Patent ID: 12219949

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are disclosed by way of illustration only. It is not intended that the invention be limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Further, the electronic rodent trap according to the present invention may be configured as a mouse trap or as a rat trap with appropriate adjustments in sizing, dimensions, power output and the like as would be understood by persons of skill in the art as being required for the differences in rodent size and hardiness. Therefore, in the absence of a specific description pertaining to only one version or configuration of the trap, the following description is intended to cover both mouse trap and rat trap versions of each of the embodiments described herein.

As shown inFIG.1, the present invention is directed to an electronic rodent trap generally designated by reference numeral10. The trap10includes two side walls12,14, a floor16, and a ceiling18(seeFIG.2) that define a trap body generally designated by reference numeral20. InFIG.1, part of side wall12is cut away to show the interior of the trap. In use, the ceiling of the trap body is preferably covered by a removable lid22, such as when the trap is configured with a modular structure having an outer housing as will be described later herein in connection withFIGS.9-23.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-8, the trap body extends longitudinally with a first entrance generally designated by reference numeral24and a second entrance generally designated by reference numeral26on opposing ends thereof. The entrances24,26are preferably aligned with one another to create a tunnel which allows a rodent to see longitudinally through the trap from one entrance to the other. This visibility encourages rodent interaction with, and ingress into, the trap. However, the trap according to the instant invention is not intended to be limited to a tunnel-shaped trap or even to traps having more than one entrance as the killing plate configuration and other features to be described herein may also be used in traps having only a single entrance. So, more generally, the present invention includes an electronic rodent trap including a trap body or housing having two side walls, a lid or ceiling, and a floor with at least one trap entrance, a longitudinal length of the trap body being greater than a width thereof and extending from the trap entrance to an opposite end, with the opposite end preferably having a second entrance.

A generally vertical entry baffle28is positioned adjacent and inwardly of each trap entrance. Each entry baffle28extends downwardly from the ceiling18toward the floor16and preferably has a generally semi-circular cutout that forms an arch-shaped lower edge30. This particular shape is not necessary, however. The entry baffles28serve to assist in positioning the rodent properly to make the trap most effective and also limit the rodent's range of movement once the trap is triggered as will be discussed further hereinafter.

Also extending downwardly from the ceiling18is a center baffle32, better seen inFIG.2where a partial view of the trap body20is provided with the lid22and side wall12removed. The center baffle32extends downwardly toward the floor to create a height-restricted barrier substantially transverse to, and approximately midway along, the longitudinal length of the trap. The center baffle32in the embodiment shown tapers from a generally rectangular upper opening34into a V-shaped body35having an angled or pointed lower edge36. This shape may be varied without departing from the intended scope of the invention. However, the upper opening34provides access to a hollow interior generally designated by reference numeral38within the baffle32that holds a bait cup40(seeFIGS.6and8). By removing the lid22, the user can place bait in the bait cup40through the upper opening34. Once in the cup and with the lid replaced, the bait cannot be stolen by the rodent while the smell of the bait is nonetheless able to spread throughout the trap through the vent openings42in the center baffle32(seeFIG.7). The location of the bait in the center of the trap also assists in proper placement of the rodent prior to trap activation and, by providing access to the bait cup through the top of the trap, makes it easy for the user to introduce a variety of different kinds of bait and/or to remove the bait cup for cleaning.

As best seen inFIGS.3-5, the floor has two elevated tracks44that extend longitudinally along each side wall12,14. The width of each of the tracks is between about 0.1 inches and about 3.0 inches, and preferably about 0.75 inches for mice and about 0.875 inches for rats. The tracks44are separated by a channel46that runs at least part of the length of the trap body between the two entrances. The width of the channel46may be up to about 1.5 inches, and is preferably between about 0.1 inches and about 1.5 inches for rats and up to about 0.75 inches for mice and, more preferably, is about 0.5 inches for rats and about 0.375 inches for mice to provide a comfortable spacing for the average size of the rodent (rat or mouse) for which the trap is intended. The height of the elevated tracks44above the floor may be up to about 1.5 inches and is preferably about 0.5 inches. The tracks preferably include a further raised inner edge48that runs along and defines the sides of the central channel46. The edge48may be integral with the tracks44or may be formed by a separate wall element.

The trap includes at least three killing plates including at least two oppositely charged lower plates generally designated by reference numerals50,52arranged substantially parallel with one another and extending longitudinally through the trap on top of the elevated tracks44. As shown, the parallel plates50,52are generally perpendicular to the entrance openings24,26. The tracks and the plates thereon extend longitudinally within the trap body and adjacent a respective one of the side walls, with the width of the two lower plates being approximately the same as the width of the tracks upon which they are mounted.

The parallel arrangement of the two oppositely charged plates50,52ensures that the rodent contacts both plates immediately upon entering the trap. With reference to the entrance24shown inFIG.3, upon entry to the trap the rodent contacts the right lower plate50with right front foot and the left lower plate52with left front foot, and the rodent stays in contact with both plates, including subsequent contact with the back feet, as it moves through the trap. The trap is not triggered, however, until contact is made with an elevated third plate which energizes all of the plates as will be described hereinafter.

The lower plates50,52are generally L-shaped in cross-section, each having a first planar member54generally parallel with the floor central channel46and a second planar member56generally perpendicular to the first planar member54(seeFIGS.4and7). The two planar members54,56are preferably formed by bending each plate50,52about 90.degree., so that the second planar member56projects upwardly as a bent inner edge positioned adjacent, and generally parallel with, the respective raised inner edge48of the elevated track upon which the plate is supported. As shown, the upper edge58of the second planar member56extends upwardly beyond the upper edge of the raised inner edge48, having a height of up to about 0.75 inches and preferably about 0.25 inches. The bent shape of the lower plates50,52increases a rodent's contact with the lower plates as the rodent's feet are on the first planar member54while the second planar member56provides additional contact with the rodent near its chest and/or belly through its fur, particularly as the rodent squeezes under the entry baffle. This is advantageous both during trap activation, as the bent shape provides better contact with the rodent and also brings the shock closer to being across the rodent's chest/body for a quicker dispatch, and also for kill verification after trap activation.

With respect to the latter, the trap of the present invention, according to a preferred configuration, has remote monitoring capability and is configured to verify the continued presence of the rodent after a killing cycle before sending a kill notification to the user. This process is the same as that described in the '466 patent, previously incorporated by reference herein. However, unlike the flat plates in the '466 patent which may be degraded in resistance sensing capability due to dirt and debris on the plates creating poor contact, the upwardly directed second members56of the bent lower plates50,52enable the trap to detect a resistance passed through the rodent's fur to their skin. This improves kill verification and the accuracy of remote monitoring.

The trap further includes a third or upper plate33which may be separate or built into the center baffle32. The upper plate33of baffle32is the trigger plate that activates the trap's high voltage circuit to dispatch a rodent that is standing on the lower plates. Therefore, when a rodent enters the trap and contacts both lower plates50,52the trap remains inactive. However, when the rodent is drawn toward the bait and touches the upper plate33on the baffle32, such as with its nose, the trap is triggered and activates the upper plate along with the two lower plates in like manner as described in the three-killing-plate configuration of the '466 patent. The rodent will likely lose contact with the third plate during the killing cycle but the baffle32aids in keeping the rodent in the trap for the full duration of such cycle.

Placement of the upper plate33in the center of the trap ensures that the rodent is far enough into the trap to have proper contact with the lower plates50,52on the raised tracks44before the trap is triggered. Once triggered, the entry baffle28(whichever one is behind the rodent) further enhances the rodent's positioning and contact with the plates, hitting the rodent in the mid-back which both prevents the rodent from jumping backwards out of the trap and forces the rodent into contact with the bent members56of the lower plates through its fur as well as with the planar members54upon which it is standing. For rats, the distance between the lower edge30of the baffle and the plates50,52is between about 0.75 inches and about 3.0 inches. Within this range, the distance from the lower edge30of the baffle to the first planar member54is preferably about 1.4 inches, and to the upper edge of the second planar member56is about 1.2 inches. For mice, the distance between the lower edge30of the baffle and the plates50,52is between about 0.25 inches and about 1.5 inches. Within this range, the distance from the lower edge30of the baffle to the first planar member54is preferably about 0.7 inches, and to the upper edge of the second planar member56is about 0.6 inches.

In addition to making sure that the rodent is sufficiently within the trap before the trap is triggered, the use of an elevated third plate, such as plate33adjacent the ceiling of the trap, and the requirement that the upper plate be contacted along with the lower plates before the trap is triggered, provides two significant benefits to trap operation.

First, the separation between the upper plate and the lower plates virtually ensures that the trap will not be activated by insects. By reducing or eliminating such false triggers, the number of incorrect notifications sent to a remote monitoring station by the trap are also reduced, saving the time and effort that would otherwise be expended in checking empty traps.

Second, and in conjunction with placement of the lower plates on the raised tracks, the trap in accordance with the present invention is resistant to being triggered by water. As a result, the trap may be used effectively in a “hose down” or outdoor environment with limited susceptibility to false triggers due to water contacting the lower plates, thereby further avoiding the generation of incorrect notifications sent to a remote monitoring station. Placement of the bait within the center baffle and under the lid also protects the bait from water in the event the user were to hose down the area around the trap.

Should the trap be triggered in a hose-down situation, such as by water bouncing off the positive lower plate and hitting the upper plate, the trap could complete a killing cycle. However, the gap between the raised plates would prevent water from bridging across the lower plates such that the resistance required to confirm a kill would be absent. As a result, false triggering of the trap is less likely to result in the sending of a confirmed kill notification.

Should a flooding situation occur such that the water level in the room rises to the point where the upper plate is contacted, all of the user's traps on the same level would be triggered at nearly the same time. Upon such an event, the pest controller can warn the user that another problem—beyond rodent control—has been experienced.

The raised parallel plates with upper trigger plate thus serve to make the trap less susceptible to false triggers and the sending of inaccurate kill notifications. By forcing the rodent to have at least one foot on both plates when the trap is triggered, and by delaying triggering until the rodent is sufficiently within the trap to contact the upper plate, the likelihood of a successful kill is enhanced.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIGS.9-23, the electronic rodent trap is modular in design, providing enhanced durability and cost effective operation, particularly when implemented within a commercial pest control system and method.

More particularly,FIG.9shows a modular electronic rodent trap generally designated by reference numeral100that includes an outer housing generally designated by reference numeral102, with removable and replaceable inner components including an electronics module generally designated by reference numeral104, and a tunnel assembly or tunnel module generally designated by reference numeral106. The outer housing102includes a base108, into which the electronics module104and tunnel module106are closely fitted adjacent one another, and a lid110that is closed and secured to the base when the trap is in use as shown inFIG.10. The lid110may be hinged to the base or may be fully separable from the base108. In the embodiment shown, the outer housing base108has two access openings112that align with the two entrance openings114in the tunnel module106as shown. The base108may also includes inner ribs or alignment structures (not shown) to help position and secure the inner component modules to prevent sliding or shifting thereof within the outer housing.

The outer housing102protects the inner trap components, i.e., the electronics module104and the tunnel module106, making the trap more resistant to possibly damaging conditions in the environment or associated with handling of the trap, while the modular design allows these inner components or modules to be removed and replaced separately by opening the lid of the outer housing. The lid110of the outer housing102is also preferably provided with a safety switch (not shown) that prevents the trap from being activated when the lid is open.

As shown inFIGS.12and13, the removable electronics module104includes a waterproof electronics housing120that contains the high voltage circuitry used to power the killing plates that are positioned in the tunnel module106. An outer wall122of the electronics housing is provided with electrical contacts124that are brought into active engagement with corresponding contacts126on the tunnel module106(seeFIG.14). The contacts126on the tunnel module106are coupled to the killing plates inside the killing chamber when the trap is fully assembled. The outer wall122of the electronics housing120is also provided with flanges128that align with and slide into projecting channels130on the outer wall of the tunnel module to secure the housing120to the tunnel module and keep the contacts124,126in firm connection when the trap is in use (seeFIGS.22A-22Cfor the inner component removal sequence). The outer wall122of the electronics housing120preferably includes a power-on button117, an LED power indicator111and a trap wireless connection indicator119.

The tunnel module106as assembled is shown inFIG.14and includes a tunnel base generally designated by reference numeral136and a removable cover panel generally designated by reference numeral138.FIG.15Ais an exploded view of the tunnel base136and cover panel138, whileFIG.15Bshows the cover panel being put in place. The tunnel base136and cover panel138together form the tunnel module that defines the killing chamber generally designated by reference numeral137(seeFIG.16).

The tunnel base136includes a floor140and two side walls141,142extending between the opposed entrance openings114. Alternatively, the cover panel could be constructed with the two side walls so as to fit onto the floor of the base. As shown, the contacts126are on side wall141. The lower plates150,152are positioned adjacent the floor140of the tunnel base, and are preferably on elevated tracks144above the floor, as has already been described. The entry baffles228and the center baffle232with the third plate133(seeFIG.16) project from the inner or lower side of the cover panel138to extend downwardly into the killing chamber137when the cover panel138is secured to the tunnel base136. As shown, the third plate133may be provided with a jagged or uneven lower edge. While not necessary, the jagged or toothed lower edge reduces the ability of the rodent to go under the baffle and plate without activating the trap as the teeth more readily get past the rodent's fur to make contact with its body. The outer or upper side146of the cover panel138includes an opening150into the center baffle232for receiving the bait cup240.

FIGS.17-19show the arrangement of the lower plates150,152in the modular configuration illustrated herein. Plate150is T-shaped, having a long side149adjacent to and parallel with side wall142and a perpendicular stem151extending transverse to the longitudinal length of the trap and electrically coupled through side wall141to the electronics module104. Plate152is made of two short plates152a,152bpositioned adjacent side wall141. The short plates152a,152bare electrically connected to one another inside the electronics module104. As best seen inFIG.18, short plates152a,152bare connected with contacts126a,126b, respectively, while the perpendicular stem151of plate150is connected with contact126c. The third plate133on the center baffle232is coupled to the upper contact126d(seeFIG.15A).

Plates150,152are separated by channels246a,246bin like manner to the separation provided by channel46between plates50,52as previously described herein. In addition, the plates150,152are preferably bent at about 90.degree. with a planar portion lying flat on the raised tracks144and an upwardly directed edge portion156as in the embodiment already described in connection withFIGS.1-8.

A bait cup240to be received in the opening150in the center baffle232is shown inFIG.21Aand as positioned in the opening inFIG.21C. The bait cup240may be made of two halves240a,240bthat snap fit together as shown inFIG.21B, but other designs are also possible. The two halves include vent slits239to allow for dispersal of scent from the bait while the center baffle also includes vent holes242as has already been described in connection with the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-8.

As assembled, the electronics module104and the tunnel module106are fitted adjacent one another and enclosed within the outer housing102. The electrical contacts126on the side wall141of the tunnel base136couple the killing plates150,152to the contacts124on the electronics module housing104. When the lid110of the outer housing102is closed, rodents may enter the killing chamber137through the aligned outer housing access openings112and tunnel module entrance openings114while the electronics module housing120keeps the high voltage circuit components safely isolated from rodent contact.

To disassemble the trap100, the lid of the outer housing102is opened and the tunnel module106is pulled upwardly, disengaging the flanges128of the electronics housing120from the channels130on the tunnel module as shown inFIG.22A. The electronics module104is then pushed toward the back wall of the housing102to align with the access openings112,FIG.22B, and lifted out,FIG.22C.

While the plates are enclosed within the tunnel module106making inadvertent user contact therewith unlikely, the electronics module is preferably operative with a safety switch502, depicted in the block diagram ofFIG.23, to ensure that a microprocessor500in the electronics module104will not activate the high voltage circuit501unless an input is sensed indicating that the lid of the outer housing102is closed. To increase the modularity of the trap, the safety switch502according to the present invention is configured to include two possible contact closures which may be represented by first and second lid magnets504,506, which are in communication with first and second Hall-effect devices508,510, respectively. Depending upon which magnet is engaged when the lid110of the outer housing102is closed, the safety switch502is operative to communicate with the microprocessor500via the respective Hall-effect device which configures the high voltage circuit501for operation using either the mouse circuit520or the rat circuit530portions of the high voltage circuit501. Thus, when magnet504is contacted upon closure of the lid110of the outer housing102, its associated Hall-effect device508is activated and tells the microprocessor500to activate the rat circuit530. Conversely, when magnet506is contacted upon lid closure to activate Hall-effect device510, the microprocessor500proceeds to activate the mouse circuit520. In this way, mouse and rat trap versions of the electronic rodent trap according to the present invention as described herein, which have different dimensions in the tunnel assembly and overall trap footprint, may utilize a common electronics assembly104with both modes of operation being available, dependent upon the magnet closure engagement of the safety switch502. With this modularity, the user can power both kinds of traps with the same electronics assembly104, with reduced equipment costs and increased utilization of assets.

While illustrated with all of the features as just described, the present invention is also directed to any electronic rodent trap that includes the combination of a pair of spaced killing plates arranged substantially parallel with one another near the floor and extending along the longitudinal dimension of the trap and a third plate in an elevated position above the floor of the trap, with the third plate being the trigger plate. The elevated positioning of the third plate, and the requirement that both the lower plates and the upper plate be contacted to trigger the trap, may be used effectively with traps having shapes other than that of a tunnel, with traps having only a single door, with traps in which the lower plates are not raised above the floor or with traps that do not have a center baffle and/or entry baffles.

As has been described, it is preferable that the lower plates are bent at about 90.degree. with a planar portion lying flat on the raised tracks and an upwardly directed edge portion. The bent shape of the lower plates increases contact with the rodent, particularly when the trap is provided with entry baffles that force the rodent into contact with the upwardly bent edges of the lower plates with the baffles being positioned to contact the rodent in the mid-back when the rodent triggers the trap.

In addition, while a configuration in which the upper plate is part of a center baffle is preferable, the upper plate may be positioned alone, such as directly on the ceiling or on the side of the trap. If on the side of the trap, the upper plate should be spaced above the floor such as, for example, halfway up the side wall or higher. It is not expected that the rodent will remain in contact with the upper plate after triggering the trap, but will rather be dispatched by the activated lower plates. Therefore, the upper plate may be at various positions within the trap so long as sufficiently spaced above the lower plates to avoid triggering of the trap by water contacting the upper and lower plates simultaneously or by insects that, while crawling into the trap on the floor or on another surface, are typically not large enough to span a gap and contact two spaced surfaces at once.

While the modular configuration with parallel, longitudinally extending, killing plates as described herein is preferred, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the modular trap design disclosed herein, having separate electronics and tunnel modules with mating electrical contacts within an outer housing, could include tunnel modules in which the killing plates are arranged in series as shown in the '899, '466, and '657 patents. Therefore, the module design features of the present invention are to be understood as not being limited to electronic rodent traps having a parallel plate arrangement in the tunnel module.

Accordingly, the present invention may be directed to a modular electronic rodent trap including an outer housing that receives a removable electronics module and a removable killing chamber module having at least one entrance opening. The outer housing is provided with an access opening that aligns with the killing chamber module entrance opening when the trap is assembled with the two modules inside the outer housing.

The electronics module includes a waterproof or water resistant electronics housing that contains a power source and high voltage circuitry used to energize a plurality of killing plates, which may be in varying configurations, that are positioned in the killing chamber module. Electrical contacts on an outer wall of the electronics module housing are brought into mating engagement with electrical contacts on the outer wall of the killing chamber module to connect the power source and the high voltage circuitry in the electronics module with the killing plates in the killing chamber module when the trap is fully assembled with the outer housing protecting the inner modules.

Further, the present invention is intended to include any electronic rodent trap having a pair of spaced, substantially parallel plates extending longitudinally, i.e., perpendicular to the trap entrance, that are triggered by a separate triggering element positioned in an elevated position within the killing chamber of the trap. This triggering element may be a third plate or, alternatively, may be a mechanical switch as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,690,147 (“the '147 patent”), or an infrared sensor as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,757,430 (“the '430 patent”), or any other known sensor as would be considered suitable by persons skilled in the art. The complete disclosures of the '147 patent and the '430 patent are also hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth in their entirety.

Accordingly, the present invention may be directed to an electronic rodent trap having a trap body with a killing chamber accessed by an entrance opening and including a plurality of killing plates and an elevated triggering or sensing element. The plurality of killing plates includes at least two oppositely charged lower plates positioned adjacent a floor of the killing chamber and oriented substantially in parallel with one another, having at least portions thereof that extend longitudinally like train tracks oriented perpendicular to the entrance opening so that the rodent contacts one plate with its left feet and the other substantially parallel plate with its right feet, the longitudinally extending portions of the lower plates being separated from one another by a longitudinally extending channel. The elevated triggering element is spaced above the floor and inwardly from the trap entrance opening, with activation of the high voltage circuitry being triggered when the rodent contacts the triggering element, such as with its nose, while standing with its left and right feet on the left and right lower parallel plates, respectively. The triggering element may be a third charged plate as has been disclosed herein, or may be a mechanical switch, IR sensor or the like, as would be known by skilled persons in the field of rodent traps as suitable for use in an electronic rodent trap.

Further, the present invention includes a method of using and/or operating an electronic rodent trap of the types disclosed herein as summarized inFIG.24. The method includes providing an electronic rodent trap having a trap body with at least one entrance, a high voltage killing circuit coupled to first and second oppositely charged lower plates that extend longitudinally and in substantially parallel relationship with one another like train tracks, perpendicular to the trap entrance, and to a sensing or triggering element, such as a third plate, in an elevated position above the lower plates and positioned inwardly of the entrance, step300. Place the trap in active standby mode by powering trap, step302. With trap in active standby, a rodent entering the trap through the trap entrance contacts the first lower plate with at least one of its left feet and the second lower plate with at least one of its right feet, step304. If the third plate is not contacted, step306, the trap remains inactive and in standby mode. Upon the rodent making contact with the elevated sensing or triggering element, e.g., the third elevated plate, step306, the high voltage killing circuit is automatically activated to deliver a high voltage pulse train to the first, second and third plates, step308. Current flow is terminated after a specified time period defining a kill cycle, step310, and the trap performs a kill verification by checking for continued resistance across the first and second plates, step312. In the absence of resistance, step314, the trap automatically rearms, step316, and returns to standby mode, step302. If resistance remains across the plates, step314, the trap sends a notification to a remote monitoring unit that trap servicing is required, step316. The elevated positioning of the third plate makes the method of operation more impervious to unwanted triggers and associated false notifications due to the presence of insects in the trap and/or water contamination. Additionally, to reduce the possibility of false notifications, such as due to the presence of water, the step of performing a kill verification is preferably performed after waiting for a time period following completion of the kill cycle to allow the water to drain from the lower plates.

The present invention is also directed to a method of monitoring a plurality of electronic rodent traps of the kind that has been described herein. The electronic rodent traps have remote monitoring capability substantially like that described in the '466 patent and the '657 patent, both previously incorporated by reference. According to the method, a trap that has been triggered determines, upon completion of the killing cycle and after waiting a time period, whether a resistance consistent with a dispatched rodent remains across the lower plates. In the absence of such resistance, the trap resets and awaits the next interaction. If the resistance is detected, however, the trap sends a transmission to a remote monitoring station of the triggered trap status and of the need for trap servicing. Such a method, which is summarized according to one embodiment in the '466 patent and according to another embodiment in the '657 patent, is enhanced by the raised lower plates which reduce the likelihood that a false trigger, due for example to the chance contact of water with both the upper and lower plates simultaneously, will be subsequently confirmed since the water will likely not remain so as to bridge the two lower plates at the time of trap status verification. As a result, the number of incorrect trap status notifications sent to the remote monitoring station will be reduced.

Should a flooding situation occur in which the water level in the room has risen to cover the lower plates, all of the user's traps on the same level would indicate the need for servicing at the same time. The pest controller would understand such an outcome as indicative of a problem beyond rodent control and could advise the owner of the facility in which the traps are deployed accordingly.

A method of assembly and disassembly of a modular electronic rodent trap is also provided as shown inFIGS.22A-C.

The foregoing descriptions and drawings should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not limited by the dimensions of the preferred embodiment. Numerous applications of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not desired to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed or the exact construction and operation shown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.