Abstract: A mouse trap including a frame, a first trapping member, a second trapping member, and actuator means for causing the first and second trapping members to move from an open position to a closed position. The first and second trapping members are pivotable such that they each pivot horizontally in an arc towards each other from the open position to the closed position. The first and second trapping members are configured to trap a mouse when the first and second trapping members are in the closed position.

Abstract: A brassiere formed of an inner garment base, memory foam, a pair of under supports, and an outer fabric cover. The under support is rigid and has varying width and differing radii to accommodate the bottom portion shape of a natural breast or a breast implant, which is not a perfect semi-circle. The under support is positioned such that the foam encapsulates the under support keeping the proximal edge in proximity with bottom portion of the breast tissues or implant and the ribs. The under support has its largest width, thereby the largest contact surface with the implant or breast tissues, closest to the lateral end causing the breast tissues or implant to be supported upward and medially. The under support has openings or anchors extending thereform with openings to allow the foam to surround and go through the under support to secure it in place in the brassiere.

Abstract: The invention provides a trap for capturing and/or killing a mouse, the trap comprising: an enclosure comprising a base connected to at least one movable part and which houses a trigger; the trigger comprising an adhesive section; wherein the at least one movable part is urged against the force of a biasing means from a first position wherein the trap is in a closed state into a second position in which the trap is in a set state; wherein the at least one movable part is maintained in the second position by releasably engaging the trigger; and wherein the trap is triggered upon the mouse contacting the adhesive section and elevating the trigger so as to disengage the trigger from the at least one movable part so that it moves from the second position to the first position under the force of the biasing means.

Abstract: A cap is provided for a tubular raccoon trap. The cap fits in the open upper end of the set and baited trap to keep mice and other small animals stealing the bait in the trap. A raccoon can easily remove the cap for access to the bait, to thereby trip the trigger and be caught in the trap.

Abstract: An animal trap has a base, an upper jaw pivotally coupled with the base so that it is movable between a closed position and an open position, and a set arm that is pivotally coupled with the upper jaw and moveable between a collapsed position and an open position. In its open position, the set arm provides a lever whereby application of a force to the set arm moves the upper jaw toward its open position. A method for trapping an animal includes moving a trap between a first position, where the upper jaw is closed, and the set arm is collapsed, and a second position, where the upper jaw is closed and the set arm is open. The method further includes the step of moving the trap between a second position and a third position in which the upper jaw is open, and the set arm is open.

Abstract: A mole trap has a tough plastic base with downwardly extending fixed blades. Movable plastic blades are pivotably connected to the base and urged into a sprung condition by springs. A two-segment lever extends between the base and a catch which is pivotably mounted to the base. A trigger extends through a central opening in the catch and has a post which protrudes beneath the catch where it can be actuated by the targeted mole. Operation of the trigger post causes the lever to release from its engagement with the catch so that the movable blades close on and strike the mole positioned beneath the trap. The trigger has a release tab extending from the lever, allowing convenient release from the set position, and an upwardly protruding set arm allowing trigger depression from a point exterior to the handle into its desired set configuration.

Abstract: A rodent trap comprises a stiff U-shaped spring with long outstretched arms and wire half-noose that are normally closed tightly together. A folding spreader mechanism at the base of the U-shaped spring holds the long outstretched arms apart until a trigger allows the spreader to fold up. The folding spreader mechanism is prevented from extending over-center and locking like a knee joint as near the point of going over-center, a tiny force like a trigger keeps the folding spreader mechanism extended even against strong spring pressures.

Abstract: A trap includes a generally U-shaped spring element with a first and a second arm extending in the same general direction, the arms ending in a set of jaws, the spring element implemented such that with the spring relaxed the jaw set is closed, a trigger linkage comprising a first link pivoted on the first arm of the spring element and a second link pivoted on the second arm of the spring element, with the first link positioned in front of the second link toward the jaw set, and pivoted to the second link at a point between the arms about equidistant from each arm, wherein the length of the links is such that, with the spring element relaxed the linkage is folded, and with the spring element arms urged apart with the arms approximately parallel, the links are essentially collinear, a constraint mechanism rigidly attached to the second link and having an extension over the first link, such that, with the spring element positioned horizontally, the linkage mechanism is constrained to a specific magnitude of fol

Abstract: A rodent snap trap device includes a snap bar rotatably coupled to a base. The snap bar is rotatable between a spring biased, rest position and a loaded position. A unitary trigger is pivotably coupled to the base. The trigger includes a horizontal trigger portion with a rectangular platform and a vertical trigger portion with a catch. Disposed on an external side of the vertical trigger portion, the catch is located outside of a snap zone defined by a perimeter of the snap bar in the rest position such that setting up the trap does not require a user to expose his hand to the pathway of the snap bar. Adhesive material and/or rodent attractants may be disposed on a top surface of the rectangular platform. A removable cover is disposed over the platform, covering the adhesive material and/or rodent attractants.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism for an animal trap is disclosed, comprising a trigger plate moveable in a vertical direction and provided with at least one cam surface on its lower face, a retaining pin for preventing release of the trap until triggered, slidable longitudinally thereby to allow release of the trap, the retaining pin being linked to at least one cam follower, such that downward movement of the trigger plate causes the retaining pin to slide thereby causing release of the trap. The trigger plate and the retaining pin are preferably biassed in an adjustable manner so as to allow a degree of selectivity in the animals which are caught.

Abstract: The present invention includes improvements to a rotating frame trap which makes the trap more species specific and provides a more humane kill of targeted species. These improvements include means of trigger tensioning, latch adjustment for hair trigger firing, a recessed trigger design, multiple latches, a square notch latch coupled with a flat jaw wire, a pan attachement on a trigger, and a one directional firing mechanism.

Abstract: Tuna are separated from dolphins who often travel together by temporarily stunning the tuna and allowing the dolphins to continue on course. The tuna stunning is accomplished by creating underwater sounds of a selected frequency range which has a maximum impact on the tuna and a minimum impact on the dolphins.

Abstract: A position-dependent switch to sense deployment of an underwater pinger to enable operation upon deployment. During underwater deployment the pinger orients itself differently from an orientation chosen for the stowed (not deployed) condition. The position-dependent, or orientation-dependent, switch senses the pinger orientation and enables pinger operation automatically upon deployment. When the pinger is stowed the position-dependent switch disables the operation of the pinger.

Abstract: An animal trap which is capable of operating in a confined space such as that of a hole. The trap comprises of a pair of jaws which are urged to a closed position and prevented from being opened once closed by a compression spring. A trigger mechanism is used to latchably maintain the said jaws in a open position and provides a animal with a means to disengage the said latch. The said jaws are pivotally mounted to and between two side frames which are secured to a circular base frame.

Abstract: A shrimp trawl net excluder device which excludes debris and turtle size sea creatures, fin-fish and other such marine life while allowing the desired shrimp catch to be retained. A hoop is provided in association with or adapted to such hard framed excluder devices, having a spoiler plate which directs the flow of water directly into the excluder grating forming a fast moving current which serves as a water curtain. The water curtain allows debris, fin-fish, and other unwanted sea creatures to pass unobstructed through an unobstructed aperture in the net, located directly above the excluder, thus eliminating the need for a net flap or gate apparatus.

Abstract: In one aspect, the sweepline system of the invention include a sweepline chain divided into a series of uniform subunits of common length attached along its U-shaped length to the hanging chains of the bottom trawl wherein such sweepline system is provided with its own separate auxiliary floatation system. In another aspect, a series of transverse drag chains are attached relative to the sweepline chain or the like, at a series of equally spaced junctions and downwardly sweep from such junctions in a downwardly depending direction, such junctions being located below the trawl net but above the bottom of the ocean, sea or the like wherein each drag chain comprises a series of chain links of overall length L defining a series of hinges therealong at the intersection of the individual links.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using the primordial fear of dolphin of killer whales to separate dolphin from tuna. The sound of killer whale is recorded, digitized, edited and enhanced to produce digitally synthesized killer whale sounds. These digitally synthesized sounds of one or more feeding killer whale is played under water and in the vicinity of a mixed school of dolphin and tuna and as the dolphin leave said vicinity, catching the tuna in nets. A playback unit is selectively triggered on and off from a remote location.

Abstract: Fishing trawl device comprised of an outer net and inner net of differing mesh sizes that excludes undesirable objects and organisms incidental to trawling. The device consists of an outer net of net mesh size as may be necessary or legally prescribed to contain a particular species and an inner net of larger net mesh size relative to the netting comprising the outer net, as may be necessary or legally prescribed to filter and exclude objects or organisms. The outer and inner nets are joined at the forward extremity of the device and are connected at the aft end of the inner net to an opening in the body portion of the outer net by an inner tubular section of fabric or netting. The inner tubular section of fabric or netting prevents escape of the target species by protecting the opening in the body portion of the outer net, while facilitating the exclusion of objects or organisms.

Abstract: A fish net constructed of conventional open mesh flexible net material is provided with an aperture having an escape panel secured therein. The escape panel is comprised of extruded plastic net material which is substantially rigid to maintain the mesh configuration while permitting slight bending of the panel. Thus, undersized fish can escape through the mesh of the escape panel without being gilled.

Abstract: The invention is a fishing net system which is selective for catching one or more species and for excluding one or more species. It includes a fishing net having webbing of adequate size to catch one or more desired species a sound transmitting unit and one or more underwater speakers. The sound transmitting unit is at a remote location, e.g. on a boat, and the speakers are located, within close proximity to the fishing net. The speakers emit sounds which offend one or more species and frighten them away from the net without offending other species.

Abstract: A turtle exclusion apparatus for inclusion in shrimp trawling nets which features a turtle exclusion grate having bowed vertical bars and an "overhang" at its base and may also feature, when in combination with a net section in which it is contained, an opening by which fish may escape from the trawling net.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using the primordial fear of dolphin of killer whales to separate dolphin from tuna. The sound of killer whale is recorded, digitized, edited and enhanced to produce digitally synthesized killer whale sounds. These digitally synthesized sounds of one or more feeding killer whale is played under water and in the vicinity of a mixed school of dolphin and tuna and as the dolphin leave said vicinity, catching the tuna in nets. A playback unit is selectively triggered on and off from a remote location.

Abstract: A shrimp trawl or net having a second piggyback net attached to an opening in the top side of the body of the trawl and a pulser to stimulate mature shrimp to enter the opening in the second net. Alternatively, an upper deck is formed in the body of the main trawl and the pulser is positioned so as to stimulate the targeted shrimp species to enter the upper deck while non-targeted species and debris pass out the back of the trawl. Both the piggyback net and the upper deck have a releasably closable back end to allow the operator to close the net or deck during towing operations, and to open the back end after the trawl has been pulled aboard the shrimp boat.

Abstract: Improvements on the Parra "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING DOLPHIN FROM TUNA" using the primordial fear of dolphin of killer whales to separate dolphin from tuna wherein the sound of feeding killer whale is recorded, digitized, edited and enhanced to produce digitally synthesized killer whale sounds. These digitally synthesized sounds of one or more feeding killer whale is played under water and in the vicinity of a mixed school of dolphin and tuna and as the dolphin leave said vicinity, catching the tuna in nets. According to the present invention, one or more of a plurality of playback units are selectively triggered on and off from a remote location to steer the dolphin to safety. The playback unit is carried in an elongated hollow tube having a weighted end and a recovery end, the weight causing the end it is on to go to a predetermined depth in the sea with the recovery end having a hook for aerial retrieval.

Abstract: A weedless turtle exclusion device which excludes turtles and like sized things from trawl nets and the like, while allowing the desired catch therethrough. A deflector, through which the catch passes en route to the net's tail bag or codend is situated between optional spacer rings in the trawling net and comprises a circular frame angularly affixed to the internal walls of the net's chute. Situated at upstream connection points are parallel deflection bars, running from the upstream connection points toward the downstream side of the frame. The bars are spaced allowing passage of the desired catch, e.g., shrimp, while narrow enough to deflect the larger turtles. They are unconnected on their downstream side and angled about five to thirty-five (5-35) degrees relative to the frame, forming an opening between their downstream end and the frame. In operation (FIG. 4) the catch and turtles are directed into the trawl via a large mouth opening into the chute area.

Abstract: A bail-type animal trap for small rodents and the like, having a self-setting triggering mechanism. The trap includes a spring-loaded, bail-type striker which is hinged to the upper surface of the base. The striker is releasably retained in the cocked position by a resilient latch which is connected by a wire or rod to a trigger plate which is adapted to hold a piece of bait. The trigger plate engages a stop affixed to the base. The trigger plate includes an integral catch for engaging the stop, and an integral fulcrum which causes the trigger to release when it is either lifted, depressed, or moved sideways. The striker further includes a self-setter which returns the trigger plate to the set position each time the trap is sprung.

Abstract: An animal trap having a frame, a pair of jaws rotatably mounted on the frame and a first spring on the frame to urge the jaws toward each other from the open position to the closed position. A pan is located between the jaws when the jaws are in the open position and is pivotally mounted on the frame. A dog is pivotally mounted on the frame and is adapted to contact the pan and hold the jaws in the open position. A notch is located at the free end of the dog and engages the end of the pan to hold the trap in the open position.

Abstract: A inverted debris exclusion device, inserted in a trawl body of a shrimp trawl net immediately before the cod end, permits the ready release of trapped bottom debris and excludes fish from the cod end. The device is an array of angled, spaced bars, oriented in the direction of trawl flow and affixed to the trawl net, supporting the trawl net through a net entry hoop. An arcuate hinged bottom opening escape door is attached to the excluder at hinge points intermediate the top and the bottom of the net hoop; the door when closed provides a continuous net section preventing the escape of shrimp, yet is readily opened by the weight and force of debris and fish, as these naturally descend the array of excluder bars.

Abstract: A gopher trap has a wire base frame with elongate limbs connected by a cross member at a distal end of the trap. Wire jaws are pivotly mounted on the respective limbs adjacent the distal end. The limbs are connected at the proximal end of the trap by a transverse pin which carries a pivotal jaw actuator plate and a pivotal trigger pan. The trigger pan is attached to an elongate trigger rod which extends under the length of the actuator plate to the distal end of the trap. The actuator plate embraces the respective jaws for opening and closing same and is spring urged away from the base frame to bias the jaws into closed position. The trap may be set by depressing the actuator plate and allowing the trigger pan to pivot forwardly so that the distal end of the trigger rod can engage under the cross member at the distal end of the base frame. The trap is sprung when a rodent pushes the trigger pan rearwardly and disengages the trigger rod from under the cross member.

Abstract: Conventional traps often catch animals by the leg rather than killing them outright. This trap utilizes two spring actuated jaws closing upon a base ring but with stops on the base ring maintaining the movable jaws slightly open when sprung so that an animal cannot be caught by the leg. The trip mechanism is such that it can be actuated by pressure upon any part of the pan thus releasing the jaws and killing the animal with a blow to the head or neck area. The spring mechanism is such that if large animals are accidentally caught by the foot, they are able to pull foot free.

Abstract: A humane animal trap comprised of two pairs of laterally-spaced arms of spring wire material. Each pair of arms merges at its rear ends with a coil spring portion which strongly biases the two arms of each pair together. One arm of each pair is forwardly joined to a rigid transverse striking bar adapted to be set in upwardly- vertically-spaced relation to the lower arms of each pair, whereby releasing the striking bar causes it to descend with sufficient force to instantly section the spinal cord of an animal. Setting means and release means are provided to achieve this. A locking means is further provided to prevent injury while setting the trap. An alternate embodiment is adapted to trap smaller animals.

Abstract: An animal trap of a type having pivotal jaws operated by spring loaded actuators which embrace the jaws and which are pivotally mounted on the arms of a U-shaped retention pin is provided with a security device for preventing an animal caught in the trap from pulling out the pin with its teeth and thereby dismantling the trap. The security device is in the form of a tongue upset from a cross frame member of the trap over which the base portion of the pin extends. The tongue engages the outer surface of the pin and prevents axial withdrawal of the pin arms from the actuators.

Abstract: An improved animal trap adapted to be less injurious to a trapped animal because of a center mounted swiveling chain. The trap also has a flat base made possible by novel way of fastening the trigger mechanism to the base and uses a novel self-setting trigger system. Furthermore, because of unique jaw levers, the initial force tending to close the trap is substantially greater than that of former traps of similar size and conformation.

Abstract: A trap having a tubular housing with front and back ends, and jaws pivotally attached near the front end of the housing which are released by a positive pull trigger and a release mechanism therefor. The jaws are connected to an elongated U-shaped yoke which is driven by a spring for closing the jaws.

Abstract: An animal trap utilizes a generally X-shaped base to provide a balanced mounting of a pair of U-shaped jaws, a pair of torsion coil springs, and elements of a trigger mechanism. When the trap is set, the jaws are pivoted downwardly relative to the base and lie in a horizontal planesurrounding a trigger pan, whereby the set trap is of minimal height. A means of adjustment is provided to enable the force required to operate the trigger pan to be adjusted through a wide range to accommodate the trap for use with a wide variety of animals. Mounting rods extend through two spaced coiled portions of each of the torsion coil springs to couple the springs securely to the base. The springs have U-shaped leg portions which engage sides of the jaws and bias the jaws toward their closed position. The U-shaped leg portions wedge the jaws together as the jaws approach their closed position, and prevent the jaws from being moved apart by a trapped animal.

Abstract: Inadvertent actuation of a rotating jaw trap is eliminated by limiting the rotation of spring-loaded jaw actuators in the trap set position. The position-limited actuators prevent opening of the jaws beyond the set position if one of the jaws is stepped upon by an animal which would otherwise release the trap-setting dog member from the trap trigger pan. With this elimination of slack in the set jaws, the trap is only sprung when the trigger pan is stepped upon. In the preferred embodiment, the limitation of rotation by the actuators is effected by upturned flange members from the trap frame or frame-holding bracket. The flange members may be apertured to receive pivot rods for the actuator members.

Abstract: An improved trigger mechanism for a rotating frame animal trap includes a single plate which is bent along its transversely extending center line and includes end portions which are contoured to rotatably engage one of the side portions of a trap frame. Spaced holes defined through the plate along the center line receive respective prongs of a two-prong bent wire trigger arm which is supported by the folded plate. A tab is cut in the plate and bent out of plane to serve as a wedge for securing the bent wire trigger arm along the center line. Cut-out portions from opposite ends of the plate in the region of the contoured portions provide exposure of the surrounded frame portion side to permit a latching mechanism, which is pivotally secured to another frame, to releasably engage the exposed portion of the frame on which the trigger mechanism is supported. The trigger mechanism is constructed for release when the trigger arm is engaged by an animal from any direction.

Abstract: An improved animal trap of the leg-hold type has a trap pan formed with a grid having all lower surfaces tapered to a knife edge so that there is no requirement to cover the trap pan with paper or plastic when covering the entire trap with fine dirt to disguise the trap from the animal. The dirt placed over the trap is permitted to fall beneath the inventive grid pan, since the sharpened lower surfaces can easily penetrate this dirt. Stabilizing legs are attached to the trap frame to permit the trap to be firmly anchored in the ground when it is set.

Abstract: An animal trap comprises a base member with two jaws pivotally connected thereto. Rings extend slidably about adjacent side members of the jaws and springs bias the rings away from the base member and towards end members of the jaws to move the jaws from a horizontal, open position to a vertical, closed position. A bell crank is pivotally connected to the base member and has an upwardly moveable portion where bait is secured. An elongate rod is pivotally connected to the bell crank at one end and engages one of the side members at a second end, when the jaws are horizontal, to maintain the trap in the open position. When an animal tugs on the bait, the rod disengages from the one side member and the trap closes to trap the head of the animal.

Abstract: An adjustable animal trap is adapted for both trigger and triggerless operation. A pivotal support for the trap's pan frame is movable along a slot located at right angles to the trap jaws for positioning a catch in engaging relation with a trap jaw. A second pivotal support is slidably positionable along the same slot and carries a trigger lever for alternatively engaging the pan frame catch. The pan is also slidable along the pan frame.

Abstract: A pan-type animal trap having a frame, a pair of jaws pivotally mounted on the frame and spring loaded arms pivotally mounted on the frame in cooperating relationship with the jaws to close the jaws. A pan pivotally mounted on the frame and located between the jaws when the jaws are open. A dog pivotally mounted on the frame overlying one of the jaws when the jaws are open and having a free end located under an end of the pan adjacent to the pivotal mounting of the pan. The free end of the dog and the end of the pan under which the free end of the dog is located having openings which are aligned when the free end of the dog is located below the end of the pan, and a frangible shear pin extending through the aligned openings to hold the pan and the dog together and provide the desired pan tension when the jaws are open.

Abstract: Trigger formed from a single piece of wire to provide two legs and a head in the bight, the head being formed to clip around a jaw of a trap to provide a frame around the dog.

Abstract: An animal trap having two similar frames each having jaw forming sides and ends extending between the sides to support the jaws. The ends have a central portion in which the frames are pivotally engaged through adjacent ends for rotation about a common axis between set and closed positions and outer portions on each side of the central portion of the jaws. At least one actuator capable of rapidly and forcefully effecting the rotation is present. The actuator has two arms spring biased at one end so that the other ends, which terminate in rings encircling adjacent ends of both frames on opposite sides of the axis would, if unobstructed, move apart to a distance substantially greater than the length of the frame ends. There are trigger means for releasably maintaining the trap in set position.

Abstract: An improved trigger mechanism particularly useful with a rotating frame animal trap, the present trigger mechanism comprises a rotary universal joint which allows angular displacement of the trigger mechanism about a frame of the trap on which said trigger mechanism is pivotally carried. Free ends of spaced prongs extending from the trigger mechanism toward the interior of the trap contact an animal entering the trap from any direction, sufficient force caused by such contact angularly displacing the trigger mechanism to spring the trap.

Abstract: An improved trigger mechanism of the push-pull type which is particularly useful for a rotating frame animal trap, the present trigger mechanism causing the trap to be sprung on contact therewith by the animal regardless of the direction from which such contact occurs. The present trigger mechanism is slidably mounted on a frame member of the trap, the free ends of spaced prongs extending from the frame member toward the interior of the trap. A body member of the trigger mechanism mounts the spaced prongs, the anterior ends of the spaced prongs extending into overlapping engagement with the frame member and being movable relative thereto. The body member has an arcuate recess on an upper surface portion thereof, the recess loosely receiving at least a portion of the frame member therein.

Abstract: An animal trap having two similar frames each having jaw forming sides that lie in a common plane and ends extending therebetween to support the jaws. The ends have a central portion in which the frames are pivotally connected through adjacent ends for rotation about a common axis between set and closed positions. Outer portions on each side of the central portion extend to the jaws. At least one actuator is capable of rapidly and forcefully effecting the rotation. The actuator has two arms spring-biased at one end so that the other ends, which terminate in rings encircling adjacent ends of both frames on opposite sides of said axis, would, if unobstructed, move apart to a distance substantially greater than the length of the frame ends. A trigger means releasably maintains the trap in the set position. The trigger means comprises a pivotally mounted treadle extending between the frames of the trap. Engagement means are associated with the treadle.

Abstract: An animal trap of the leghold type having low impact force is disclosed. The means for lessening the impact force of the jaws when they close takes one of three forms. The first is an inertial snubber. The second is an escapement mechanism. The third is a programmed control of the impact force by changing the shape of the bearing surface of the jaws on which the spring rides.

Abstract: A trigger for a rotating frame animal trap has a trigger frame and filament attached thereto and positioned across it so that an animal sought to be trapped cannot pass through the trap without contacting the trigger frame or filament. The trigger is adapted to be positioned centrally in the plane between the jaws of the trap, when set, and is of sufficient size and so located that a desired animal cannot pass through the trap without contacting and moving the trigger to firing position.

Abstract: A multidirectional animal trap including a base having a hub with spaced jaws pivotally mounted on the hub and extending radially therefrom. A U-shaped spring has one leg thereof secured to the hub with the other end having a ring formed thereon. A multiplicity of jaws, each having an offset portion in engagement with the ring and extending through the ring with the lower end of each offset portion pivotally mounted on the hub. Also provided is a pressure plate secured to a mount pivotally mounted on the base at the hub. An engagement bar is pivotally mounted on the base and formed with an extension portion that engages a slot formed in the mount of the pressure plate. The outer ends of the jaws are curved inwardly, whereby the same overlap which causes positive engagement with the animal trapped in a humane manner.

Abstract: A humane animal trap has jaws and two spaced jaw closers, and two springs for the closers. One spring is relatively light and is triggered by the animal stepping on the usual trigger and the other spring is heavier and acts only after a delay. The jaws have adjacent one end thereof an enlarged sleeve, the animal struggling to escape from the trap drawing his leg into the sleeve and triggers the heavier spring.