Abstract: A growing medium for use in plugging pest orifices includes a bulking agent and a water-retentive polymer blended together and compressed at a volume-to-volume ratio greater than 3:1, wherein the growing medium is at least 50% superabsorbing polymer.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) element includes a bottom electrode embedded in a first insulating layer; an annular reference layer in a first via hole of a second insulating layer on the first insulating layer, the annular reference layer being situated above the bottom electrode; a first gap fill material layer filling the first via hole; a barrier layer covering the annular reference layer, the second insulating layer and the first gap fill material layer; an annular free layer in a second via hole of a third insulating layer on the second insulating layer, the annular free layer being situated above the annular reference layer; and a top electrode stacked on the annular free layer.

Abstract: A percussive rodent trap has an activation mechanism and a hammer for striking a percussive device when the activation mechanism is activated. A first safety moves the hammer mechanism to a cocked position and prevents it from being released from this cocked position. A second safety can be engaged after the first safety is engaged to prevent the activation mechanism from being activated when the first safety is removed. The second safety is easily removed after the trap is put in place without inadvertently activating the activation mechanism.

Abstract: A drop emitting device including a first linear array of columnar arrays of first nozzle pairs and a second linear array of columnar arrays of second nozzle pairs, wherein the first linear array and the second linear array extend along an X-axis, and wherein the second linear array is adjacent the first linear array such that each first nozzle pair has an associated second nozzle pair displaced therefrom along a Y-axis that is orthogonal to the X-axis. The columnar arrays of first nozzle pairs and the columnar arrays of second nozzle pairs extend obliquely to the X-axis.

Abstract: A trap for exterminating moles has a support adapted for placement on the ground to support the trap in an upright position generally above the ground. An impingement device is operatively connected to the support for motion relative to the support for capturing the mole. A barrel mounted on the support in a generally vertical position is adapted for slidably receiving a portion of the impingement device in a retracted position. An explosion chamber receives an explosive force and directs the explosive force generally downward against the portion of the impingement device received in the barrel to drive the impingement device rapidly downward to an extended position. A trigger mechanism triggers an explosion producing the explosive force.

Abstract: In a trap gun having a hollow stake and a barrel nested therein, wherein the barrel includes a trigger and a poisonous material-filled cartridge, the improvement wherein the trigger trip is a one-piece spring wire form having a helical segment which wraps around the stake, and two segments extending from opposite ends of the helix. One of the two segments extends inwardly of the helix and protrudes through a hole in the stake wall to anchor the form, while the other segment extends in the direction of the trigger to engage it when the barrel moves outwardly of the stake.

Abstract: An explosive trap for burrowing rodents is comprised of an elastic sack and an associated support frame which are placed in a tunnel that is formed adjacent to the rodent's run. The frame includes a pointed spike which punctures the sack when it expands to a predetermined size upon inflation by the pressurized gas. The resulting explosion provides a concussive shock which kills the rodent. The sack is fluidly connected to an above ground container which can be filled with the pressurized gas through a length of hose, and a valve located at the outlet of the container normally prevents the gas from flowing from the container into the sack. A trigger located outside of the rodent run above its clean-out hole causes the valve to be opened and release the gas from the container, so that it will inflate the sack, when the rodent pushes more dirt out of the clean-up hole.

Abstract: A baitless fishing lure for use in catching large ocean-going fish. The lure is armed with an explosive cartridge for incapacitating the fish by means of a drugged projectile or killing the fish with a bullet-like projectile. The lure is adapted for trolling and comprises a barrel having pivoted hooks extending therefrom adjacent the muzzle end through which the cartridge is fired. The cartridge is fired by the independent action of an internal hammer assembly acting on a firing pin assembly, the hammer being manually cocked by a removable cocking assembly to a trigger assembly that in turn is activated by the fisherman only if the fish is actually hooked.

Abstract: A rodent exterminator triggered by the presence of a rodent in close proximity thereto having a spear attached thereto which impales the rodent, killing it instantly.A remote trigger actuates a solenoid to release a spring biased plunger, which is propelled into a firing pin to detonate a cartridge. Explosive gases from the cartridge actuates a plunger which has the spear attached thereto.

Abstract: An animal and insect exterminator for burrowing-type animals and insects. The exterminator includes an elongated tubular member which is adapted to be inserted within an underground burrow or nest. A shatterable tip member is replaceably mounted on one end of the tubular member and includes an explosive charge, such as jellied methanol or black powder. A detonator is carried by the tubular member for detonating the explosive charge so as to shatter the tip member and propel fragments of the tip member throughout the underground burrow or nest. The detonator includes a primer which is mounted within the tip member in proximity with the explosive charge and a trigger which forceably engages the primer to detonate the primer.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical mole trap includesan open-ended protective envelope which is intended to be placed in the mole run,a displaceable trigger of electrically conductive material disposed in the center of the protective envelope and displaceable in both directions to contact one of two contacts and close a circuit,two electrically fired deflagrating explosive charges, of which each is placed on the outside of the protective envelope,a source of electric energy,an electrical circuit which connects together the trigger, the electrical contact, the explosive charges and the source of electrical energy and which is wired in such a way that the action of the mole on the trigger closes the electrical circuit and fires the explosive charge situated on the animal side of the trigger.

Abstract: An anti-shark grenade which comprises concentric tubes of lightweight plastic, the outermost tube being a waterproof shell on the inside of which are located a plurality of percussion caps bearing against a waterproof tube containing an explosive charge fitting against a tube containing dehydrated blood cake bait and having a water permeable perforated closure. The innermost tube is a buoyancy tube sealed at both ends. Water causes the blood cake to dissolve thereby attracting the shark to the floating grenade. Upon biting by the shark, the grenade explodes.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical mole trap includes:An elongate protective envelope which is open at its ends and which is intended to be placed in the mole run,An electrical contactor placed inside the protective envelope,Two displaceable triggers mechanically controlling the electrical contactor, each of these triggers being placed at one of the ends of the protective envelope,Two electrically fired deflagrating pyrotechnical charges, of which each is placed on the outside of the protective envelope near each of the triggers,A source of electric energy,An electrical circuit which connects together the electrical contactor, the pyrotechnical charges and the source of electrical energy and which is wired in such a way that the action of the mole on either of the triggers closes the electrical circuit and fires the pyrotechnical charge situated in the immediate proximity of that trigger.

Abstract: A marker device for ejecting a chemical marking substance, such as paint, onto nearby unauthorized persons or objects, comprising a chamber means for containing an isolated quantity of a chemical marking substance therein. The chamber is attached to a main body member. The main body contains an evacuating plunger means therewithin which is movable from a retracted into an extended position and which is telescopingly received within the chamber when moved into the extended position.A power mechanism which can be actuated to move the plunger along its longitudinal axis is incorporated within the main body along with a trigger mechanism for actuating the power mechanism, so that when triggered by unauthorized persons, the plunger forces the chemical marking substances to be ejected and dispersed in a selected direction.