Patents by Inventor Michael J. Gehret

Michael J. Gehret has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11006621
    Abstract: A glue trap for trapping vermin has a base flap and a cover flap formed by folding a cardboard sheet to create a folding hinge. At least one slot is formed in the cover flap at or near the fold line. A target surface of non-drying adhesive is installed on or over the upper surface of the base flap. Optionally, a target surface of non-drying adhesive is installed on or over the upper surface of the cover flap. In one embodiment, a tilt trigger having a bent angle shape has its first arm appended to the target and its second arm inserted into the slot opening of the cover flap, and in contact with the rear surface of the cover flap. The trap is installed with the base flap over a horizontal support surface and the cover flap disposed at an angle thereto and preferably in contact with a vertical surface, such as a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Gehret, Paul M. Gehret, Frank M. Lesniak
  • Patent number: 7010882
    Abstract: An electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, high voltage output circuit for trapping and exterminating pests. The high-voltage output circuit is connected to a pair of killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train for a period of time constituting a killing cycle when a known impedance is sensed across the plates. If, upon conclusion of the killing cycle, the impedance remains across the plates, the circuit activates a visual indicator to alert a user that the trap contains a dead mouse. However, if the impedance increases to that of an open circuit, likely meaning the animal has escaped, the circuit automatically rearms itself and no visual indicator is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rich, Larry L Harman, David L. Anderson, Michael J. Gehret
  • Patent number: 6836999
    Abstract: An electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, high voltage output circuit for trapping and exterminating pests. The high-voltage output circuit is connected to a pair of killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train for a period of time constituting a killing cycle when a known impedance is sensed across the plates. If, upon conclusion of the killing cycle, the impedance remains across the plates, the circuit activates a visual indicator to alert a user that the trap contains a dead mouse. However, if the impedance increases to that of an open circuit, likely meaning the animal has escaped, the circuit automatically rearms itself and no visual indicator is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rich, Larry L. Harman, David L. Anderson, Michael J. Gehret
  • Publication number: 20040231227
    Abstract: An electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, high voltage output circuit for trapping and exterminating pests. The high-voltage output circuit is connected to a pair of killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train for a period of time constituting a killing cycle when a known impedance is sensed across the plates. If, upon conclusion of the killing cycle, the impedance remains across the plates, the circuit activates a visual indicator to alert a user that the trap contains a dead mouse. However, if the impedance increases to that of an open circuit, likely meaning the animal has escaped, the circuit automatically rearms itself and no visual indicator is initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rich, Larry L. Harman, David L. Anderson, Michael J. Gehret
  • Patent number: 6796081
    Abstract: An electric or electronic animal trap wherein the housing includes a pair of spaced electrodes or charge plates in a killing chamber intermediate the trap entrance and a source of bait. Interposed in the pathway to the electrodes is at least one diverter which discourages a target animal from reversing direction before it is electrocuted. In one embodiment, juxtaposed to the entrance are at least two diverter members angularly offset relative to each other to define a maze-like path to lead a target animal to the charge plates for electrocution while discouraging reversal of direction and protecting against direct access to the charge plates through the entrance opening by children, pets or non-target species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Anderson, Michael J. Gehret, David W. Swift, Christopher T. Rich
  • Patent number: 6775947
    Abstract: An electric or electronic animal trap wherein the housing includes a pair of spaced electrodes or charge plates in a killing chamber intermediate the trap entrance and a source of bait. Interposed in the pathway to the electrodes is at least one diverter which discourages a target animal from reversing direction before it is electrocuted. In one embodiment, juxtaposed to the entrance are at least two diverter members angularly offset relative to each other to define a maze-like path to lead a target animal to the charge plates for electrocution while discouraging reversal of direction and protecting against direct access to the charge plates through the entrance opening by children, pets or non-target species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Anderson, Michael J. Gehret, David W. Swift, Christopher T. Rich
  • Publication number: 20040111952
    Abstract: An electric or electronic animal trap wherein the housing includes a pair of spaced electrodes or charge plates in a killing chamber intermediate the trap entrance and a source of bait. Interposed in the pathway to the electrodes is at least one diverter which discourages a target animal from reversing direction before it is electrocuted. In one embodiment, juxtaposed to the entrance are at least two diverter members angularly offset relative to each other to define a maze-like path to lead a target animal to the charge plates for electrocution while discouraging reversal of direction and protecting against direct access to the charge plates through the entrance opening by children, pets or non-target species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Anderson, Michael J. Gehret, David W. Swift, Christopher T. Rich
  • Publication number: 20040111953
    Abstract: An electric or electronic animal trap wherein the housing includes a pair of spaced electrodes or charge plates in a killing chamber intermediate the trap entrance and a source of bait. Interposed in the pathway to the electrodes is at least one diverter which discourages a target animal from reversing direction before it is electrocuted. In one embodiment, juxtaposed to the entrance are at least two diverter members angularly offset relative to each other to define a maze-like path to lead a target animal to the charge plates for electrocution while discouraging reversal of direction and protecting against direct access to the charge plates through the entrance opening by children, pets or non-target species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Anderson, Michael J. Gehret, David W. Swift, Christopher T. Rich
  • Patent number: 6735899
    Abstract: An electric or electronic animal trap wherein the housing includes a pair of spaced electrodes or charge plates in a killing chamber intermediate the trap entrance and a source of bait. Interposed in the pathway to the electrodes is at least one diverter which discourages a target animal from reversing direction before it is electrocuted. In one embodiment, juxtaposed to the entrance are at least two diverter members angularly offset relative to each other to define a maze-like path to lead a target animal to the charge plates for electrocution while discouraging reversal of direction and protecting against direct access to the charge plates through the entrance opening by children, pets or non-target species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Anderson, Michael J. Gehret, David W. Swift, Christopher T. Rich
  • Patent number: 6548085
    Abstract: A synergistic insecticide is provided by the addition of sodium lauryl sulfate or lecithin to an essential oil, preferably an essential oil which has been deregulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, to enable independently inactive or relatively inactive materials to provide commercially acceptable insecticidal properties without the need for undesirable poisons that may be toxic to humans and pets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Karen A. Zobitne, Michael J. Gehret
  • Patent number: 5998484
    Abstract: A highly effective, broad spectrum, quick-acting, nonpoisonous insecticidal composition with synergistic kill ratio and kill time is provided when cornmint oil and sodium lauryl sulfate are combined as the essential active ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Karen A. Zobitne, Michael J. Gehret
  • Patent number: 5746020
    Abstract: A tunnel-type mousetrap has a central trapping mechanism powered by a rubber band or a coil spring. In the case of a rubber band, the band is wound between an anchor plate in the top wall of the tunnel and a striker plate that fits over the anchor plate and has end walls with trapping apertures that project downwardly through the tunnel. The rubber band urges the striker plate upwardly, and the trap is set by pushing down on the striker plate to engage a pivotal trigger carried by the anchor plate. When a mouse enters the tunnel and dislodges the trigger, the striker plate springs upwardly under the force of the rubber band and traps the mouse's neck in one of the trapping apertures. The trigger may be scented to attract mice and may hold a sunflower seed as additional bait. To provide the trap with a longer shelf life, the rubber band may be replaced by a coil spring fitted between the anchor plate and the striker plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph F. Fiore, Jr., Michael J. Gehret, Gary Roulston, Hesham El-Khateeb
  • Patent number: 5692336
    Abstract: A tunnel-type mousetrap has a central trapping mechanism powered by a rubber band. The rubber band is wound between an anchor plate in the top wall of the tunnel and a striker plate that fits over the anchor plate and has end walls with trapping apertures that project downwardly through the tunnel. The rubber band urges the striker plate upwardly, and the trap is set by pushing down on the striker plate to engage a pivotal trigger carried by the anchor plate. When a mouse enters the tunnel and dislodges the trigger, the striker plate springs upwardly under the force of the rubber band and traps the mouse's neck in one of the trapping apertures. The trigger may be scented to attract mice and may hold a sunflower seed as additional bait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph F. Fiore, Jr., Michael J. Gehret, Gary Roulston
  • Patent number: 5665370
    Abstract: An insecticidal product comprises a solid substrate impregnated with sterile cockroach aggregation pheromones, a sterile insecticidal composition comprises a solvent extract of the product, which may be in solution, and an insect attractant product comprises a solid substrate having the composition partially or fully coated thereon. The product and composition of the invention may be utilized in the manufacture of insect traps provided with a hollow receptacle and an opening, and optionally, a cover. An insect trap may comprise a hollow receptacle with a slippery internal surface to prevent the exit of the insects, and an opening, and optionally a cover. The present products are particularly suitable for trapping insects, such as cockroaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Temple University Of The Commonwealth System Of Higher Education
    Inventors: Michael J. Gehret, Frank N. Chang
  • Patent number: 5572825
    Abstract: A glue trap for trapping vermin, such as insects, rodents and the like. In particular, a glue trap for trapping cockroaches, having a design which significantly enhances the number of cockroaches which are caught. The glue trap is designed for use specifically in target areas such as corner locations and confined spaces which are regions frequented by cockroaches, and has a unique right angled corner portion and a top opening in the corner substantially above the glue surface. A three-dimensional trap with top and side openings is provided through which vermin may access the trap interior. The trap may include an attractant to entice cockroaches and provides a slippery surface and/or substantially smooth interior surfaces juxtaposed to the adhesive so that once a cockroach is caught on the adhesive it is unable to use either a surrounding surface or edge to pull itself free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Gehret
  • Patent number: 5401506
    Abstract: An insecticidal composition comprising a first composition having an effective amount of at least one species of entomopathogen distributed in a matrix. A second composition selected from vegetable oil, crop oil and partially hydrogenated oil containing mono- and di-glycerides surrounds the first composition and significantly prolongs nematode viability. The matrix is a nematode-containing macrogel or paste of partially hydrogenated oils containing mono- and di-glycerides. The macrogel matrix is selected from a continuous polymer macrogel or microcapsule-containing macrogel. Partially hydrogenated oils containing mono- and di-glycerides, (e.g., Crisco.RTM. shortening), can also be mixed with free nematodes to produce a paste formulation. Trapping nematodes in a Crisco.RTM. matrix formulation along with a water retentive polymer results in increased protection against desiccation and significantly prolongs viability during storage. An insect feeding stimulant, such as raffinose, may also be added to the mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Temple University
    Inventors: Frank N. Chang, Michael J. Gehret
  • Patent number: 5238681
    Abstract: An insect bait station comprising a first compartment with a hydrated macel containing at least one species of entomopathogen and a second compartment containing a hydrated water retentive compound layer which acts as a water-reservoir for the entomopathogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Temple University - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Frank N. Chang, Michael J. Gehret
  • Patent number: 5141744
    Abstract: An insecticidal composition in the form of a hydrated macrogel containing at least one species of entomopathogen and a hydrated water retentive compound which acts as a water-reservoir for the entomopathogen. Optionally, the macrogel contains attractants, in particular raffinose and gamma-irradiated, fungal-decayed wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Temple University
    Inventors: Frank N. Chang, Michael J. Gehret