An eradication device for killing rodents and having a magnetically locked, detachable battery housing; an eradication system comprising such device; uses thereof and a method for eradication of rodents

Abstract

An eradication device 100 for killing rodents, such as rats is disclosed. The eradication device, in the orientation intended during use, comprises: a housing 2, a firing mechanism 200, sensor means 6, and a power source 8. The power source 8 is configured for powering said sensor means 6 and said firing mechanism 200. The housing 2 comprises said firing mechanism 200, and the firing mechanism 200 comprises one or more killing means 10; wherein said firing mechanism is configured, upon receiving a trigger signal TS, to eject one or more of said killing means 10 from a non-ejected, stand-by configuration, thereby making said killing means 10 arrive at an ejected configuration. The power source is accommodated in a power source enclosure 600 which is resting on support element 606 in the housing 2 of the eradication device. Engagement means 604,608 are included so that the power source enclosure 600 can be engaged with the support element 606. The engagement means 604,608 allow rotation of the power source enclosure 600 relative to support element 606. The power source enclosure 600 comprises a first magnet system 610 and the support element 606 comprises a second magnet system 612. Two different mutual angular orientations AO1 and AO2 between the power source enclosure 600 and the support element 606 exist. In the mutual angular orientations AO2 two magnet systems 610,612 exhibit a larger magnitude of magnetic attractive forces, relative to the mutual angular orientations AO1, thereby enabling attachment of the power source enclosure 600 to and detachment from the remainer of the eradication device.

Description

[0001] An eradication device for killing rodents and having a magnetically locked, detachable battery housing; an eradication system comprising such device; uses thereof and a method for eradication of rodents

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of eradication of pests in the form of rodents, such as rats. The present invention is in particularly intended for use in the interior of underground sewer pipes.

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention relates in a first aspect to an eradication device for eradicating rodents, such as rats.

[0005] In a second aspect the present invention relates to an eradication system comprising a number of eradication devices according to the first aspect of the invention in combination with a central data logger.

[0006] In a third aspect the present invention provides a use of an eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention or of an eradication system according to the second aspect of the invention for eradicating rodents.

[0007] In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a method for eradicating rodents by use of one or more eradication devices according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0008] Background of the invention

[0009] For centuries rats have been considered by humans to represent pest which contribute no beneficial purpose. On the contrary, rats are known to exhibit a rather destructive behavior in that they are capable of destroying buildings and other types of structures by constructing tunnels and by gnawing through elements of structures and thereby undermine foundations of such structures. In addition, rats are known to be carrier of a vast selection of pathogens, which may be harmful to human beings.

[0010] For this reason, there is a strong interest in eradicating rats in area where people are present.

[0011] To this end, various types of rat traps have been developed which are designed to capture and kill a single rat. After each trapping and killing of a single rat, the rat must be manually removed from the trap and the rat trap will have to be manually reloaded in order to be prepared for continuing rat killing.

[0012] It is well known that rats have a reproduction rate of a magnitude which means that two rats can proliferate into more than 1,000 rats in the time span of a single year. Accordingly, more automated rat killing devises would be needed in order to efficiently suppress the proliferation of rats. One such automated rat killing device is disclosed in WO 2008 / 046424 Al. This document discloses an automatically operated rat trap. The rat trap is intended for being used in the interior of a sewer pipe and it comprises a firing mechanism which comprises an anchoring plate comprising a number of spikes and which is automatically fired upon detection, by a sensor, the presence of a rat within the reach of the spikes. Upon firing, the spikes penetrate through holes in the plate and pierce the rat which has been detected by the sensor. The rat trap holds the spikes in this piercing configuration for a predetermined period of time after which the spikes are being withdrawn through the holes in the anchoring plate. This withdrawal thus represents preparing the firing mechanism for yet another firing cycle of the spikes. Upon withdrawal of the spikes the anchoring plate serves as a stop means preventing the rat to be withdraw into a housing of the rat trap, and thereby makes the rat be released from the rat trap and allowed to be flushed away with sewer liquid flowing in the sewer system into which the rat trap is arranged. The rat trap of WO 2008 / 046424 Al also comprises a battery for powering the firing mechanism and the sensor.

[0013] For obvious reason the rat trap disclosed in WO 2008 / 046424 Al represents a huge improvement in relation to the manually operated rat traps, because the rat trap of WO 2008 / 046424 Al provides for automatically reloading of the trap and automatically killing rats and removing of killed rats. Accordingly, the rat trap of WO 2008 / 046424 Al, when used in great numbers in a sewer system, will enable an efficient suppression of growth of rat populations.

[0014] It is clear that over time the battery powering the firing mechanism in the rat trap disclosed in WO 2008 / 046424 Al becomes exhausted so that in order for the rat trap to continue being efficient in killing rats, that battery needs exchange or recharging.

[0015] As the rat trap when being arranged in a sewer system, the confined space defined by that sewer system may make it difficult for a service technician to access the rat trap in order to perform such recharging or exchange of the battery thereof.

[0016] EP 2 724 616 Al solves this problem. Accordingly, this document discloses a rat trap comprising mechanical means for killing rats similar to those disclosed in WO 2008 / 046424 Al. However, in the rat trap disclosed in EP 2 724 616 Al the battery powering the rat trap is enclosed in a separate battery housing which is arranged at an upper part of the manhole leading down the horizontal sewer pipe into which the rat trap is arranged. Wires are connected between the separate battery housing and the rat trap itself.

[0017] Although the technology disclosed in EP 2 724 616 Al improves access to the battery by a worker, with the view to be able to exchange such a battery upon exhaustion, it has been found that as the wires connecting the battery housing with the remainder of the rat trap are exposed, the destructive behavior of rodents, such as rats will often lead to the result that the wires will be gnawed through by the rodents. Once, such a wire has been gnawed, no electric power will be delivered to the rat trap, and hence the rat trap will no longer be working, and it will need replacement. Besides, as the wires connecting the battery housing with the remainder of the rat trap are exposed to the environment being present in a sewer system, the wires will quickly be covered by dirt. In order for a worker to inspect that the wires are intact and have not been fully gnawed through a worker will manually have to wipe the wires free of dirt. This task may be time consuming, and it may be difficult to access the wires at positions close to rat trap itself. Besides, wiping off the wires may expose a worker to pathogenic substances and hence poses a risk to the worker.

[0018] A similar way of powering an automatically operated rat trap by electricity is disclosed in the document WO 2018 / 224111 Al. This document discloses system for eradication of rats within the interior of sewers. The system comprises a trap with a sensor for detection of presence of a rat. The trap furthermore comprises a combating device with spikes to be ejected when the sensor detects presence of a rat. A separate control unit is connected to the trap via wires. The separate control unit also comprises a power source. The control unit and the power source are arranged above the trap when being installed in a sewer. This document does not disclose that the power source is arranged within a housing which, via a magnetic lock may be locked to the remainder of the trap. Hence, the system of WO 2018 / 224111 Al does not solve the problem encountered in respect of the document EP 2724 616 Al, referred to above, due to the exposed wires which connects the trap with the power source and control unit.

[0019] Accordingly, a need persists for a rat trap overcoming these disadvantages of the prior art.

[0020] It is an objective of the present invention to provide technologies fulfilling this need.

[0021] Brief description of the invention

[0022] This objective is fulfilled according to the present invention in its various aspects.

[0023] Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention relates to an eradication device for killing rodents, such as rats, wherein said eradication device, in the orientation intended during use, comprises:

[0024] -a housing;

[0025] -a firing mechanism;

[0026] -sensor means;

[0027] -a power source; wherein said power source is configured for powering said sensor means and said firing mechanism; wherein said housing comprises said firing mechanism; wherein said firing mechanism comprises one or more killing means; wherein said firing mechanism is configured, upon receiving a trigger signal, to eject one or more of said killing means from a non-ejected, stand-by configuration, thereby making said killing means arrive at an ejected configuration; wherein said killing means of said firing mechanism comprises a free first end comprising an impact element for killing said rodent upon impact, caused by ejection of said killing means; wherein said sensor means is arranged relative to said killing means in such a way that said sensor means is being configured to be able to sense a presence of a rodent at a location which is within reach of an impact element of one or more of said killing means, when said killing means is being in its ejected configuration; wherein said eradication device is being configured, upon sensing a presence of a rodent by said sensor means, to make said firing mechanism receive said trigger signal and thereby eject one or more of said killing means; wherein said eradication device comprises a power source enclosure for housing said power source; wherein said power source enclosure at a lower portion thereof comprises a first engagement element; characterized in that said eradication device in the interior of said housing thereof comprises a support element for supporting said power source enclosure; wherein said support element comprises a second engagement element; wherein said first engagement element and said second engagement element are being configured for entering into engagement with each other in such a way that once entered into engagement with each other said first engagement element and said second engagement element may be rotated in relation to each other between a first mutual angular orientation AO1 and a second mutual angular orientation AO2, and vice versa, upon exerting torque between said first engagement element and said second engagement element around a rotational axis R; wherein said lower portion of said power source enclosure comprises a first magnetic system comprising one or more magnetic elements; wherein said support element comprises a second magnetic system comprising one or more magnetic elements; wherein said first magnetic system and said second magnetic system are configured in such a way that when said first engagement element and said second engagement element are being into engagement with each other at said first angular orientation AO1, said first magnetic system and said second magnetic system are exerting a first magnetic force to each other having a first magnitude Fl, and in such a way that when said first engagement element and said second engagement element are being into engagement with each other at said second mutual angular orientation AO2, said first magnetic system and said second magnetic system are exerting a second magnetic force to each other having a second magnitude F2, wherein in respect of magnetic attractive forces between said first magnetic system and said second magnetic system, said magnitude F2 is being greater than said magnitude Fl; thereby enabling detachment of said power source enclosure from said housing of said eradication device and thereby also enabling bringing said power source enclosure into engagement with said support element of said eradication device and hold said power source enclosure in place via magnetic attractive force.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an eradication system comprising one or more eradication devices according to the first aspect of the present invention in combination with a central data logger; wherein in respect of one or more of said one or more eradication devices, said eradication devices comprises an electronic controller and a wireless communication unit, and optionally also an electronic inclinometer, optionally also an electronic sensor for measuring electric conductivity of water in a sewer, optionally also a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of water in a sewer, and optionally also a sensor for measuring the water level in a sewer; wherein said electronic controller is being configured to communicate to said wireless communication unit, activity information relating to activities or conditions of said eradication device.

[0029] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a use of an eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention, or of an eradication system 400 according to the second aspect of the invention for eradicating rodents, such as rats.

[0030] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for eradicating rodents, such as rats, wherein said method comprises the following steps: i) providing one or more eradication devices according to the first aspect of the present invention; ii) arranging said one or more eradication devices in the interior of a sewer pipe of a sewer system; iii) enabling a rodent, such as a rat to approach one or more of said eradication devices; iv) in respect of such an eradication device, enabling said sensor means of said eradication device to sense a presence of said rodent; v) upon sensing the presence of said rodent, enabling said sensor means to make said firing mechanism receive said trigger signal and thereby make said firing mechanism eject one or more of said killing means, thereby killing said rodent by mechanical impact with said impact element.

[0031] The present invention in its various aspects provides for eradication of rats in sewer pipes of a sewer system by using an eradication device employing an electrically driven firing mechanism for mechanically killing the rodent, and having an integrated power source enclosure which is detachable from the remainder of the eradication device. Thereby, the present invention provides for easy access to the power source of that device with the view to effortless be able to exchange that power source upon exhaustion thereof.

[0032] As the power source enclosure of the eradication device of the present inventing is being integrated into the eradication device itself, there is no risk that rodents, such as rats will destroy, such as by gnawing, any electric connection between the power source or its enclosure and the eradication device itself.

[0033] Brief description of the figures

[0034] Fig. 1 is a drawing illustrating in a perspective view an eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention having its killing means in a non-ejected, standby configuration.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a drawing illustrating in a perspective view an eradication device of Fig. 1 having its killing means in its ejected configuration.

[0036] Fig. 3a is an end view of the eradication device of Fig. 1.

[0037] Fig. 3b is an end view of the eradication device of Fig. 2.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a partly see-through view of the eradication device of Fig. 1 having its killing means in a non-ejected, standby configuration.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a lower perspective view of the power source enclosure and the support element therefor.

[0040] Fig. 6a is a side view illustrating a power source enclosure and the support element therefor illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0041] Fig. 6b is a top view of the power source enclosure and the support element therefor illustrated in Fig. 6a.

[0042] Fig 7a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a power source enclosure and its support element of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention and shown in a separated state.

[0043] Fig. 7b is a top view illustrating the orientation of the cross section of Fig. 7a.

[0044] Fig. 8 is an upper perspective explosion view illustrating a lower part of a power source enclosure and its associated support element of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 9 is a lower perspective explosion view illustrating a lower part of a power source enclosure and its associated support element of the eradication device. Fig. 10a is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first engagement element of the power source enclosure and the second engagement element of its associated support element in an engaged state.

[0046] Fig. 10b is cross-sectional view illustrating the situation of Fig. 10a where the first engagement element of the power source enclosure has been rotated 90°.

[0047] Fig 1 la. is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the killing means of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0048] Fig. 1 lb is an end view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 1 la.

[0049] Fig. 11c is a plan view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 1 la.

[0050] Fig. 1 Id is a side view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. I la.

[0051] Fig. 12a is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the killing means of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0052] Fig. 12b is an end view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 12a.

[0053] Fig. 12c is a plan view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 12a.

[0054] Fig. 12d is a side view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 12a.

[0055] Fig. 13a is a perspective view illustrating yet another embodiment of the killing means of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0056] Fig. 13b is an end view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 13a.

[0057] Fig. 13c is a plan view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 13a.

[0058] Fig. 13d is a side view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 13a.

[0059] Fig. 14a is a perspective view of a firing mechanism of an eradication device according to the present invention, wherein the killings means are in its ejected configuration.

[0060] Fig. 14b is a perspective view of the firing mechanism of Fig. 14a, wherein the firing mechanism is in the process of being reloaded.

[0061] Fig. 14c is a perspective view of the firing mechanism of Fig. 14b, wherein the firing mechanism has been fully reloaded.

[0062] Fig. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating the working mode of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0063] Fig. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating the concept of an eradication system according to second aspect of the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0064] The first aspect of the present invention

[0065] In a first aspect the present invention relates to an eradication device 100 for killing rodents, such as rats, wherein said eradication device, in the orientation intended during use, comprises:

[0066] -a housing 2;

[0067] -a firing mechanism 200;

[0068] -sensor means 6;

[0069] -a power source 8; wherein said power source 8 is configured for powering said sensor means 6 and said firing mechanism 200; wherein said housing 2 comprises said firing mechanism 200; wherein said firing mechanism 200 comprises one or more killing means 10; wherein said firing mechanism is configured, upon receiving a trigger signal TS, to eject one or more of said killing means 10 from a non-ejected, stand-by configuration, thereby making said killing means 10 arrive at an ejected configuration; wherein said killing means 10 of said firing mechanism 200 comprises a free first end 12 comprising an impact element 14 for killing said rodent upon impact, caused by ejection of said killing means 10; wherein said sensor means 6 is arranged relative to said killing means 10 in such a way that said sensor means 6 is being configured to be able to sense a presence of a rodent at a location which is within reach of an impact element 14 of one or more of said killing means, when said killing means is being in its ejected configuration; wherein said eradication device is being configured, upon sensing a presence of a rodent by said sensor means, to make said firing mechanism 200 receive said trigger signal TS and thereby eject one or more of said killing means 10; wherein said eradication device comprises a power source enclosure 600 for housing said power source 8; wherein said power source enclosure 600 at a lower portion 602 thereof comprises a first engagement element 604; characterized in that said eradication device in the interior 42 of said housing 2 thereof comprises a support element 606 for supporting said power source enclosure 600; wherein said support element comprises a second engagement element 608; wherein said first engagement element 604 and said second engagement element 608 are being configured for entering into engagement with each other in such a way that once entered into engagement with each other said first engagement element 604 and said second engagement element 608 may be rotated in relation to each other between a first mutual angular orientation AO1 and a second mutual angular orientation AO2, and vice versa, upon exerting torque between said first engagement element 604 and said second engagement element 608 around a rotational axis R; wherein said lower portion 602 of said power source enclosure 600 comprises a first magnetic system 610 comprising one or more magnetic elements 610a,610b,610c,610d; wherein said support element 606 comprises a second magnetic system 612 comprising one or more magnetic elements 612a,612b,612c,612d; wherein said first magnetic system 610 and said second magnetic system 612 are configured in such a way that when said first engagement element 604 and said second engagement element 608 are being into engagement with each other at said first angular orientation AO1, said first magnetic system 610 and said second magnetic system 612 are exerting a first magnetic force to each other having a first magnitude Fl, and in such a way that when said first engagement element 604 and said second engagement element 608 are being into engagement with each other at said second mutual angular orientation AO2, said first magnetic system 610 and said second magnetic system 612 are exerting a second magnetic force to each other having a second magnitude F2, wherein in respect of magnetic attractive forces between said first magnetic system 610 and said second magnetic system 612, said magnitude F2 is being greater than said magnitude Fl; thereby enabling detachment of said power source enclosure 600 from said housing 2 of said eradication device 100 and thereby also enabling bringing said power source enclosure 600 into engagement with said support element 606 of said eradication device and hold said power source enclosure 600 in place via magnetic attractive force.

[0070] The detachable power source enclosure 600 with its magnetic system allows for easy removal of the power source housed therein, with the view to exchange the power source 8 of the eradication device, when the capacity thereof has reached a low level or even been exhausted.

[0071] In the present description and in the appended claims it shall be understood that the term “a magnetic material” may be construed to be either be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet exhibiting magnetic flux or a material which in itself does not exhibit magnetic flux, but which is being attracted to magnetic flux, such as being in the form of a ferromagnetic material. In this way, a magnetic material may be construed to mean a material which has the ability to be attracted by a magnet.

[0072] In the present description and in the appended claims it shall be understood that the following order of magnitudes of attractive magnetic forces between two entities apply:

[0073] Relatively strong repelling magnetic force < relatively week repelling force < no magnetic force < relatively weak attractive force < relatively strong attractive force. In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first magnetic force is being an attractive magnetic force, or is being a repulsive magnetic force, or is a magnetic force having a magnitude Fl of approximately zero (0) N (Newton), such as Fl= 0 (no magnetic force).

[0074] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second magnetic force is being an attractive magnetic force, such as an attractive magnetic force having a magnitude F2 selected from the ranges 1 - 55 N or more, such as 5 - 50 N, for example 8 - 45 N, such as 10 - 40 N, e.g. 12 - 35 N, such as 15 - 30 N, such as 20 - 25 N.

[0075] Accordingly, in any event, in terms of attractive magnetic forces, the second magnetic force is having an attractive force F2 which is having a magnitude which is greater than the first force Fl, if this force is being an attractive magnetic force. However, it is preferred that the first force Fl is being a repelling magnetic force.

[0076] As already explained the force Fl may be a force having a magnitude of zero (0) Newton.

[0077] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first magnetic system 610 comprises one or more magnetic elements 610a,610b,610c,610d, such as 1 - 8 magnetic elements, for example 2 - 7 magnetic elements, e.g. 3 - 6 magnetic elements or 4 - 5 magnetic elements; and or wherein said second magnetic system 612 comprises one or more magnetic elements 612a,612b,612c,612d, such as 1 - 8 magnetic elements, for example 2 - 7 magnetic elements, e.g. 3 - 6 magnetic elements or 4 - 5 magnetic elements.

[0078] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the magnetic elements 610a,610b,610c,610d of said first magnetic system 610 is / are being in the form of a ferromagnetic material which in itself is not being a magnet, such as iron or an iron alloy; and / or wherein one or more of said magnetic elements 610a,610b,610c,610d of said first magnetic system 610 is / are being in the form of a permanent magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, or is in the form of an electromagnet.

[0079] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, one or more of said magnetic elements 612a,612b,612c,612d of said second magnetic system 612 is / are being in the form of a ferromagnetic material which in itself is not being a magnet, such as iron or an iron alloy; and / or wherein one or more of said magnetic elements 612a,612b,612c,612d of said second magnetic system 612 is / are being in the form of a permanent magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, or is in the form of an electromagnet.

[0080] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention at least one of said magnetic elements 610a, 610b, 610c, 610d of said first magnetic system 610 and / or at least one of said magnetic elements 612a,612b,612c,612d of said second magnetic system 612 is being in the form of a permanent magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, or is in the form of an electromagnet.

[0081] These embodiments set out various designs of the two magnet systems involved in the attachment of the power source housing 600 to its associated support element 606. In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the magnetic elements 610a,610b,610c,610d of the first magnetic system 610 is being arranged in a first plane Pl in such a way that the magnetic polarity of any permanent magnets 610a,610b,610c,610d of said first magnetic system 610 is being parallel to said rotational axis R and / or the magnetic elements 612a,612b,612c,612d of said second magnetic system 612 is being arranged in a second plane P2 in such a way that the magnetic polarity of any permanent magnets 612a,612b,612c,612d of said second magnetic system 612 is being parallel to said rotational axis R, wherein said first plane Pl is being arranged above said second plane P2.

[0082] Hereby is attained, that the rotation of the magnetic elements of the first magnet system, makes the magnet element 610a, 610b, 610c, 610d remain arranged in a first plane Pl having an unaltered orientation in relation to the second plane P2. The planes Pl and P2 are preferavly parallel to each other.

[0083] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the first magnetic system 610 comprises an even number of permanent magnets 610a,610b,610c,610d, such as 2, 4 , 6 or 8 permanent magnets being arranged equidistant on a circle with alternating polarity; and wherein said second magnetic system 612 comprises an even number of permanent magnets 612a,612b,612c,612d, such as 2, 4, 6 or 8 permanent magnets being arranged equidistant on a circle with alternating polarity, wherein in said first mutual angular orientation AO1, said first magnetic system 610 and said second magnetic system 612 are magnetically repelling each other; and wherein in said second mutual angular orientation AO2, said first magnetic system 610 and said second magnetic system 612 are magnetically attracting each other.

[0084] Hereby a desired design of the two magnetic systems 610,612 is attained.

[0085] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the first engagement element 604 comprises a first set of electric connectors 614 and the second engagement element 608 comprises a second set of electric connectors 616; wherein when said first engagement element 604 and said second engagement element 608 are being into engagement with each other, then an electric connection is being established between said first set of electric connectors 614 and said second set of electric connectors 616.

[0086] Hereby electrical power may be transferred from the power source 8 being housed in the power source enclosure 600 to the remainder of the rat eradication device 100.

[0087] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the first and second engagement elements 604,608 are being configured in such a way that said electric connection is being established irrespective of the angular orientation between said first engagement element 604 and said second engagement element 608.

[0088] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the first set of electric connectors 614 comprises a first electric connector 614a and a second electric connector 614b; and said second set of electric connectors 616 comprises a first electric connector 616a and a second electric connector 616b; wherein when said first engagement element 604 and said second engagement element 608 are being into engagement with each other, then an electric connection is being established between said first electric connector 614a of said first set of electric connectors 614 and said first electric connector 616a of said second set of electric connectors 616; and furthermore, then an electric connection is being established between said second electric connector 614b of said first set of electric connectors 614 and said second electric connector 616b of said second set of electric connectors 616.

[0089] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the electric connectors 614a, 614b of said first set of electric connectors 614 of said first engagement element 604 are being arranged next to each other along an extension which is being parallel to said rotational axis R; and said electric connectors 616a,616b of said second set of electric connectors 616 of said second engagement element 608 are being arranged next to each other along an extension which is being parallel to said rotational axis R, wherein said first set of electric connectors 614a, 614b of said first engagement element 604 on the one hand and said second set of electric connectors 616a,616b of said second engagement element 608 on the other hand are configured as a plug-and-socket type connector.

[0090] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the electric connectors 614a, 614b of said first set of electric connectors 614 of said first engagement element 604 are being arranged coaxially in relation to each other; and said electric connectors 616a,616b of said second set of electric connectors 616 of said second engagement element 608 are being arranged coaxially in relation to each other.

[0091] In these embodiments power from the power source 8 being housed in the power source enclosure 600 may reliable be transferred to the remainer of the rat eradication device.

[0092] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the first engagement element 604 is being in the form of a cavity and wherein said second engagement element 608 is being in the form of a protrusion, wherein said cavity is being configured for accommodating said protrusion; or wherein said first engagement element 604 is being in the form of a protrusion and wherein said second engagement element 608 is being in the form of a cavity, wherein said cavity is being configured for accommodating said protrusion.

[0093] Hereby a stable engagement between the two engagement means 604,608 is attained.

[0094] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the power source 8 is being accommodated in the interior of said power source enclosure 600.

[0095] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the electric poles 8a, 8b of the power source 8 is being electrically connected to said first electric connector 614a and to said second electric connector 614b, respectively, of said first set of electric connectors 614.

[0096] Hereby power from the power source 8 housed in the power source enclosure 600 may be conveyed to the remainder of the rat eradication device. In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention one or more elements of said eradication device 100 which during operation require(s) power is / are being electrically connected to said first electric connector 616a and to said second electric connector 616b, respectively, of said second set of electric connectors 616.

[0097] Hereby these elements may be powered by power from the power source 8 being housed in the power source enclosure 600.

[0098] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the power source enclosure 600 is configured in such a way that said power source 8 in said power source enclosure is being fully sealed from the surroundings.

[0099] Hereby the power source 8 is being protected against the harsh and corrosive environment encountered in a sewer system.

[0100] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the power source enclosure 600, such as at an upper portion thereof, comprises a handle 618 for aiding lifting said power source enclosure 600, relative to said support element 606 of said rat eradication device; and / or for aiding in rotating said power source enclosure 600 around said rotational axis R between said first mutual angular orientation AO1 and said second mutual angular orientation AO2 and vice versa.

[0101] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the handle 618 comprises one or more hook portions 620 for enabling lifting of said power source enclosure 600, relative to said support element 606 of said rat eradication device, wherein said hook portions 620 optionally is being in the form of a cylinder wall 622 comprising one or more cutaways 624.

[0102] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the angle between said first mutual angular orientation AO1 and said second mutual angular orientation AO2 is having a magnitude selected from the ranges of 15 - 180°, such as 30 - 165°, for example 45 - 150°, e.g. 60 - 135°, for example 75 - 120°, such as 90 - 105°.

[0103] These angles have proven desirable from changing the mutual angular orientations between the two situations AO1 and AO2.

[0104] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the support element 606 is being arranged in the interior of said housing 2, such as at an upper half portion thereof.

[0105] Hereby can be attained that no other element of the eradication device obstruct the passageway for the power source enclosure 600 in the interior 42 of the housing 2 of the eradication device.

[0106] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the firing mechanism 200 is being configured, subsequent to having ejected one or more of said killing means 10, to reload said killing means 10 by making said killing means return to its non-ejected, stand-by configuration. Hereby the eradication device will reload and be ready for another killing after having ejected its killing means.

[0107] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the firing mechanism 200 comprises an ejector mechanism 202 and a reloading mechanism 204, wherein said ejector mechanism 202 is being configured to eject said one or more of said killing means 10 and thereby bring said killing means from its non-ejected, stand-by configuration to its ejected configuration; and wherein said reloading mechanism 204 is being configured to reload said killing means by bringing said killing means 10 from its ejected configuration to its to non-ejected, stand-by configuration.

[0108] Hereby the eradication device will reload and be ready for another killing after having ejected its killing means.

[0109] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the ejector mechanism 202 and the reloading mechanism 204 are being separate entities or they are being integrated into a single unit.

[0110] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the firing mechanism 200 comprises a stationary part 206 which is being attached to said housing 2, and a movable support element 208 which is being configured to be ejected in a direction away from said stationary part 206; thereby enabling said movable support element 208 to be displaced relative to said stationary part 206 between said non-ejected, stand-by configuration and said ejected configuration, and vice versa; wherein said movable support element 208 of said firing mechanism 200 is being connected to said one or more killing means 10 at a second end 16 thereof.

[0111] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the stationary part 206 of said firing mechanism 200 comprises or is being connected to one more guide members 210 in the form of rod(s), wherein said movable support element 208 is being configured to slide along a longitudinal extension of said guide member(s) 210.

[0112] Such guide members enable guiding of the displacement of the killing means and hence improves operational reliability of the eradication device.

[0113] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the ejector mechanism 202 is being spring-loaded by one or more springs 212 in such a way that said one or more springs participate in ejecting said killing means 10 from its non-ejected, stand-by configuration to its ejected configuration.

[0114] Springs are able to store potential energy and are additionally able to release the stored energy swiftly.

[0115] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the firing mechanism 200 comprises: -a spindle arrangement 214 comprising a spindle 216;

[0116] -a motor 218 for driving said spindle 216;

[0117] -a lifting element 220 for lifting said movable support element 208;

[0118] -a tube 222 being connected to said movable support element 208;

[0119] -an electrically actuated lock 224; wherein said tube 222 is surrounding said spindle 216; wherein said lifting element 220 comprises a threaded hole 226 engaging with said spindle 216; wherein said lifting element 220 is being arranged below said movable support element 208; wherein said tube 222 comprises an engagement element 228, such as a collar, such as at an upper part thereof; wherein said electrically actuated lock 224 is configured to change configuration between a locking configuration in which said lock is engaging with said engagement element 228 of said tube 222 and an unlocking configuration in which said electrically actuated lock 224 is disengaging from said engagement element 228 of said tube 222, and vice versa, upon being supplied with an electrical signal thereto.

[0120] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the stationary part 206 of said firing mechanism 200 comprises a stationary support element 230, wherein said spring(s) 212 is / are being arranged between said movable support element 208 and said stationary support element 230, such as being arranged so as to surround one or more of said guide member(s) 210.

[0121] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the lifting element 220 is being configured for not being brought into rotation upon rotation of said spindle 216, such as by being held in place by said guide member(s) 210.

[0122] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the reloading mechanism 204 is configured, when said eradication device is being in its ejected configuration, to lift said movable support element 208, and thereby also lift said killing means 10, upon turning said spindle in one rotational direction via said motor 218, and thereby also to compress said one or more springs 212.

[0123] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the electrically actuated lock 224 is being configured, once said movable support element 208, and thereby also said tube 222 have been lifted a predetermined distance, to be able to lock the position of said movable support element 208 by entering into engagement with said engagement element 228 of said tube 222. In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the movable lifting element 220 is being configured to be lowered by turning said spindle in an opposite rotational direction via said motor 218, once the position of said movable support element 208 has been locked by said electrically actuated lock 224, thereby rendering reloading of said firing mechanism 200 complete.

[0124] The above description of the working mode of the firing mechanism 200 comprising the ejector mechanism 202 and the reloading mechanism 204 constitutes a simple and reliable way of operating the eradication device 100.

[0125] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the eradication device comprises an electronic controller 20, wherein said electronic controller is being connected to said sensor means 6 and to said firing mechanism 200, wherein said sensor means 6 is being configured to transmit a sensing signal SS to said electronic controller 20, upon sensing a presence of a rodent by said sensor means; and wherein said electronic controller 20 is being configured, to subsequently transmit to said firing mechanism 200, said trigger signal TS, thereby causing one or more of said one or more killing means 10 to be ejected from its non-ejected, stand-by configuration so as to arrive at its ejected configuration.

[0126] An electronic controller may by means of electrical signal control the operation of the eradication device.

[0127] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the electronic controller 20 is being powered by said power source 8.

[0128] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the electronic controller 20 is being configured to transmit said trigger signal TS to said ejector mechanism 202 of said firing mechanism 200.

[0129] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the electronic controller 20 is being configured to transmit a reloading instructions RI to said reloading mechanism 204, thereby causing said killing means 10 to be brought from its ejected configuration to its non-ejected, stand-by configuration, subsequent to being ejected.

[0130] These modes of operation ensure a reliable ejection and reloading of the firing mechanism 200 thereof.

[0131] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the eradication device comprises a data memory 22, wherein said data memory is being configured to store thereon, time stamps relating to time of occurrence of activities of said electronic controller 20 and / or said firing mechanism 200.

[0132] Hereby it is possible at later stages to retrieve information relating to activities of the eradication device. In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the dimension and geometry of said impact element 14 on the one hand and the impact power of said firing mechanism 200 on the other hand are adapted to each other in such a way, that no piecing of the skin of said rodent is possible upon killing said rodent by impacting with said impact element upon ejecting said killing means.

[0133] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the thickness of said impact element 14 is no less than any dimension selected from the ranges 3 - 30 mm, such as 4 - 25 mm, for example 5 - 20 mm, such as 8 - 15 mm or 10 - 12 mm.

[0134] These dimensions and / or geometries ensure a non-invasive killing of rodents by using the eradication device 100.

[0135] By providing the killing means with a blunt impact element for impacting the rodent upon killing thereof it is ensured that no piercing of the skin of the rodent takes place.

[0136] Thereby it is also ensured that no killing means have to be retracted from the internal parts of the body of the rodent after killing, and the lack of such retraction from the internal parts of the body avoids the problem of squeezing the body of the rodent to an extend where the size of the animal increases. This in turn implies avoiding clogging of sewer pipes in a sewer system due to an ensued enlargement of the size of rodents which have been killed.

[0137] In the present description and in the appended claims the term “non-invasive killing of a rodent” may be construed to mean that no piercing or penetration of the skin of the rodent takes place upon killing.

[0138] In the present description and in the appended claims, the lack of piercing by the killing means of the eradication device of the present invention may being tested in respect of a standard model rat having a weight of 400 - 600 g which has been newly killed by nonmechanical means, such as by gas, and which rests flat down on feet and stomach on a nonflexible surface in such a way that the distance between the impact element 14 of the killing means 10 and a dorsal portion of said rat, when said firing mechanism 200 is being in its stand-by configuration, is selected from the ranges 200 - 290 mm, such as 210 - 280 mm, for example 220 - 270 mm, e.g. 230 - 260 mm or 240 - 250.

[0139] In such a situation, when firing the firing mechanism of the eradication device onto the dead rat and the killing means do not pierce the skin of the rat, then one may be sure that the killing means operate in a non-invasive mode.

[0140] In another embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the dimension and geometry of said impact element 14 are adapted in such a way that said impact element is being sharp or spear-like, thereby enabling piecing of the skin of said rodent is possible upon killing said rodent by impacting with said impact element upon ejecting said killing means. In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the power source 8 is being in the form of a battery, such as rechargeable battery.

[0141] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of killing means 10 of said eradication device 100 is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 or more.

[0142] In general, the higher the number of killing means, the higher the chance that the rodent will be hit by one or more killings means upon ejection thereof, and thereby ensure an instant kill.

[0143] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the sensor means 6 comprises one or more sensors, such as 1 or 2 sensors 6a, 6b.

[0144] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the eradication device is being configured to only eject said killing means 10, once both sensors 6a, 6b have detected a presence of a rodent, such as once both sensors 6a, 6b simultaneously have detected a presence of a rodent.

[0145] Hereby false positive detection of a non-present rodent may be avoided.

[0146] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the sensor means 6, 6a, 6b is / are an IR sensor, such as being of the type PIR (Passive Infra Red sensor).

[0147] Such sensors are capable of detection of movement of a warm-blooded animal, such as a rodent.

[0148] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and in respect of one or more of said killing means 10, said killing means comprises a number of vertically extending rods 26, such as one, two or three vertically extending rods 26, each having an upper end 28 and a lower end 30, wherein said rods 26 at their respective lower ends 30 are being connected to each other by a plate element 32, wherein a lower rim 34 of said plate element defines said impact element 14.

[0149] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the plate element 32 is being planar or is having the shape of a segment of a cylinder wall.

[0150] In these designs of the killing means the rodent will be killed by impact of the lower rim 34 of the plate element 32.

[0151] In another embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and in respect of one or more of said killing means 10, said killing means comprises a number of vertically extending rods 26, each having an upper end 28 and a lower end 30, wherein said rods 26 at a position which does not correspond to their respective lower ends 30 are being connected to each other by a plate element 32, wherein in respect of one or more of said rods, said lower end 30 defines said impact element 14. In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and in respect of each said killing means, said number of vertically extending rods 26 is selected from the ranges of 2 - 15 or more rods, such as 3 - 14 rods, for example 4 - 13 rods, e.g. 5 - 12 rods, such as 6 - 11 rods, for example 7 - 10 rods or 8 - 9 rods.

[0152] In these designs of the killing means the rodent will be killed by impact of the lower rim 30 of rod(s) 26.

[0153] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention and in respect of one or more of said killing means 10, the travelling distance of said killing means, upon being displaced from its non-ejected, standby position to its ejected position is selected from the ranges of 5 - 50 cm or more, such as 10 - 45 cm, for example 15 - 40 cm, e.g. 20 - 35 cm or 35 - 30 cm.

[0154] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the plate element 32 is having an extension, in a vertical direction Z, of 5 - 30 cm, such as 10 - 25 cm or 15 - 20 cm and / or wherein said plate element is having an extension, in a direction perpendicular to said vertical direction Z and extending in a direction between said vertically extending rods of 5 - 30 cm, such as 10 - 25 cm or 15 - 20 cm.

[0155] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the housing 2 comprises an essentially vertically extending enclosure 36 having an upper end 38 and a lower end 40; wherein said enclosure in its interior 42 is accommodating said a firing mechanism 200, said power source 8 and said electronic controller 20, if being present, wherein said firing mechanism 200 is oriented in such a way that said displacement of said killing means 10 takes place in an essentially vertical direction.

[0156] An enclosure will shield the delicate mechanical and electronic parts from the rather harsh and corrosive environment being present in a sewer pipe system.

[0157] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the essentially vertically extending enclosure 36 at its lower end 40 is being connected to an essentially horizontally oriented plate 44, wherein said plate comprises one or more openings 46 enabling said one or more killing means 10, including the impact element 14 thereof, to penetrate said plate 44.

[0158] The horizontally oriented plate 44 will aid in further shielding the internal parts of the eradication device from the rather harsh environment being present in a sewer pipe system.

[0159] In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the sensor means 6, 6a, 6b is / are being arranged at said plate.

[0160] Hereby the sensor means have optimum ability to detect the present of a rodent at a position corresponding to the killing means. The second aspect of the present invention

[0161] In a second aspect the present invention relates to an eradication system 400 comprising one or more eradication devices 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention in combination with a central data logger 48; wherein in respect of one or more of said one or more eradication devices 100, said eradication devices comprises an electronic controller 20 and a wireless communication unit 50, and optionally also an electronic inclinometer, optionally also an electronic sensor for measuring electric conductivity of water in a sewer, optionally also a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of water in a sewer, and optionally also a sensor for measuring the water level in a sewer; wherein said electronic controller 20 is being configured to communicate to said wireless communication unit 50, activity information relating to activities or conditions of said eradication device 100.

[0162] Such eradication system allows for monitoring the activities performed or conditions encountered by the various eradication devices of the system.

[0163] In one embodiment of the eradication system according to the second aspect of the present invention the activity information relates to one or more of the following:

[0164] -a rodent has been detected by said sensor means 6;

[0165] -said firing mechanism 200, such as said ejector mechanism 202 of said firing mechanism has ejected said killing means 10 and thereby brought said killing means from its non-ejected stand-by configuration to its ejected configuration;

[0166] -said firing mechanism 200, such as said reloading mechanism 204 of said firing mechanism has brought said killing means 10 from its ejected configuration to its non-ejected, stand-by position;

[0167] -identity of the eradication device being active;

[0168] -geographical position of the eradication device being active;

[0169] -activities relating to power consumption, optionally as a function of time;

[0170] -estimated size of rodents being detected by said sensor means;

[0171] -number of times that said firing mechanism 200 has ejected said killing means 10, such as number of times that said ejector mechanism 202 of said firing mechanism has ejected said killing means 10;

[0172] -inclination of said eradication device;

[0173] - electric conductivity of water in a sewer pipe;

[0174] -water level of water in a sewer pipe;

[0175] -temperature of water in a sewer pipe; -time stamps relating to time of occurrence of any of the above-mentioned activities or conditions;

[0176] -electric capacity and / or voltage of said power source; and wherein said communication unit 50 is configured to transmit to said central data logger 48 by wireless transmission, information representing said activity information.

[0177] Monitoring such activity information provides a access to in depth information relating various activities and conditions in the interior of sewer pipes of a sewer system.

[0178] In one embodiment of the eradication system according to the second aspect of the present invention the central data logger 48 is being in the form of a central data server.

[0179] In one embodiment of the eradication system according to the second aspect of the present invention and in respect of one or more of said eradication devices 100, said wireless communication unit 50 of said eradication device is being in the form of a communication unit, such as a modem, configured to communicate via an existing cellular mobile phone network.

[0180] In one embodiment of the eradication system according to the second aspect of the present invention the number of eradication devices 100 of said system is selected from the ranges of 1 - 10,000 or more, such as 5 - 5,000; for example 20 - 3,000, such as 50 - 2,000, e.g. 100 - 1,000, such as 200 - 900, for example 300 - 800, such as 400 - 700 or 500 - 600.

[0181] Such numbers of eradication devices 100 in an eradication system 400 enables very details information relating to a sewer system stretching a large area.

[0182] The third aspect of the present invention

[0183] In a third aspect the present invention provides a use of an eradication device 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention or of an eradication system 400 according to the second aspect of the present invention for eradicating rodents, such as rats.

[0184] In one embodiment of the use according to the third aspect of the present invention the use takes place in the interior of a sewer system.

[0185] The fourth aspect of the present invention

[0186] In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a method for eradicating rodents, such as rats, wherein said method comprises the following steps: i) providing one or more eradication devices 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention; ii) arranging said one or more eradication devices 100 in the interior of a sewer pipe of a sewer system; iii) enabling a rodent, such as a rat to approach one or more of said eradication devices 100; iv) in respect of such an eradication device 100, enabling said sensor means 6 of said eradication device 100 to sense a presence of said rodent; v) upon sensing the presence of said rodent, enabling said sensor means 6 to make said firing mechanism 200 receive said trigger signal TS and thereby make said firing mechanism eject one or more of said killing means 10, thereby killing said rodent by non-invasive mechanical impact with said impact element.

[0187] In one embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention the method further comprising the step of: vi) automatically making said killing means 10 return to its non-ejected, stand-by configuration.

[0188] Hereby, the method involved reloading the firing mechanism after each ejection of the killing means 10, thereby constantly rendering the eradication device ready to kill a rodent.

[0189] In one embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention the method further comprising the step of: vii) allowing said killed rodent to be flushed away by water or slurry flowing in the interior said sewer pipe.

[0190] Hereby no concerns relating to removing the killed rodent need be attended to.

[0191] In one embodiment of the method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention the one or more eradication devices 100 form(s) part of an eradication system 400 according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0192] In order to better illustrate the present invention, reference is now made to the drawings, in which Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are drawings illustrating in a perspective view an eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention having its killing means in a non-ejected, standby configuration (Fig. 1) and in its ejected configuration (Fig. 2), respectively.

[0193] Fig. 1 shows the eradication device 100 comprising a housing 2 in the form of a vertically extending enclosure 36 with an upper end 38 and a lower end 40.

[0194] At a lower end of the housing 2 is arranged a mounting assembly comprising a bottom plate 44, and two mounting elements 300.

[0195] The bottom plate 302 comprises through-going openings 46, thereby allowing killing means 10 to be ejected from the interior 42 of the housing though the bottom plate 302. Also seen in Fig. 1 is the sensor means 6 comprising two sensors 6a and 6b. The sensors are arranged at an underside of the bottom plate 302.

[0196] The sensors are PIR sensors (Passive Infra Red). One example of such a sensor is: Murata IRA-S210ST01.

[0197] The mounting elements 300 are coupled to bottom plate 302. Thereby the eradication device may easily be fastened to the interior of a sewer pipe of a sewer system.

[0198] The eradication device 100 according to the first aspect is intended to be arranged in a vertically extending manhole of a sewer system, which manhole extends between a horizontally extending, underground sewer pipe and the ground surface.

[0199] In Fig. 1 the eradication device is in its non-ejected standby configuration and the killing means 10 are being accommodated within the housing 2 of the eradication device.

[0200] Fig. 2 shows the eradication device 100 of Fig. 1 with its killing means 10 in its ejected configuration. It is seen that the eradication device comprises two killing means 10. Each killing means 10 comprises an impact element 14 which is being defined by the lower rim of the killing means 10.

[0201] As explained in more detail below, the sensors 6a, 6b are configured to sense a presence of a rodent and upon such sensing bringing the eradication device and the killing means from its non-ejected, stand-by configuration, where the killing means 10 are accommodated in the interior 42 of the housing 2, to its ejected configuration, where the killing means 10 are ejected from the interior 42 of the housing 2 with the view to impact such a rodent, the presence of which has been detected by the sensor means 6, 6a, 6b.

[0202] Fig. 3a and 3b illustrate end views of the configurations of the eradication device illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2, respectively.

[0203] Fig. 4 is a partly see-through view of the housing of the eradication device of Fig. 1 having its killing means in a non-ejected, standby configuration.

[0204] Fig. 4 illustrates the interior 42 of the eradication device 100 of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0205] It is seen that the interior 42 of the eradication device 100 comprises a firing mechanism 200 comprising an ejector mechanism 202 and a reloading mechanism 204, a power source 8 and an electronic controller 20. The power source 8 is in the form of a battery which is accommodated within a power source enclosure 600.

[0206] The power source 8 is provided for powering power consuming component of the eradication device 100, such as the sensor means 6 and the firing mechanism 200.

[0207] It is seen in Fig. 4 that the power source enclosure 600 accommodating the power source 8 is having a lower portion 602 which is resting on a support element 606 which in turn is arranged within the interior of 42 of the housing 2 of the eradication device 100 at an upper half portion thereof.

[0208] This arrangement allows for easy and fast detachment and attachment of the power source enclosure 600 from and to the remainder of the eradication device 100 as further described below.

[0209] Fig. 5 is a lower perspective view of the power source enclosure and the support element therefor.

[0210] Fig. 5 shows the power source enclosure 600 with the lower portion 602. The lower portion 602 of the power source enclosure 600 comprises a first engagement element 604. The support element 606 for the power source enclosure comprises a second engagement element 608 and as already explained the support element 606 is configured for being arranged in the interior of the housing 1 of the eradication device.

[0211] It is seen that the first engagement element 604 of the power source enclosure 600 is being in the form of a cavity and that the second engagement element 608 of the support element 606 is being in the form of a protrusion. The cavity is being configured for accommodating the protrusion. Alternatively, the opposite configuration could also be contemplated, that is the first engagement element 604 could be in the form of a protrusion and the second engagement element 608 could be in the form of a cavity in such a way that the cavity is being configured for accommodating that protrusion.

[0212] Also seen in Fig. 5 is that the upper portion of the power source enclosure 600 comprises a handle 618. The handle 618 will aid in lifting the power source enclosure 600, relative to the support element 606 of the rat eradication device. Further the handle 618 will aid in rotating the power source enclosure 600 around a rotational axis between a first angular orientation AO1 and a second angular orientation AO2 and vice versa, as described further below.

[0213] It is seen that the handle 618 comprises hook portions 620 in the form of a cylinder wall 622 comprising cutaways 624.

[0214] Fig. 6a is a side view illustrating a power source enclosure and the support element therefor illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0215] Fig. 6b is a top view of the power source enclosure and the support element therefor illustrated in Fig. 6a.

[0216] Fig 7a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a power source enclosure and its support element of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention and shown in a separated state. The orientation A-A of the cross section of Fig. 7a is illustrated in Fig. 7b.

[0217] Fig. 7a shows that the power source enclosure 600 comprises in its interior a plurality of power sources 8 in the form of rechargeable batteries.

[0218] The power source enclosure 600 is configured in such a way that the power source 8 in that power source enclosure is being fully sealed from the surroundings. It is seen in Fig. 7a is that the first engagement element 604 of the lower part 602 of the power source enclosure 600 comprises a first set of electric connectors 614 comprises a first electric connector 614a and a second electric connector 614b.

[0219] It is also seen in Fig. 7a that the support element 606 for the power source enclosure 600 comprises a second set of electric connectors 616 comprising a first electric connector 616a and a second electric connector 616b.

[0220] The electric connectors are configured in such a way that when the first engagement element 604 and the second engagement element 608 are being brought into engagement with each other, then an electric connection is being established between the first electric connector 614a of the first set of electric connectors 614 and the first electric connector 616a of the second set of electric connectors 616. Furthermore, when the first engagement element 604 and said second engagement element 608 are being brought into engagement with each other, then an electric connection is being established between the second electric connector 614b of the first set of electric connectors 614 and the second electric connector 616b of the second set of electric connectors 616.

[0221] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7a the electric connectors 614a, 614b of the first set of electric connectors 614 of said first engagement element 604 are being arranged next to each other along a vertical extension which is being parallel to the rotational axis R. The electric connectors 616a,616b of the second set of electric connectors 616 of the second engagement element 608 are being arranged next to each other along an extension which is being parallel to that rotational axis R. Thereby, the first set of electric connectors 614a, 614b of the first engagement element 614 on the one hand and the second set of electric connectors 616a, 616b of the second engagement element 616 on the other hand are configured as a plug-and socket type connector.

[0222] In case the electric poles 8a, 8b of the power source 8 are electrically connected to the first electric connector 614a and to said second electric connector 614b, respectively, of the first set of electric connectors 614, and in case the one or more elements of the eradication device 100 which during operation require(s) power is / are being electrically connected to the first electric connector 616a and to the second electric connector 616b, respectively, of the second set of electric connectors 616, then these power consuming elements of the eradication device 100 will be powered, once the power source enclosure 600 with its power source(s) 8 can be powered by that power source 8, once the first engagement element 604 of the power source enclosure 600 in brought into engagement with the second engagement element 608 of the support element 606 (not illustrated).

[0223] Fig. 8 is an upper perspective explosion view illustrating a lower part of a power source enclosure and its associated support element of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0224] Fig. 8 shows that the lower portion 602 of the power source enclosure 600 comprises a first magnetic system 610 and that the support element 606 comprises a second magnetic system 612. The first magnetic system 610 comprises four magnetic elements 610a,610b,610c,610d consisting of permanent magnets arranged in a circle with alternating magnetic polarity.

[0225] The second magnetic system 612 comprises four magnetic elements 612a,612b,612c,612d consisting of permanent magnets arranged in a circle with alternating magnetic polarity.

[0226] The magnetic polarity of the magnets of the two magnet system are denoted by “N” (magnetic north pole) and “S” (magnetic south pole), respectively.

[0227] The mutual angular orientation of first magnetic system 610 and of the second magnetic system 612 in the situation illustrated in Fig. 8 is such that a strong attractive magnetic force makes the lower portion 602 of the power source enclosure 600 and the support element 606 attract each other. This mutual orientation the lower portion 602 of the power source enclosure 600 the support element 606 is referred to as a “second mutual orientation” AO2.

[0228] The arrow in Fig. 8 illustrates that the lower portion 602 is able to be rotated around a rotational axis R, in relation to the support element 606 between the actual mutual angular orientation AO2 and another mutual angular orientation AO1 at two different locations.

[0229] By rotating the lower portion 602, in either two directions, by a rotation of a magnitude of 90°, in relation to the support element 606 around the rotational axis R, the arrangement of the lower portion 602 and the support element 606 will arrive at “a first mutual angular orientation” AO1.

[0230] In the “first mutual angular orientation” AO1 the first magnetic system 610 and the second magnetic system 612 will magnetically repel each other, due the opposing magnetic polarity attained therein between the first magnetic system 610 and the second magnetic system 612.

[0231] Fig. 9 is a lower perspective explosion view illustrating a lower part of a power source enclosure and its associated support element of the eradication device of Fig. 8.

[0232] The magnetic system 610,612 enables detachment of the power source enclosure 600 from the housing 2 of said eradication device 100 and thereby also enables bringing the power source enclosure 600 into engagement with the support element 606 of the eradication device and hold said power source enclosure 600 in place via magnetic attractive force.

[0233] In the detachment procedure for detaching the power source enclosure 600 from the support element 606 of the housing 2 of said eradication device 100, the power source enclosure 600 can simply be rotated from the second mutual angular orientation AO2 to the first mutual angular orientation AO1 and thereby diminish or even eliminate the attractive forces between the first magnetic system 610 and the second magnetic system 612, or even, by such rotation, arrive at a situation in which the two magnetic system 610,612 will repel each other by repelling magnetic forces. This makes the detaching easier compared to a situation in which is it attempted to merely pull against attractive magnetic forces which can be of the order of several tens of newtons.

[0234] Fig. 8 and 9 are illustrating one embodiment of the two magnetic systems 610,612 of the eradication device 100. It should however be understood that many other magnetic configurations may be contemplated. According to the first aspect of the eradication device of the present invention it is a requirement that when the first engagement element and the second engagement element are being into engagement with each other at said first angular orientation AO1, the first magnetic system 610 and the second magnetic system 612 are exerting a first magnetic force to each other having a first magnitude Fl, and when being into engagement with each other at the second mutual angular orientation AO2, then the first magnetic system 610 and the second magnetic system 612 are exerting a second magnetic force to each other having a second magnitude F2, in such a way that in respect of magnetic attractive forces between the first magnetic system 610 and the second magnetic system 612, said magnitude F2 is being greater than said magnitude Fl.

[0235] This means that in some embodiments, some of the magnetic elements 610a,610b,610c,610d and 612a,612b,612c,612d may be magnetic element(s) which in itself / themselves does / do not exhibit magnetic flux, but which is attached to magnetic flux, such as being in the form of a ferromagnetic material.

[0236] However, it is preferred that at least one of the magnetic elements 610a,610b,610c,610d of the first magnetic system 610 and / or at least one of the magnetic elements 612a,612b,612c,612d of the second magnetic system 612 is being in the form of a permanent magnet, such as a neodymium magnet.

[0237] Fig. 10a is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first engagement element of the power source enclosure and a second engagement element of its associated support element of the situation illustrated in Fig. 8 and 9 and in an engaged state.

[0238] It is seen that the first magnetic system 610 comprising the magnetic elements comprising the magnets 610a,610b,610c,610d (only two of these are visible in Fig. 10a) are defining a first plane Pl, and the second magnetic system 612 comprising the magnets 612a,612b,612c,612d (only two of these are visible in Fig. 10a) are defining a second plane P2 and that the planes Pl and P2 are parallel to each other.

[0239] Fig. 10a represents the situation of mutual angular orientation AO2 between the first engagement element 604 and the second engagement element 608, wherein a relative strong attractive magnetic force applies between the first magnetic system 610 and the second magnetic system 612.

[0240] Fig. 10b is cross-sectional view illustrating the situation of Fig. 10a where the first engagement element of the power source enclosure has been rotated 90° around the rotational axis R.

[0241] In Fig. 10b, the polarities of the first magnetic system 610 has been reversed (by the 90° rotation), and hence represents the situation of mutual angular orientation AO1, in which the first magnetic system 610 and the second magnetic system 612 are repelling, by magnetic forces, each other.

[0242] In this situation it will be very easy to lift the power source enclosure 600 form its associated support element 606. Fig 1 la is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the killing means of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0243] Fig. 1 la shows that the killing means 10 comprises three rods 26. All three of these are having an upper end 28 and two are having a lower end 30 extending to the lower portion of the killing means 10. The rods 26 at their respective lower ends 30 are being connected to each other by a plate element 32. A lower rim 34 of said plate element defines said impact element 14.

[0244] It is seen that the plate element 32 is having the shape of a segment of a cylinder wall.

[0245] The impact element 14 is being a blunt impact element for ensuring a non-invasive killing of said rodent.

[0246] Fig. 1 lb is an end view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 1 la as seen from above.

[0247] Fig. 11c is a plan view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 1 la.

[0248] Fig. 1 Id is a side view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. I la.

[0249] Fig. 12a is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the killing means of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0250] Fig. 12a shows that the killing means 10 comprises three rods 26. All three of these are having an upper end 28 and a lower end 30. The rods 26 at their respective middle part are being connected to each other by plate elements 32. The lower end 30 of each of the rods 26 defines the impact element 14.

[0251] Fig. 12b is an end view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 12a.

[0252] Fig. 12c is a plan view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 12a.

[0253] Fig. 12d is a side view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 12a.

[0254] The embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 la - l id and in Fig. 12a - 12 d are having killing means 10 that is having a blunt impact element 14, thereby avoiding piercing of the skin of a rodent upon impact therewith.

[0255] Fig. 13a is a perspective view illustrating yet another embodiment of the killing means of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention. This time the killing means 10 is defining a sharp or spear-like impact element 14, thereby enabling piercing of the skin of a rodent upon impact therewith.

[0256] Fig. 13a shows that the killing means 10 comprises three rods 26. All three of these are having an upper end 28 and a lower end 30. The rods 26 at their respective middle part are being connected to each other by plate elements 32. The lower end 30 of each of the rods 26 defines the impact element 14.

[0257] Fig. 13b is an end view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 13a. Fig. 13c is a plan view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 13a.

[0258] Fig. 13d is a side view of the killing means illustrated in Fig. 13a.

[0259] Returning now to Fig. 4 again, it is seen that the interior 42 of the eradication device 100 comprises a firing mechanism 200 comprising an ejector mechanism 202 and a reloading mechanism 204, a power source 8 in the form of a battery, and an electronic controller 20.

[0260] The firing mechanism is configured, upon receiving a trigger signal TS, to eject the killing means 10 from the non-ejected, stand-by configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 1 and 3a, to its ejected configuration as illustrated in Fig. 2 and 3b, where the killing means 10 has been ejected.

[0261] It is seen in Fig. 4 that the sensor means 6 is arranged below the horizontally arranged plate 44 at the lower portion of the eradication device 100. Hereby, the sensor means 6 is able to sense a presence of a rodent at a location which is within reach of an impact element 14 of one or more of the killing means, when the killing means is in its ejected configuration.

[0262] Also seen in Fig. 4 is the presence of a spindle arrangement 214 comprising a spindle 216 being driven by a motor 218 which collectively are being part of the reloading mechanism 204.

[0263] The working mode of the firing mechanism 200 and of the reloading mechanism 204 in particular is further explained with reference to Fig. 14a, 14b and 14c.

[0264] Fig. 14a is a perspective view of a firing mechanism of an eradication device according to the present invention, wherein the killings means are in its ejected configuration.

[0265] Fig. 14a shows the firing mechanism 200 which integrally comprises an ejector mechanism 202 and a reloading mechanism 204.

[0266] Fig. 14a shows that two killing means 10 are mounted to a movable support element 208. The movable support element 208 is able to slide up and down along the extension of four guide members 210 between a lower position and a stationary support element 230 arranged at the top.

[0267] Fig. 14a shows that the ejector mechanism 202 is being spring-loaded in that a spring 212 is wound around two of the four guide members 210 in such a way that these two springs participate in ejecting the killing means 10 from its non-ejected, stand-by configuration to its ejected configuration.

[0268] Fig. 14a shows that the reloading mechanism 204 comprises a spindle arrangement 214 comprising a spindle 216, a motor 218 for driving that spindle 216, a lifting element 220 for lifting the movable support element 208, and a tube 222 which is being connected to the movable support element 208, and finally also an electrically actuated lock 224.

[0269] It is seen that the tube 222 is surrounding the spindle 216. The lifting element 220 comprises a threaded hole 226 engaging with the spindle 216 and the lifting element 220, holding the killing means, is being arranged below the movable support element 208.

[0270] Also seen in Fig. 14a is that the tube 222 comprises an engagement element 228 in the form of a collar at an upper part thereof.

[0271] The electrically actuated lock 224 is configured to change configuration between a looking configuration in which said lock is engaging with the collar 228 of the tube 222 and an unlocking configuration in which the electrically actuated lock 224 is disengaging from that collar 226 of the tube 222, and vice versa. This will happen upon supplying an electrical signal to the electrically actuated lock 224.

[0272] The lifting element 220 is being arranged so as to not become brought into rotation upon rotation of the spindle 216. This is ensured by being held in place by the guide members 210.

[0273] The reloading mechanism 204 is configured, when the eradication device is being in its ejected configuration as shown in Fig. 14a, to lift the movable support element 208, and thereby also lift said killing means 10, upon turning the spindle in one rotational direction via the motor 218. Hereby the springs 212 will be compressed.

[0274] This situation is illustrated in Fig. 14b.

[0275] Fig. 14b is a perspective view of the firing mechanism of Fig. 14a, wherein the firing mechanism is in the process of being reloaded.

[0276] Fig. 14b shows that the movable support element 208, and thereby also the tube 222 have been lifted a predetermined distance. In the configuration illustrated in Fig. 14b, the electrically actuated lock 224 is ready to engage with the collar 228 of the tube 222 and thereby lock the position of the movable support element 208 into a locked position.

[0277] In this situation the spindle 216 can be brought to rotational movement in an opposite rotational direction via the motor 218. Hereby the spindle will lower the movable lifting element 220, whereafter the movable support element 208 is free to be moved by action of the springs 212, once the electrically actuated lock 224 disengages from the collar 228.

[0278] This situation is illustrated in Fig. 14c. In this situation the reloading of the firing mechanism 200 is complete.

[0279] Fig. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating the working mode of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0280] Fig. 15 shows that the eradication device 100 comprising an electronic controller 20, sensor means 6, an ejector mechanism 202 of a firing mechanism 200, a reloading mechanism 204 of a firing mechanism 200 and a wireless communication unit 50.

[0281] A power source 8 in the form of a battery is powering the electronic controller 20, the sensor means 6, the ejector mechanism 202, the reloading mechanism 204 and the wireless communication unit 50. When the sensor means 6 detect a presence of a rodent, such as a rat, the sensor will send a sensor signal SS to the electronic controller 20. This will make the electronic controller 20 send a trigger signal TS to the ejector mechanism 202. Upon receiving such as trigger signal TS the firing mechanism 200 will change its configuration from its non-ejected, stand-by configuration to its ejected configuration, and thereby eject the killing means 10.

[0282] Subsequent to having ejected the killing means, the electronic controller will transmit reload instructions RI to the reloading device 204.

[0283] With reference to Fig. 14a, 14b and 14c, such reload instructions RI may constitute instructions leading to the following actions: i) make the motor rotate in one rotational direction so as to raise the movable support element 208 and thereby the killing means 10; ii) make the electrically actuated lock 224 engage with the collar 228, and thereby lock the position of the movable support element 208; iii) make the motor rotate in the opposite rotational direction so as to lower the lifting element 220, whereby the movable support element 208 with its killing means is free, via spring loading, to be ejected to its ejected configuration, once the electrically actuated lock 224 disengages with the collar 228 when a trigger signal TS has been send to the electronic controller 20. This will in turn imply making the electrically actuated lock 224 disengage with the collar 228.

[0284] Also seen in Fig. 15 is that the electronic controller 20 is connected to a data memory which may store information relating to occurrences of varies activities and time stamps of such activities of the eradication device 100.

[0285] Fig. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating the concept of an eradication system according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0286] Fig. 16 shows the eradication system 400 comprising a plurality (twelve) eradication devices 100 according to the first aspect of the invention in combination with a central data logger 48.

[0287] The eradication devises are arranged at different positions in the interior of a sewer system.

[0288] Each of the eradication devices 100 comprises an electronic controller 20 and a wireless communication unit 50.

[0289] The electronic controller 20 is configured to communicate to the wireless communication unit 50, activity information relating to various activities, such as: “a rodent has been detected by the sensor means 6”; “the firing mechanism 200, such as said ejector mechanism 202 of said firing mechanism has ejected said killing means 10 and thereby brought said killing means from its non-ejected stand-by configuration to its ejected configuration”; “the firing mechanism 200, such as said reloading mechanism 204 of said firing mechanism has brought said killing means 10 from its ejected configuration to its non-ejected, stand-by position; “specific identity of the eradication device 100 performing one or more of such activities”; “geographical position of the specific eradication device being active”; “activities relating to power consumption, optionally as a function of time”; “estimated size of rodents being detected by said sensor means”; “number of times that said firing mechanism 200 has ejected said killing means 10, such as number of times that said ejector mechanism 202 of said firing mechanism has ejected said killing means 10”.

[0290] In case the eradication device 100 is also provided with an electronic inclinometer, an electronic sensor for measuring electric conductivity of water in a sewer pipe, a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of water in a sewer pipe, and a sensor for measuring the water level in a sewer pipe, then the electronic controller 20 may communicate to the wireless communication unit 50, information relating to various conditions, such as “inclination of said eradication device”; “electric conductivity of water in a sewer pipe”; “water level of water in a sewer pipe”; “temperature of water in a sewer pipe”.

[0291] Besides, time stamps relating to time of occurrence of any of the above-mentioned activities or conditions may be communicated to that communication unit 50.

[0292] The electronic controller 20 is being configured to communicate to said wireless communication unit 50, activity information relating to activities or conditions of said eradication device 100.

[0293] Such eradication system allows for monitoring the activities performed or conditions encountered by the various eradication devices of the system.

[0294] Hereby activity information relating to one or more types of information may be transmitted to the central data logger 48.

[0295] The communication unit 50 is configured to convey to the central data logger 48 by wireless transmission, information representing that activity information.

[0296] The central data logger 48 may be in the form of a central data server.

[0297] Hereby it is possible, via the central data server to monitor the activities of the eradication devices, which specific eradication device 100 is performing which activity and at which location and at which time.

[0298] Thereby some knowledge will be attained relating to activities of rodents, such as rats, living in a sewer system.

[0299] It should be understood that all features and achievements discussed above and in the appended claims in relation to one aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof apply equally well to the other aspects of the present invention and embodiments thereof. List of reference numerals

[0300] 2 Housing

[0301] 6 Sensor means

[0302] 6a, 6b Sensor of sensor means

[0303] 8 Power source

[0304] 8a, 8b Electric poles of power source

[0305] 10 Killing means

[0306] 12 Free first end of killing means

[0307] 14 Impact element of killing means

[0308] 16 Second end of killing means

[0309] 20 Electronic controller

[0310] 22 Data memory

[0311] 24 Lower impact area of impact element

[0312] 26 Rod of killing means

[0313] 28 Upper end of rod

[0314] 30 Lower end of rod

[0315] 32 Plate element of killing means

[0316] 34 Lower rim of plate element

[0317] 36 Vertically extending enclosure of housing

[0318] 38 Upper end of housing

[0319] 40 Lower end of housing

[0320] 42 Interior of enclosure

[0321] 44 Horizontally extending plate

[0322] 46 Opening for killing means

[0323] 48 Central data logger

[0324] 50 Wireless communication unit

[0325] 100 Eradication device

[0326] 200 Firing mechanism

[0327] 202 Ejector mechanism

[0328] 204 Reloading mechanism 206 Stationary part of firing mechanism

[0329] 208 Movable support element

[0330] 210 Guide member

[0331] 212 Spring of ejector mechanism

[0332] 214 Spindle arrangement of reloading device

[0333] 216 Spindle of spindle arrangement

[0334] 218 Motor of spindle arrangement

[0335] 220 Lifting element of spindle arrangement

[0336] 222 Tube

[0337] 224 Electrically actuated lock

[0338] 226 Threaded hole in lifting element of spindle arrangement

[0339] 228 Engagement element of upper part of tube

[0340] 230 Stationary support element

[0341] 300 Mounting element of eradication device

[0342] 302 Bottom plate

[0343] 400 Eradication system

[0344] 500 Sewer system

[0345] 502 Sewer pipe of sewer system

[0346] 504 Interior of sewer pipe

[0347] 506 Inner surface of sewer pipe

[0348] 508 Manhole of sewer system

[0349] 510 Side of manhole of sewer system

[0350] 600 Power source enclosure

[0351] 602 Lower portion of power source enclosure

[0352] 604 First engagement element of power source enclosure

[0353] 606 Support element for power source enclosure

[0354] 608 Second engagement element of support element

[0355] 610 First magnetic system

[0356] 610a, 610b Magnetic element of first magnetic system

[0357] 610c, 610d Magnetic element of first magnetic system 612 Second magnetic system

[0358] 612a, 612b Magnetic element of second magnetic system

[0359] 612c,612d Magnetic element of second magnetic system

[0360] 614 First set of electric connectors

[0361] 614a, 614b Electric connectors of first set of electric connectors

[0362] 616 Second set of electric connectors

[0363] 616a,616b Electric connectors of second set of electric connectors

[0364] 618 Handle of power source enclosure

[0365] 620 Hook portions of handle

[0366] 622 Cylinder wall of handle

[0367] 624 Cutaway in cylinder wall

[0368] A01 First mutual angular orientation between first and second engagement elements

[0369] A02 Second mutual angular orientation between first and second engagement elements

[0370] R Rotational axis

[0371] RI Reloading instruction

[0372] SS Sensing signal

[0373] TS Trigger signal

[0374] Pl Plane defined by magnetic elements of first magnetic system

[0375] P2 Plane defined by magnetic elements of second magnetic system

Claims

Claims1. An eradication device (100) for killing rodents, such as rats, wherein said eradication device, in the orientation intended during use, comprises:-a housing (2);-a firing mechanism (200);-sensor means (6);-a power source (8); wherein said power source (8) is configured for powering said sensor means (6) and said firing mechanism (200); wherein said housing (2) comprises said firing mechanism (200); wherein said firing mechanism (200) comprises one or more killing means (10); wherein said firing mechanism is configured, upon receiving a trigger signal (TS), to eject one or more of said killing means (10) from a non-ejected, stand-by configuration, thereby making said killing means (10) arrive at an ejected configuration; wherein said killing means (10) of said firing mechanism (200) comprises a free first end (12) comprising an impact element (14) for killing said rodent upon impact, caused by ejection of said killing means (10); wherein said sensor means (6) is arranged relative to said killing means (10) in such a way that said sensor means (6) is being configured to be able to sense a presence of a rodent at a location which is within reach of an impact element (14) of one or more of said killing means, when said killing means is being in its ejected configuration; wherein said eradication device is being configured, upon sensing a presence of a rodent by said sensor means, to make said firing mechanism (200) receive said trigger signal (TS) and thereby eject one or more of said killing means (10); wherein said eradication device comprises a power source enclosure (600) for housing said power source (8); wherein said power source enclosure (600) at a lower portion (602) thereof comprises a first engagement element (604); characterized in that said eradication device in the interior (42) of said housing (2) thereof comprises a support element (606) for supporting said power source enclosure (600); wherein said support element comprises a second engagement element (608); wherein said first engagement element (604) and said second engagement element (608) are being configured for entering into engagement with each other in such a way that onceentered into engagement with each other said first engagement element (604) and said second engagement element (608) may be rotated in relation to each other between a first mutual angular orientation (AO1) and a second mutual angular orientation (AO2), and vice versa, upon exerting torque between said first engagement element( 604) and said second engagement element (608) around a rotational axis (R); wherein said lower portion (602) of said power source enclosure (600) comprises a first magnetic system (610) comprising one or more magnetic elements (610a, 610b, 610c, 610d); wherein said support element (606) comprises a second magnetic system (612) comprising one or more magnetic elements (612a, 612b, 612c, 612d); wherein said first magnetic system (610) and said second magnetic system (612) are configured in such a way that when said first engagement element (604) and said second engagement element (608) are being into engagement with each other at said first angular orientation (AO1), said first magnetic system (610) and said second magnetic system (612) are exerting a first magnetic force to each other having a first magnitude Fl, and in such a way that when said first engagement element (604) and said second engagement element (608) are being into engagement with each other at said second mutual angular orientation (AO2), said first magnetic system (610) and said second magnetic system (612) are exerting a second magnetic force to each other having a second magnitude (F2), wherein in respect of magnetic attractive forces between said first magnetic system (610) and said second magnetic system (612), said magnitude F2 is being greater than said magnitude Fl; thereby enabling detachment of said power source enclosure (600) from said housing (2) of said eradication device (100) and thereby also enabling bringing said power source enclosure (600) into engagement with said support element (606) of said eradication device and hold said power source enclosure (600) in place via magnetic attractive force.

2. An eradication device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said first magnetic force is being an attractive magnetic force, or is being a repulsive magnetic force, or is a magnetic force having a magnitude Fl of approximately zero (0) N (Newton), such as Fl= 0 (no magnetic force).

3. An eradication device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the said second magnetic force is being an attractive magnetic force, such as an attractive magnetic force having a magnitude F2 selected from the ranges 1 - 55 N or more, such as 5 - 50 N, for example 8 - 45 N, such as 10 - 40 N, e.g. 12 - 35 N, such as 15 - 30 N, such as 20 - 25 N.

4. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first magnetic system (610) comprises one or more magnetic elements (610a, 610b, 610c, 610d), such as 1 - 8 magnetic elements, for example 2 - 7 magnetic elements, e.g. 3 - 6 magnetic elements or 4 - 5 magnetic elements; and / or wherein said second magnetic system 612 comprises one or more magnetic elements (612a,612b,612c,612d), such as 1 - 8 magnetic elements, for example 2 - 7 magnetic elements, e.g. 3 - 6 magnetic elements or 4 - 5 magnetic elements.

5. An eradication device (100) according to claim 4, wherein one or more of said magnetic elements (610a, 610b, 610c, 610d) of said first magnetic system 610 is / are being in the form of a ferromagnetic material which in itself is not being a magnet, such as iron or an iron alloy;and / or wherein one or more of said magnetic elements (610a,610b,610c,610d) of said first magnetic system (610) is / are being in the form of a permanent magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, or is in the form of an electromagnet.

6. An eradication device (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein one or more of said magnetic elements (612a,612b,612c,612d) of said second magnetic system (612) is / are being in the form of a ferromagnetic material which in itself is not being a magnet, such as iron or an iron alloy; and / or wherein one or more of said magnetic elements (612a,612b,612c,612d) of said second magnetic system (612) is / are being in the form of a permanent magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, or is in the form of an electromagnet.

7. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 4 - 6, wherein at least one of said magnetic elements (610a,610b,610c,610d) of said first magnetic system (610) and / or wherein at least one of said magnetic elements (612a,612b,612c,612d) of said second magnetic system (612) is being in the form of a permanent magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, or is in the form of an electromagnet.

8. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 4 - 7, wherein said magnetic elements (610a, 610b, 610c, 610d) of said first magnetic system (610) is being arranged in a first plane (Pl) in such a way that the magnetic polarity of any permanent magnets (610a,610b,610c,610d) of said first magnetic system (610) is being parallel to said rotational axis (R) and / or wherein said magnetic elements (612a,612b,612c,612d) of said second magnetic system (612) is being arranged in a second plane (P2) in such a way that the magnetic polarity of any permanent magnets (612a,612b,612c,612d) of said second magnetic system (612) is being parallel to said rotational axis (R), wherein said first plane (Pl) is being arranged above said second plane (P2).

9. An eradication device 100 according to any of the claims 4 - 8, wherein said first magnetic system (610) comprises an even number of permanent magnets (610a,610b,610c,610d), such as 2, 4 , 6 or 8 permanent magnets being arranged equidistant on a circle with alternating polarity; and wherein said second magnetic system (612) comprises an even number of permanent magnets (612a,612b,612c,612d), such as 2, 4, 6 or 8 permanent magnets being arranged equidistant on a circle with alternating polarity, wherein in said first mutual angular orientation (AO1), said first magnetic system (610) and said second magnetic system (612) are magnetically repelling each other; and wherein in said second mutual angular orientation (AO2), said first magnetic system (610) and said second magnetic system (612) are magnetically attracting each other.

10. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first engagement element (604) comprises a first set of electric connectors (614) and wherein said second engagement element (608) comprises a second set of electric connectors (616); wherein when said first engagement element (604) and said second engagement element (608) are being into engagement with each other, then an electric connection is being established between said first set of electric connectors (614) and said second set of electric connectors (616).

11. An eradication device (100) according to claim 10, wherein said first and second engagement elements (604,608) are being configured in such a way that said electricconnection is being established irrespective of the angular orientation between said first engagement element (604) and said second engagement element (608).

12. An eradication device (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said first set of electric connectors (614) comprises a first electric connector (614a) and a second electric connector (614b); and wherein said second set of electric connectors (616) comprises a first electric connector (616a) and a second electric connector (616b); wherein when said first engagement element (604) and said second engagement element (608) are being into engagement with each other, then an electric connection is being established between said first electric connector (614a) of said first set of electric connectors (614) and said first electric connector (616a) of said second set of electric connectors (616); and furthermore, then an electric connection is being established between said second electric connector (614b) of said first set of electric connectors (614) and said second electric connector (616b) of said second set of electric connectors (616).

13. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 10 - 12, wherein said electric connectors (614a, 614b) of said first set of electric connectors (614) of said first engagement element (604) are being arranged next to each other along an extension which is being parallel to said rotational axis (R); and wherein said electric connectors (616a,616b) of said second set of electric connectors (616) of said second engagement element (608) are being arranged next to each other along an extension which is being parallel to said rotational axis (R), wherein said first set of electric connectors (614a, 614b) of said first engagement element (604) on the one hand and said second set of electric connectors (616a,616b) of said second engagement element (608) on the other hand are configured as a plug-and-socket type connector.

14. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 10 - 12, wherein said electric connectors (614a, 614b) of said first set of electric connectors (614) of said first engagement element (604) are being arranged coaxially in relation to each other; and wherein said electric connectors (616a,616b) of said second set of electric connectors (616) of said second engagement element (608) are being arranged coaxially in relation to each other.

15. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first engagement element (604) is being in the form of a cavity and wherein said second engagement element (608) is being in the form of a protrusion, wherein said cavity is being configured for accommodating said protrusion; or wherein said first engagement element (604) is being in the form of a protrusion and wherein said second engagement element (608) is being in the form of a cavity, wherein said cavity is being configured for accommodating said protrusion.

16. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said power source (8) is being accommodated in the interior of said power source enclosure (600).

17. An eradication device (100) according to claim 16, wherein the electric poles (8a, 8b) of said power source (8) is being electrically connected to said first electric connector (614a) and to said second electric connector (614b), respectively, of said first set of electric connectors (614).

18. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 12 - 17, wherein one or more elements of said eradication device (100) which during operation require(s) power is / arebeing electrically connected to said first electric connector (616a) and to said second electric connector (616b), respectively, of said second set of electric connectors (616).

19. An eradication device (100) according to claim 16, wherein said power source enclosure (600) is configured in such a way that said power source (8) in said power source enclosure is being fully sealed from the surroundings.

20. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said power source enclosure (600), such as at an upper portion thereof, comprises a handle (618) for aiding lifting said power source enclosure (600), relative to said support element (606) of said rat eradication device; and / or for aiding in rotating said power source enclosure (600) around said rotational axis (R) between said first mutual angular orientation (AO1) and said second mutual angular orientation (AO2) and vice versa.

21. An eradication device (100) according to claim 20, wherein said handle (618) comprises one or more hook portions (620) for enabling lifting of said power source enclosure (600), relative to said support element (606) of said rat eradication device, wherein said hook portions (620) optionally is being in the form of a cylinder wall (622) comprising one or more cutaways (624).

22. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the angle between said first mutual angular orientation (AO1) and said second mutual angular orientation (AO2) is having a magnitude selected from the ranges of 15 - 180°, such as 30 - 165°, for example 45 - 150°, e.g. 60 - 135°, for example 75 - 120°, such as 90 - 105°.

23. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said support element (606) is being arranged in the interior of said housing (2), such as at an upper half portion thereof.

24. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said firing mechanism (200) is being configured, subsequent to having ejected one or more of said killing means (10), to reload said killing means (10) by making said killing means return to its non-ejected, stand-by configuration.

25. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said firing mechanism (200) comprises an ejector mechanism (202) and a reloading mechanism (204), wherein said ejector mechanism (202) is being configured to eject said one or more of said killing means (10) and thereby bring said killing means from its non-ejected, stand-by configuration to its ejected configuration; and wherein said reloading mechanism (204) is being configured to reload said killing means by bringing said killing means (10) from its ejected configuration to its to non-ejected, stand-by configuration.

26. An eradication device (100) according to claim 25, wherein said ejector mechanism (202) and said reloading mechanism (204) are being separate entities or are being integrated into a single unit.

27. An eradication device (100) according to claim 26, wherein said firing mechanism (200) comprises a stationary part (206) which is being attached to said housing (2), and a movable support element (208) which is being configured to be ejected in a direction away from saidstationary part (206); thereby enabling said movable support element (208) to be displaced relative to said stationary part (206) between said non-ejected, stand-by configuration and said ejected configuration, and vice versa; wherein said movable support element (208) of said firing mechanism (200) is being connected to said one or more killing means (10) at a second end (16) thereof.

28. An eradication device (100) according to claim 27, wherein said stationary part (206) of said firing mechanism (200) comprises one more guide members (210) in the form of rod(s), wherein said movable support element (208) is being configured to slide along a longitudinal extension of said guide member(s) (210).

29. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said ejector mechanism (202) is being spring-loaded by one or more springs (212) in such a way that said one or more springs participate in ejecting said killing means (10) from its non-ejected, standby configuration to its ejected configuration.

30. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 25 - 29, wherein said firing mechanism (200) comprises:-a spindle arrangement 214 comprising a spindle (216);-a motor (218) for driving said spindle (216);-a lifting element (220) for lifting said movable support element (208);-a tube (222) being connected to said movable support element (208);-an electrically actuated lock (224); wherein said tube (222) is surrounding said spindle (216); wherein said lifting element (220) comprises a threaded hole (226) engaging with said spindle (216); wherein said lifting element (220) is being arranged below said movable support element (208); wherein said tube (222) comprises an engagement element (228), such as a collar, such as at an upper part thereof; wherein said electrically actuated lock (224) is configured to change configuration between a locking configuration in which said lock is engaging with said engagement element (228) of said tube (222) and an unlocking configuration in which said electrically actuated lock (224) is disengaging from said engagement element (228) of said tube (222), and vice versa, upon being supplied with an electrical signal thereto.

31. An eradication device (100) according to claim 29 and 30, wherein said stationary part (206) of said firing mechanism (200) comprises a stationary support element (230), wherein said spring(s) (212) is / are being arranged between said movable support element (208) andsaid stationary support element (230), such as being arranged so as to surround one or more of said guide member(s) (210).

32. An eradication device (100) according to claim 30 or 31, wherein said lifting element (220) is being configured for not being brought into rotation upon rotation of said spindle (216), such as by being held in place by said guide member(s) (210).

33. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 30 - 32, wherein said reloading mechanism (204) is configured, when said eradication device is being in its ejected configuration, to lift said movable support element (208), and thereby also lift said killing means (10), upon turning said spindle in one rotational direction via said motor (218), and thereby also to compress said one or more springs (212).

34. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 30 - 33, wherein, once said movable support element (208), and thereby also said tube (222) have been lifted a predetermined distance, said electrically actuated lock (224) is being configured to be able to lock the position of said movable support element (208) by entering into engagement with said engagement element (228) of said tube (222).

35. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 30 - 34, wherein, once the position of said movable support element (208) has been by locked by said electrically actuated lock (224), said movable lifting element (220) is being configured to be lowered by turning said spindle (216) in an opposite rotational direction via said motor (218), thereby rendering reloading of said firing mechanism (200) complete.

36. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said eradication device comprises an electronic controller (20), wherein said electronic controller is being connected to said sensor means (6) and to said firing mechanism (200), wherein said sensor means (6) is being configured to transmit a sensing signal (SS) to said electronic controller (20), upon sensing a presence of a rodent by said sensor means; and wherein said electronic controller (20) is being configured, to subsequently transmit to said firing mechanism (200), said trigger signal (TS), thereby causing one or more of said one or more killing means (10) to be ejected from its non-ejected, stand-by configuration so as to arrive at its ejected configuration.

37. An eradication device (100) according to claim, wherein said electronic controller (20) is being powered by said power source 8.

38. An eradication device (100) according to claim 36 or 37, wherein said electronic controller (20) is being configured to transmit said trigger signal (TS) to said ejector mechanism (202) of said firing mechanism (200).

39. An eradication device (100) according to claim 25 and according to any of the claims 36 - 38, wherein said electronic controller (20) is being configured to transmit a reloading instructions (RI) to said reloading mechanism (204), thereby causing said killing means (10)to be brought from its ejected configuration to its non-ejected, stand-by configuration, subsequent to being ejected.

40. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 36 - 39, wherein said eradication device comprises a data memory (22), wherein said data memory is being configured to store thereon, time stamps relating to time of occurrence of activities of said electronic controller (20) and / or said firing mechanism (200).

41. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dimension and geometry of said impact element (14) are adapted in such a way, that no piecing of the skin of said rodent is possible upon killing said rodent by impacting with said impact element upon ejecting said killing means.

42. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of said impact element (14) is no less than any dimension selected from the ranges 3 - 30 mm, such as 4 - 25 mm, for example 5 - 20 mm, such as 8 - 15 mm or 10 - 12 mm.

43. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 40, wherein the dimension and geometry of said impact element (14) are adapted in such a way that said impact element is being sharp or spear-like, thereby enabling piecing of the skin of said rodent is possible upon killing said rodent by impacting with said impact element upon ejecting said killing means.

44. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said power source (8) is being in the form of a battery, such as rechargeable battery.

45. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the number of killing means (10) of said eradication device (100) is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 or more.

46. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein said sensor means (6) comprises one or more sensors, such as 1 or 2 sensors (6a, 6b).

47. An eradication device (100) according to claim 46 comprising two sensors (6a, 6b), wherein said eradication device is being configured to only eject said killing means (10), once both sensors (6a, 6b) have detected a presence of a rodent, such as once both sensors (6a, 6b) simultaneously have detected a presence of a rodent.

48. An eradication device (100) according to claim 46 or 47, wherein said sensor(s) (6a, 6b) of said sensor means (6) is / are an IR sensor, such as being of the type PIR (Passive Infra Red sensor)49. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein in respect of one or more of said killing means (10), said killing means comprises a number of vertically extending rods (26), such as one, two or three vertically extending rods (26), each having an upper end (28) and a lower end (30), wherein said rods (26) at their respective lower ends (30) are being connected to each other by a plate element (32), wherein a lower rim (34) of said plate element defines said impact element (14).

50. An eradication device (100) according to claim 49, wherein said plate element (32) is being planar or is having the shape of a segment of a cylinder wall.

51. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 48, wherein in respect of one or more of said killing means (10), said killing means comprises a number of vertically extending rods (26), each having an upper end (28) and a lower end (30), wherein said rods (26) at a position which does not correspond to their respective lower ends (30) are being connected to each other by a plate element (32), wherein in respect of one or more of said rods, said lower end (30) defines said impact element (14).

52. An eradication device (100) according to claim 51, wherein in respect of each said killing means, said number of vertically extending rods (26) is selected from the ranges of 2 - 15 or more rods, such as 3 - 14 rods, for example 4 - 13 rods, e.g. 5 - 12 rods, such as 6 - 11 rods, for example 7 - 10 rods or 8 - 9 rods.

53. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in respect of one or more of said killing means (10), the travelling distance of said killing means, upon being displaced from its non-ejected, standby position to its ejected position is selected from the ranges of 5 - 50 cm or more, such as 10 - 45 cm, for example 15 - 40 cm, e.g. 20 - 35 cm or 35 - 30 cm.

54. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 49 - 53, wherein said plate element (32) is having an extension, in a vertical direction (Z), of 5 - 30 cm, such as 10 - 25 cm or 15 - 20 cm and / or wherein said plate element is having an extension, in a direction (Y) which is perpendicular to said vertical direction (Z) and extending in a direction between said vertically extending rods of 5 - 30 cm, such as 10 - 25 cm or 15 - 20 cm.

55. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said housing (2) comprises an essentially vertically extending enclosure (36) having an upper end (38) and a lower end (40); wherein said enclosure in its interior (42) is accommodating said a firing mechanism (200), said power source enclosure (600) and said electronic controller (20), if being present, wherein said firing mechanism (200) is oriented in such a way that said displacement of said killing means (10) takes place in an essentially vertical direction.

56. An eradication device (100) according to claim 55, wherein said essentially vertically extending enclosure (36) at its lower end (40) is being connected to an essentially horizontally oriented bottom plate (302), wherein said bottom plate comprises one or more openings (46) enabling said one or more killing means (10), including the impact element (14) thereof, to penetrate said plate (44).

57. An eradication device (100) to claim 56, wherein said sensor means (6, 6a, 6b) is / are being arranged at said plate (44).

58. An eradication system (400) comprising one or more eradication devices (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 57 in combination with a central data logger (48); wherein in respect of one or more of said one or more eradication devices (100), said eradication devicescomprises an electronic controller (20) and a wireless communication unit (50), and optionally also an electronic inclinometer, optionally also an electronic sensor for measuring electric conductivity of water in a sewer, optionally also a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of water in a sewer, and optionally also a sensor for measuring the water level in a sewer; wherein said electronic controller (20) is being configured to communicate to said wireless communication unit (50), activity information relating to activities or conditions of said eradication device (100).

59. An eradication system (400) according to claim 58, wherein said activity information relates to one or more of the following:-a rodent has been detected by said sensor means (6);-said firing mechanism (200), such as said ejector mechanism (202) of said firing mechanism has ejected said killing means (10) and thereby brought said killing means from its non-ejected stand-by configuration to its ejected configuration;-said firing mechanism (200), such as said reloading mechanism (204) of said firing mechanism has brought said killing means (10) from its ejected configuration to its non-ejected, stand-by position;-identity of the specific eradication device being active;-geographical position of the specific eradication device being active;-activities relating to power consumption, optionally as a function of time;-estimated size of rodents being detected by said sensor means;-number of times that said firing mechanism (200) has ejected said killing means (10), such as number of times that said ejector mechanism (202) of said firing mechanism has ejected said killing means (10);-inclination of said eradication device;-electric conductivity of water in a sewer pipe;-water level of water in a sewer pipe;-temperature of water in a sewer pipe;-time stamps relating to time of occurrence of any of the above-mentioned activities;-electric capacity and / or voltage of said power source; and wherein said communication unit (50) is configured to transmit to said central data logger (48) by wireless transmission, information representing said activity information.

60. An eradication system (400) according to claim 58 or 59, wherein said central data logger (48) is being in the form of a central data server.

61. An eradication system (400) according to any of the claims 58 - 60, wherein in respect of one or more of said eradication devices (100), said wireless communication unit (50) of said eradication device is being in the form of a communication unit, such as a modem, configured to communicate via an existing cellular mobile phone network.

62. An eradication system (400) according to any of the claims 58 - 61, wherein the number of eradication devices (100) of said system 400 is selected from the ranges of 1 - 10,000 or more, such as 5 - 5,000; for example 20 - 3,000, such as 50 - 2,000, e.g. 100 - 1,000, such as 200 - 900, for example 300 - 800, such as 400 - 700 or 500 - 600.

63. Use of an eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 57 or of an eradication system (400) according to any the claims 58 - 62 for eradicating rodents, such as rats.

64. Use according to claim 63, wherein said use takes place in the interior of a sewer system.

65. A method for eradicating rodents, such as rats, wherein said method comprises the following steps: i) providing one or more eradication devices (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 57; ii) arranging said one or more eradication devices (100) in the interior of a sewer pipe of a sewer system; iii) enabling a rodent, such as a rat to approach one or more of said eradication devices (100); iv) in respect of such an eradication device (100), enabling said sensor means (6) of said eradication device (100) to sense a presence of said rodent; v) upon sensing the presence of said rodent, enabling said sensor means (6) to make said firing mechanism (200) receive said trigger signal (TS) and thereby make said firing mechanism eject one or more of said killing means (10), thereby killing said rodent by mechanical impact with said impact element.

66. A method according to claim 65, wherein said method further comprising the step of: vi) automatically making said killing means (10) return to its non-ejected, stand-by configuration.

67. A method according to claim 65 or 66, wherein said method further comprising the step of: vii) allowing said killed rodent to be flushed away by water or slurry flowing in the interior said sewer pipe.

68. A method according to any of the claims 65 - 67, wherein said one or more eradication devices (100) form(s) part of an eradication system (400) according to any of the claims 58 - 62.

Images