electronic mousetrap - humane solution to an old problem

humane solution to an old problem This mousetrap is not intended to kill a mouse with the aid of electronics, but rather to imprison it in a gentle way. Afterwards, it may be given its freedom in a suitable area. The principle of the trap is the age- old trap-door up-dated by being operated electronically. Figure 1 shows the construction of the device. In this, a small wooden box is divided into two chambers: the larger one is fitted with the trap- door, while the smaller one contains the electronic circuit and power supply. In spite of the modern construction, some bait is still required, and as of old a piece of bacon or cheese is best for this. On its way to the bait the little rodent breaks the beam of a light barrier and this causes an electro-magnet to release the trap- door which then blocks the way out. The distance between the trap-door and the light barrier must be longer than the length of a mouse other- wise the animal"s tail will be caught. How The trap-door is releas...