Abstract: The tunnel trap is for use on paths normally used by rats and has two trips operated sequentially. A rat entering either end of the tunnel activates one trip and advances into the tunnel, activating the other trip, releasing the spring driven striker. This procedure and specific proportioning of elements of the trap assures that regardless of which direction the rat is passing through the tunnel it will be trapped and killed. In a mechanical embodiment the striker is held and released by a latch which is activated by a plunger rod which is, in turn, held and released by two latches, one activated by one trip pad in the tunnel and the other by a second trip pad. Each pad extends from near one end of the tunnel toward its longitudinal center. The pad ends toward the center are a distance apart related to the size range and physiques of the rats to be trapped.

Abstract: The tunnel trap is electrically powered and kills by electrocution. The animal trips two triggers (infrared beams for example), one near each end of the trap, so that the animal is entirely inside the trap when the trap is set off, electrocuting the animal by electric contacts with its head and feet. An elevator then lifts the animal so that it can roll and/or slide out of the trap through an opening in a side of the trap. The triggering allows doors, one at each end opening of the trap, to drop and cover the openings. There are grids on the doors, electrically connected when the doors are down. The animal contacts one door grid or the other as it attempts to escape and electrical current passes from its head to its feet which are on an electrical grid on the floor of the trap. As the elevator rises it lifts the doors to reset them for the next cycle.

Abstract: Guides or guide assemblies are detachably attached to the floor at the periphery of the base of a toilet, either by installing them before a toilet is removed or using a template which represents the base or by using appropriate measurements. The working faces of the guides of guide assemblies flare away from the space occupied by the toilet base so that a toilet being lowered into place in approximately the correct position contacts the working faces and is guided into the correct position on the floor. The guides are single pieces. The guide assemblies are each made of two interconnectable pieces, a base part and a spacer. The working face of a guide assembly is on the spacer and the spacer can be removed from the base when guidance is not required and it is useful to have the additional access provided by removal of the spacers.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a hook and a spring having an elongated arm portion. The spring is attached to the top of a conventional roadside mailbox with the arm parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the mailbox and with its end extending a short distance beyond the door at the end of the mailbox. The hook is attached to the door so that it can engage the end of the arm when the door is closed. The spring is such that when the door is opened and the hook is thereby moved to discharge from the end of the arm, the arm springs upward and comes to rest at a position up and away from the top of the mailbox, indicating that the door has been opened. The positions of the arm are made more clearly visible by tufts, tassels or the like attached to the arm near the end engaged by the hook. After the door is re-closed, the arm is manually reengaged with the hook.