Patent ID: 7404398
Filing Date: 2008-07-29
Classification: F41B

Abstract:
1. A device for propelling a small slug that has been cored from a semi-solid biodegradable object comprising: a handle made from wood or plastic, the handle comprising: a receiver having a barrel end and a hammer receiving end with an integral compression cavity therein, the receiver having an external hollow coring bore at the barrel end with a coring lead in feature for coring and frictionally holding a slug of a semi-solid biodegradable object, the receiver having an external registration surface with a registration pin bore, a plunger having a registration pin disposed within the registration pin bore and a sealing surface with a leading sealing lip, the plunger having a stopping surface and an area to collect possible contamination in front of the sealing lip, wherein movement of the registration pin inside the registration pin bore compresses the plunger, thereby trapping air inside the compression cavity; a hammer assembly having a restoring handle, a hammer spring to store energy once compressed and to propel the hammer assembly once released, a trigger with a hammer catch for engaging the hammer assembly, holding it back while it compresses the hammer spring and for releasing the hammer assembly once the device is fired, the trigger being reset by a trigger return spring and further being held to the device by a fastener about which the trigger rotates; wherein actuation of the trigger causes the hammer assembly to strike the plunger, compressing the air trapped inside the compression cavity until the internal pressure overcomes the friction force holding the slug inside the hollow coring bore, thereby propelling the slug out of the device.