g., value. The game then returns the card directly to the playing field, and a ticket dispensing machine delivers the proper number of tickets to the player. The use of cards reduces the space needed to display the targets, and the return of the cards to the playing field means that the proprietor rarely if ever needs to access the targets or the playing field. By placing the card reader inside the playing area, the entire process after capture can be completed in a matter of seconds, from capture to transport to reading to returning and ticket dispensing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arcade type crane game that includes a target support structure with cylindrical, open ended target holders to prevent targets from toppling before, during, and after playing the game. Here, cylindrical is used in its broadest sense to mean a regular upright structure that supports a target that is round, square, oval, rectangular, etc., and not limited to circular cross sections. The cylindrical holders allow the targets to be lifted upward out of the holder without resistance, but prevents targets from tipping over and knocking other targets over in the process.