WO2025237488A1

WO2025237488A1 - An eradication device having an adjustable mounting assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2025237488A1
Application number: PCT/DK2025/050070
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klaus JØRGENSEN
Original assignee: Toptec Aps
Current assignee: Toptec Aps
Priority date: 2024-05-16
Filing date: 2025-05-15
Publication date: 2025-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-16
Also published as: DK202430247A1; DK182213B1

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 eradication device at a lower portion of said housing 2 comprises a mounting assembly 300 comprising a bottom plate 302 having a first side 304, and a second side 306, a first mounting element 308 having a proximal edge 310 and a distal edge 312, a second mounting element 314 having a proximal edge 316 and a distal edge 318 and adjustment means 320 for adjusting the orientation of said first mounting element 308 and a second mounting element 314 relative to said bottom plate 302. The first and second mounting elements 208,214 are being hinged to the bottom plate 302. The adjustment means 320 is being configured to be able to adjust the orientation of the first mounting element 308 and of the second mounting element 314, relative to the bottom plate 302, and thereby alter the distance between said distal edges 312,318 of the first mounting element 308 and said the mounting element 314, thereby enabling securely fixing the first and second mounting elements 208,214 of the mounting assembly 300 to an inner surface of a sewer pipe. The first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element 314 are being detachable mounted so as to be detachable from the rest of said mounting assembly 300.

Description

An eradication device having an adjustable mounting assembly

Field of the invention

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.

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

In a second aspect the present invention relates to a kit-of parts comprising an eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention in combination with one or more additional pairs of mounting elements.

In a third 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.

In a fourth 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 third aspect of the invention for eradicating rodents.

In a fifth aspect the present invention provides a method of installing an eradication device in a sewer pipe.

In a sixth 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.

Background of the invention

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.

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

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 manually be removed from the trap and the rat trap will have to be manually reloaded in order to be prepared for continuing rat killing. 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 an energy supply for powering the firing mechanism and the sensor.

For obvious reasons 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.

However, the invention disclosed in WO 2008/046424 Al does not address the problem of how to secure such a rat trap in the interior of a sewer pipe of a sewer system.

A solution to the problem of securing a rat trap in the interior of a sewer pipe of a sewer system is disclosed in WO 2008/104448 Al.

This document discloses a method for mounting a powered equipment, such as a rat trap, in a sewer pipe. The method involved providing a resilient tubular member comprising a console for mounting the powered equipment to the resilient tubular member, wherein the resilient tubular member is having an outer radius which is slightly above the inner radius of the sewer pipe; compressing the resilient tubular member so that the outer radius thereof becomes smaller than the inner radius of the sewer pipe; inserting at least part of the resilient tubular member into the pipe and releasing the compression thereof so that the resilient tubular member engages with the inside of the sewer pipe.

Although the invention disclosed in WO 2008/104448 Al may solve the problem of securing a rat trap in the interior of a sewer pipe of a sewer system, this invention nevertheless suffers from certain shortcomings. One of these shortcomings is that, as it is a requirement that the resilient tubular member is having an outer radius which is just slightly above the inner radius of the sewer pipe into which it is to be mounted, not much flexibility is attained as to into which inner radii of a sewer pipe a given resilient tubular member having a given outer radius will fit.

In other words, in the invention disclosed in WO 2008/104448 Al, the outer radius of the resilient tubular member must be carefully adapted to the inner radius of the sewer pipe into which it is to be mounted, and hence, not much flexibility in this regard in attained in this invention.

Moreover, considering the confined space available in a sewer system, it may be difficult to compress a sufficient longitudinal extension of the resilient tubular member, prior to insertion thereof into the sewer pipe, in order to attain sufficient securing thereof.

Additionally, some material fatigue is expected in respect of the resilient tubular member so that when having used the resilient tubular member several times for the intended purpose, implying performing several cycles of compression and expansion, that resilient tubular member may over time become less resilient so that the tubular member no longer will be able to securely fix the trap to a sewer pipe.

Accordingly, a need persists for improved technology which solves the above-identified problems and which provides greater flexibility as to fitting a rat eradication device in sewer pipes having varying ranges of inner radii.

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

Brief description of the invention

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

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

-a housing;

-a firing mechanism;

-sensor means;

-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; characterized in that said eradication device at a lower portion of said housing comprises a mounting assembly for mounting said eradication device in a sewer pipe; wherein said mounting assembly comprises:

-a bottom plate having a first side, and a second side arranged opposite to said first side;

-a first mounting element having a proximal edge and a distal edge;

-a second mounting element having a proximal edge and a distal edge;

-adjustment means for adjusting the orientation of said first mounting element and a second mounting element relative to said bottom plate; wherein said proximal edge of said first mounting element is being hinged to said first side of said bottom plate by a first hinge assembly so as to be able to pivot in relation to said bottom plate upon exerting a force thereto; wherein said proximal edge of said second mounting element is being hinged to said second side of said bottom plate by a second hinge assembly so as to be able to pivot in relation to said bottom plate upon exerting a force thereto; wherein said adjustment means is being configured to be able to adjust the orientation of said first mounting element and of said second mounting element, relative to said bottom plate, and thereby alter the distance between said distal edges of said first mounting element and said second mounting element; wherein said first mounting element and said second mounting element are being detachable mounted so as to be detachable from the rest of said mounting assembly. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising an eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention in combination with one or more additional pairs of mounting elements, wherein each pair of mounting elements is being configured in such a way that, when being mounted onto said bottom plate, defines different minimum distances between the distal edges of said first mounting element and said second mounting element thereof.

In a third 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.

In a fourth 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 third aspect of the invention for eradicating rodents, such as rats.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method of installing an eradication device in a sewer pipe, said method comprises the steps of: i) providing an eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention; ii) via said adjustment means, adjusting the distance between the distal edges of said first mounting element and said second mounting element, respectively, to a magnitude that allows at least part of said first mounting element and at least part of said second mounting element to be inserted into the interior of said sewer pipe; iii) inserting at least part of said first mounting element and at least part of said second mounting element into the interior of said sewer pipe; iv) once inserted as set out in step iii), via said adjustment means, increasing the distance between the distal edges of said first mounting element and said second mounting element, respectively, so that a surface of said first mounting element and a surface of said second mounting element abut an inner surface of said sewer pipe.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides 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.

Brief description of the figures

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.

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

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

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

Fig 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of an eradication device according to the present invention in a sewer system.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the first mounting element and the second mounting element of a mounting assembly of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting assembly of an eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting assembly of Fig. 6 in its fully assembled state.

Fig. 8 is a perspective, partly see-through view illustrating the adjustment means in the situation of the mounting assembly of illustrated in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an end view illustrating the process of arranging mounting elements of an eradication device of the present invention in the interior of a sewer pipe.

Fig. 10 is an end view illustrating a mounting assembly of an eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention with two additional pairs of a first mounting element and a second mounting element.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Fig. 14 is a partly see-through view of part of the eradication device of Fig. 1 having its killing means in a non-ejected, standby configuration.

Fig. 15a 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.

Fig. 15b is a perspective view of the firing mechanism of Fig. 15a, wherein the firing mechanism is in the process of being reloaded.

Fig. 15c is a perspective view of the firing mechanism of Fig. 15b, wherein the firing mechanism has been fully reloaded.

Fig. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating the working mode of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating the concept of an eradication system according to third aspect of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The first aspect of the present invention

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: -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; characterized in that said eradication device at a lower portion of said housing 2 comprises a mounting assembly 300 for mounting said eradication device in a sewer pipe; wherein said mounting assembly comprises:

-a bottom plate 302 having a first side 304, and a second side 306, arranged opposite to said first side;

-a first mounting element 308 having a proximal edge 310 and a distal edge 312;

-a second mounting element 314 having a proximal edge 316 and a distal edge 318;

-adjustment means 320 for adjusting the orientation of said first mounting element 308 and a second mounting element 314 relative to said bottom plate 302; wherein said proximal edge 310 of said first mounting element is being hinged to said first side 304 of said bottom plate 302 by a first hinge assembly 322 so as to be able to pivot in relation to said bottom plate upon exerting a force thereto; wherein said proximal edge 316 of said second mounting element 314 is being hinged to said second side 306 of said bottom plate 302 by a second hinge assembly 324 so as to be able to pivot in relation to said bottom plate upon exerting a force thereto; wherein said adjustment means 320 is being configured to be able to adjust the orientation of said first mounting element 308 and of said second mounting element 314, relative to said bottom plate 302, and thereby alter the distance between said distal edges 312,318 of said first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element 314; wherein said first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element 314 are being detachable mounted so as to be detachable from the rest of said mounting assembly 300.

Accordingly, with the mounting assembly of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention it is easy to secure the eradication device to an inner surface of a sewer pipe of a sewer system.

Moreover, as the first mounting element 308 and of said second mounting element 314 are detachable from the rest of the mounting assembly by being detachable mounted thereto, it is easy to exchange one pair of mounting elements 308,314 with another pair of mounting elements 308,314 having a different extension or size, with the view to be able to secure the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention to an inner surface of a sewer pipe of a sewer system, irrespective of the inner diameter of such a sewer pipe.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the adjustment means 320 is configured in such a way that once set to define a predetermined distance between said distal edges 312,318 of said first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element 314, said adjustment means blocks a pivoting movement of said first mounting element 308 and of said second mounting element 314, relative to said bottom plate 302 so as to prevent diminishing said distance between said distal edges 312,318 of said first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element 314.

Hereby, the mounting assembly will enable securely fixing, by means of the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314, to an inner surface of a sewer pipe of a sewer system.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first mounting element 308 comprises a rim section 326 at said proximal edge 310 of said first mounting element 308 and a major curved portion 328 extending therefrom; wherein said rim section 326 defines an inward bend relative to said major curved portion 328; and/or said second mounting element 314 comprises a rim section 330 at said proximal edge 316 of said second mounting element and a major curved portion 332 extending therefrom; wherein said rim section 330 defines an inward bend relative to said major curved portion 332.

The major curved portions 328,332 enable abutment to an inner surface of a sewer pipe, once that part of the eradication device has been arranged in the interior of that sewer pipe.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first mounting element 308 comprises a protrusion 334 extending from said rim section 326 in a direction away from said rim section; and/or wherein said second mounting element 314 comprises a protrusion 336 extending from said rim section 330 in a direction away from said rim section.

The protrusion serves the purpose of entering into engagement with the adjustment means 320 of the mounting assembly, thereby preventing reduction of the distance between the distal edges 312,318 of the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the adjustment means 320 is being configured for engagement with said protrusions 334,336 and thereby enabling adjustment of the orientation of said first mounting element 308 and of said second mounting element 314, relative to said bottom plate 302.

This allows for a convenient mode of adjustment of the orientation of the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314, relative to the bottom plate 302.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention and in respect of said first mounting element 308 and/or said second mounting element 314, said protrusion 334,336 comprises a cutaway 338 for accommodating part of said adjustment means 320.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention and in respect of said first mounting element 308 said cutaway 338 thereby defines two protrusion portions of said protrusion 334 separated by said cutaway 338; and/or in respect of said second mounting element 314, said cutaway 338 thereby defines two protrusion portions of said protrusion 336 separated by said cutaway 338.

Hereby the engagement of the adjustment means 320 with the protrusion 334 and/or 336 is improved.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention and in respect of the first mounting element 308 and/or the second mounting element 314, that protrusion 334,336 is defining an upwardly bend engagement portion 340 for entering into engagement with said adjustment means 320.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the major curved portion 328 of the first mounting element 308 essentially defines a segment of a cylinder wall; and/or the major curved portion 332 of said second mounting element 314 essentially defines a segment of a cylinder wall. In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, that segment of said cylinder wall of said major curved portion 328 of said first mounting element 308 spans an angle of 55 - 90° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, such as 60 - 85° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, for example 65 - 80° of the circumference of a cylinder wall or 70 - 75° of the circumference of a cylinder wall; and/or said segment of said cylinder wall of said major curved portion 332 of said second mounting element 314 spans an angle of 55 - 90° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, such as 60 - 85° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, for example 65 - 80° of the circumference of a cylinder wall or 70 - 75° of the circumference of a cylinder wall.

These angular spans of the curved portions 328,332 enables securely fixing of the mounting assembly of the eradication device in the interior of a sewer pipe of a sewer system.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention and in respect of the first mounting element 308 and/or in respect of the second mounting element 314, that segment of that cylinder wall is having a radius selected from the ranges of: 50 - 400 mm, such as 75 - 350 mm, for example 100 - 300 mm, e.g. 100 - 250 mm, such as 110 - 200 mm, for example 125 - 175 mm, such as 150 - 160 mm.

Hereby, securely mounting of the mounting assembly of the eradication device in the interior of a sewer pipe having a wide range of diameters is possible.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the first hinge assembly 322 and/or the second hinge assembly 324 comprises a combination of a plurality of projections and a plurality of holes arranged at said bottom plate 302 and along said rim section 326,330 of said mounting element(s) 308,314, respectively, or arranged oppositely, wherein said respective holes accommodate said respective projections, thereby hinging said first mounting element 308 and/or said second mounting element 314 onto said bottom plate 302 by making said projections engage with said holes.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the first hinge assembly 322 comprises a plurality of projections arranged at said bottom plate 302 and a plurality of holes arranged along said rim section 326 of said first mounting element 308; wherein said respective holes accommodate said respective projections, thereby hinging said first mounting element 308 onto said bottom plate 302 by making said projections of said bottom plate 302 engage with said holes of said first mounting element 308.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the second hinge assembly 324 comprises a plurality of projections arranged at said bottom plate 302 and a plurality of holes arranged along said rim section 330 of said second mounting element 314; wherein said respective holes accommodate said respective projections, thereby hinging said second mounting element 314 onto said bottom plate 302 by making said projections of said bottom plate 302 engage with said holes of said second mounting element 314. In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the first hinge assembly 322 comprises a plurality of projections arranged along said rim section 326 of said first mounting element 308 and a plurality of holes arranged at said bottom plate 302; wherein said respective holes accommodate said respective projections, thereby hinging said first mounting element 308 onto said bottom plate 302 by making said projections of said first mounting element 308 engage with said holes of said bottom plate 302.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the second hinge assembly 324 comprises a plurality of projections arranged along said rim section 330 of said second mounting element 314 and a plurality of holes arranged at said bottom plate 302; wherein said respective holes accommodate said respective projections, thereby hinging said second mounting element 314 onto said bottom plate 302 by making said projections of said second mounting element 314 engage with said holes of said bottom plate 302.

These four modes of hinging the mounting elements 308,314 allow in a simple and efficient way to exchange one set of mounting elements with another set of mounting elements having a different size.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the holes are through-going holes, such as oblongly extending through-going holes.

Hereby the mounting elements 308,314 will be securely hinged on the bottom plate 302.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first hinge assembly 322 comprises a plurality of projections 342 arranged along said first side 304 of said bottom plate 302 and a plurality of oblongly extending through-going holes 344 arranged at said rim section 326 of said first mounting element; wherein in respect of one or more of said projections 342 and in respect of one or more of said oblongly extending holes 344, said projection 342 is being accommodated in said oblongly extending through-going hole 344; and said second hinge assembly 324 comprises a plurality of projections 346 arranged along said second side 306 of said bottom plate 302 and a plurality of oblongly extending through-going holes 348 arranged at said rim section 330 of said second mounting element 314; wherein in respect of one or more of said projections 346 and in respect of one or more of said oblongly extending holes 348, said projection 346 is being accommodated in said oblongly extending through-going hole 348.

This design enables in an easy way that the first mounting element 308 and that the second mounting element 314 are being hinged to the bottom plate 302 and at the same time allows that the first mounting element 308 and that the second mounting element 314 can easily be detached from the bottom plate 302 and thereby be exchanged with a pair of mounting element 308,314 having a different size or extension.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the bottom plate 302 comprises a plurality of ribs 350 extending between said first side 304 and said second side 306 thereof, wherein said projections 342,346 are being arranged at said ribs.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first mounting element 308 comprises a cutaway 352 for allowing space for said killing means 10 upon ejection thereof; said cutaway 352 optionally being arranged near said rim section 326 thereof; and optionally also extends into the curved portion 328 thereof and/or said second mounting element 314 comprises a cutaway 352 for allowing space for said killing means 10 upon ejection thereof; said cutaway 352 optionally being arranged near said rim section 330 thereof; and optionally also extends into the curved portion 332 thereof.

Hereby, the ejection of the killing means 10 will not be obstructed by the presence of the first and second mounting element 308,314.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention and in respect of said first mounting element 308 and/or said second mounting element 314 , said mounting element comprises one or more threaded through-going holes 354 for securing, by means of a bolt 356, said mounting element 308,314 to said bottom plate 302; said one or more threaded through-going holes 354 optionally being arranged at said rim section 326,330 or at said protrusion thereof; and wherein said bottom plate 302 comprises one or more through-going holes 358, each being configured for accommodating said bolt 356.

Hereby it is avoided that the mounting elements 308,314 unintentionally detach from the bottom plate 302, yet allowing these mounting elements 308,314 to perform a hinged movement in relation to the bottom plate 302.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the adjustment means 320 comprises a female thread 360 arranged at said bottom plate 302, such as approximately midway between said first side 304 and said second side 306 thereof; in combination with a handle 362 comprising a male thread 364, wherein said male thread 364 of said handle 362 is being screwed into said female thread 360; wherein said handle 362, at a lower portion thereof comprises a collar 366 which is configured to engage with said protrusion 334 of said first mounting element 308 and with said protrusion 336 of said second mounting element 314.

This design provides in a simple way the desired functionality of the adjustment means.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the collar 366, upon engage with said protrusion 334 of said first mounting element 308 and with said protrusion 336 of said second mounting element 314, defines a minimum distance between said distal edges 312,318 of said first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element 314.

In one embodiment of the eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention the collar 366 and said protrusions 334,336 in combination prevent diminishing said distance between said distal edges 312,318 of said first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element 314 beyond a predetermined distance.

Hereby is ensured that the mounting elements 308,314 can be securely fixed to an inner surface of a sewer pipe of a sewer system.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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;

-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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 selced 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 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.

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

In a second aspect the present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising an eradication device 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention in combination with one or more additional pairs of mounting elements 308,314, wherein each pair of mounting elements is being configured in such a way that, when being mounted onto said bottom plate, defines different minimum distances between the distal edges 312,318 of said first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element 314 thereof.

The third aspect of the present invention

In a third 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.

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

In one embodiment of the eradication system according to the third aspect of the present invention the 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 eradication device being active; -geographical position of the 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 or conditions;

-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.

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.

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

In one embodiment of the eradication system according to the third 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.

In one embodiment of the eradication system according to the third 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.

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

The fourth aspect of the present invention In a fourth 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 third aspect of the present invention for eradicating rodents, such as rats.

In one embodiment of the use according to the fourth aspect of the present invention the use takes place in the interior of a sewer system.

The fifth aspect of the present invention

In a fifth aspect the present invention provides method of installing an eradication device in a sewer pipe 502, said method comprises the steps of: i) providing an eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention; ii) via said adjustment means 320, adjusting the distance between the distal edges 312,318 of said first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element 314, respectively, to a magnitude that allows at least part of said first mounting element 308 and at least part of said second mounting element 314 to be inserted into the interior 504 of said sewer pipe 502; iii) inserting at least part of said first mounting element 308 and at least part of said second mounting element 314 into the interior 504 of said sewer pipe 502; iv) once inserted as set out in step iii), via said adjustment means 320, increasing the distance between the distal edges 312,318 of said first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element 314, respectively, so that a surface of said first mounting element 308 and a surface of said second mounting element 314 abut an inner surface 506 of said sewer pipe.

The sixth aspect of the present invention

In a sixth 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. In one embodiment of the method according to the sixth 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.

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.

In one embodiment of the method according to the sixth 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.

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

In one embodiment of the method according to the sixth 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.

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.

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.

At a lower end of the housing 2 is arranged a mounting assembly 300 comprising a bottom plate 302, a first mounting element 308 and a second mounting element 314.

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.

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

The mounting elements 308,314 are coupled to bottom plate 302 in such a way that their orientation, relative to the bottom plate 302, can be adjusted via adjustment means 320 (not shown in Fig. 1 and 2) as explained in more detail below. Thereby the eradication device may easily be fastened to the interior 504 of a sewer pipe 502 of a sewer system 500.

The eradication device 100 according to the first aspect is intended to be arranged in a vertically extending manhole 508 of a sewer system, which manhole extends between a horizontally extending, underground sewer pipe 502 and the ground surface. In Fig. 1 the eradication device is in its non-ejected standby configuration and the killing mean 10 are being accommodated within the housing 2 of the eradication device.

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.

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.

Fig. 3a and 3b illustrates end views of the configurations of the eradication device illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2, respectively.

Fig. 4 shows a sewer system 500 comprising a manhole 508 having sides 510 extending from a ground surface vertically into the soil. At the bottom of the manhole 508 is arranged a horizontally extending sewer pipe 502 having an interior 504 confined by an inner surface 506.

The eradication device 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention is arranged in the interior 504 of the horizontally extending sewer pipe 502 in such a way that the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314 abut the interior surface 506 of that sewer pipe. Hereby the eradication device 100 is being securely fixed to that sewer pipe 502.

Fig. 5 shows that the first mounting element 308 is having a proximal edge 310 and a distal edge 312, and that the second mounting element 314 is having a proximal edge 316 and a distal edge 318,

Also seen in Fig. 5 is that the first mounting element 308 comprises a rim section 326 at the proximal edge 310 thereof and a major curved portion 328 extending therefrom. The rim section 326 defines an inward bend relative to said major curved portion 328.

Likewise, Fig. 5 shows that the second mounting element 314 comprises a rim section 330 at the proximal edge 316 thereof and a major curved portion 332 extending therefrom. The rim section 330 defines an inward bend relative to said major curved portion 332. A cutaway 352 is provided in the first mounting element 308 and in the second mounting element 314. The cutaways 352 allow space for the killing means 10 upon ejection thereof.

The cutaway 352 is being arranged near the rim section 326,330 of the mounting elements and extend into the curved portion 328,332 thereof.

It is seen that the first mounting element 308 comprises a protrusion 334 extending from the rim section 326 in a direction away from that rim section; and that the second mounting element 314 comprises a protrusion 336 extending from the rim section 330 in a direction away from that rim section.

In respect of the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314 the protrusion 334,336 comprise a cutaway 338 for accommodating part of the adjustment means 320 as further explained below.

It is seen that the major curved portion 328 of the first mounting element 308 and that the major curved portion 332 of the second mounting element 314 essentially defines a segment of a cylinder wall.

In respect of the first mounting element 308 and of the second mounting element 314, the protrusion 334,336 is each defining an upwardly bend engagement portion 340. This engagement portion 340 is provided for entering into engagement with the adjustment means 320 as further explained below.

Finally, Fig. 5 shows that a plurality of oblongly extending through-going holes 344 are arranged at the rim section 326 of the first mounting element 308, and that a plurality of oblongly extending through-going holes 348 are arranged at the rim section 330 of the second mounting element 314. These oblongly extending through-going holes 344,348 form part of a first hinge assembly 322 and a second hinge assembly 324 as explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 6.

Fig. 6 shows the mounting assembly 300 comprising a bottom plate 302, a first mounting element 308, a second mounting element 314 and an adjustment means 320, 362.

The bottom plate 302 comprises a plurality of ribs 350. The ribs extend between the first side 304 and the second side 306 of the bottom plate.

It is seen that the ribs 350 comprises a projection 342,346 at each respective end thereof.

Accordingly, the first hinge assembly 322 comprises the plurality of projections 342 arranged along the first side 304 of the bottom plate 302 and the plurality of oblongly extending through-going holes 344 arranged at the rim section 326 of the first mounting element 308, as disclosed above with reference to Fig. 5. Likewise, the second hinge assembly 324 comprises the plurality of projections 346 arranged along the second side 306 of the bottom plate 302 and a plurality of oblongly extending through-going holes 348 arranged at the rim section 330 of the second mounting element 314, as disclosed above with reference to Fig. 5.

It is seen in Fig. 6 that in respect of the second mounting element 314, the projections 346 and are each accommodated in a respective oblongly extending through-going hole 348. Hereby, the second mounting element 314 and the bottom plate 302 are being hinged to each other.

In Fig.6 the first mounting element 308 is about to be hinged to the bottom plate in such a way that in respect of the projections 342 arranged along the first side 304 of the bottom plate 302 will be accommodated in the oblongly extending holes 344 appearing at the rim section 326 of the first mounting element 308. When this has been accomplished, also the first mounting element 308 and the bottom plate 302 will be hinged to each other.

It is seen that in respect of the first mounting element 308 that mounting element comprises a threaded through-going hole 354. The bottom plate 302 also comprises a through-going hole 358. The position of the holes 354 and 358 are adapted to each other in such a way that the first mounting element 308 can be secured to the bottom plate by screwing a bolt 356 through the hole 354 of the first mounting element and into the threaded hole 358 in the bottom plate.

The same type of securing to the bottom plate 302 applies in respect of the second mounting element 314.

Finally, Fig. 6 shows the adjustment means 320 for adjustment of the mounting elements 308,314 relative to the bottom plate 302.

The adjustment means 320 comprises a female thread 360 arranged at the bottom plate 302, approximately midway between the first side 304 and said second side 306 thereof.

The adjustment means 320 also comprises a handle 362 comprising a male thread 364. The male thread 364 of the handle 362 is being screwed into the female thread 360.

Also seen is that the handle 362, at a lower portion thereof comprises a collar 366. The collar is configured to enter into engagement with the protrusion 334 of the first mounting element 308 and with the protrusion 336 of the second mounting element 314.

Hereby, upon engagement with the protrusion 334 of the first mounting element 308 and with the protrusion 336 of the second mounting element 314, by screwing together the handle 362 and the male thread 364, the a minimum distance between the distal edges 312,318 of the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314 will be defined.

This minimal distance will prevent the two mounting elements 308,314 in collapsing in relation to each other and thereby enable securing of the eradication device to an interior surface of a sewer pipe as described above in relation to Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting assembly of Fig. 6 in its fully assembled state. Fig. 8 is a perspective, partly see-through view illustrating the adjustment means in the situation of the mounting assembly of illustrated in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an end view illustrating the process of arranging a mounting assembly of an eradication device of the present invention in the interior of a sewer pipe.

Fig. 9 shows the mounting assembly 300 of an eradication device comprising a first mounting element 308 and a second mounting element 314 (for the sake of simplicity the housing 2 of the eradication device is not illustrated in Fig.9).

The mounting elements 308,314 of the mounting assembly 300 are at least partly arranged into the interior 504 of a sewer pipe 502 in a configuration wherein the distal edges 312,318 of the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314, respectively, are relatively close to each other as illustrated as the inner dashed lines of elements 308 and 314.

In this position the handle 362 of the adjustment means 320 will be manipulated so that the distal edges 312,318 of the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314, respectively, become more distant to each other as illustrated as the outer dashed lines of 312 and 318.

Finally, the handle 362 of the adjustment means 320 will be further manipulated so that the distal edges 312,318 of the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314, respectively, become so distant to each other that the outer surfaces of the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314 abut the inner surface 506 of the sewer pipe 502. In this position of the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314 will be secured to the sewer pipe as illustrated with the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314 drawn by full lines, and the eradication device 100 comprising the mounting assembly 300 will be ready for use (when its housing 2 is attached to the mounting assembly 300).

It should be noted that in use, the housing 2 of the eradication device will usually not be inserted into the sewer pipe 502 into which the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314 of the mounting assembly 300 are arranged.

Fig. 10 is an end view illustrating a mounting assembly of an eradication device according to the first aspect of the present invention with two additional pairs of a first mounting element and a second mounting element 308,314.

Fig. 10 shows the mounting assembly 300 comprising a bottom plate 302, a first mounting element 308, a second mounting element 314 and adjustment means 320 for adjusting the orientation of said first mounting element 308 and a second mounting element 314 relative to said bottom plate 302.

A first mounting element 308 and a second mounting element 314 are being attached to the bottom plate 302 in such a way that the orientation thereof, relative to the bottom plate 302 can be adjusted with the adjustment means 320. It is seen that the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314 that are being attached to the bottom plate 302 are each defining a segment of a cylinder wall and that this cylinder wall is having a relatively little radius.

Also seen in Fig. 10 are two additional pairs of a first mounting element 308 and a second mounting element 314.

These additional pairs of a first mounting element 308 and a second mounting element 314 are also each defining a segment of a cylinder wall and that these cylinder walls are having a radius that is larger than those mounting elements 308,314 that are mounted to the bottom plate 302 (middle pair of mounting elements 308,314) and still more larger than those mounting elements 308,314 that are mounted to the bottom plate 302 (outer pair of mounting elements 308,314).

When the housing 2 with its technical content is being attached to the bottom plate 302 of the mounting assembly illustrated in Fig. 10, then a kit-of-parts according to the second aspect of the present invention is attained.

It is easily comprehended that, depending of the radius of the sewer pipe 502 onto which an eradication device according to the present invention is to be mounted, one may either expand, by means of the adjustment means 320, the distal edges 312,318 of the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314 become sufficiently large for being able to adequately secure the first mounting element 308 and the second mounting element 314 to the sewer pipe; or one may easily exchange one pair of mounting elements 308,314 with another pair of mounting elements 308,314 having another size or extension.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Fig. 14 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.

Fig. 14 illustrates the interior 42 of the eradication device 100 of the first aspect of the present invention.

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.

The power source 8 is for powering the sensor means 6 and the firing mechanism 200.

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. It is seen in Fig. 14 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.

Also seen in Fig. 14 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.

The working mode of the firing mechanism 200 and of the reloading mechanism 204 in particular is further explained with reference to Fig. 15a, 15b and 15c.

Fig. 15a shows the firing mechanism 200 which integrally comprises an ejector mechanism 202 and a reloading mechanism 204.

Fig. 15a 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.

Fig. 15a 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.

Fig. 15a 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.

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.

Also seen in Fig. 15a is that the tube 222 comprises an engagement element 228 in the form of a collar at an upper part thereof.

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. 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.

The reloading mechanism 204 is configured, when the eradication device is being in its ejected configuration as shown in Fig. 15a, 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.

This situation is illustrated in Fig. 15b.

Fig. 15b 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. 15b, 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.

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.

This situation is illustrated in Fig. 15c. In this situation the reloading of the firing mechanism 200 is complete.

Fig. 16 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.

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.

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

With reference to Fig. 15a, 15b and 15c, 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 movable 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.

Also seen in Fig. 16 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.

Fig. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating the concept of an eradication system according to the third aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 17 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.

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

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

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”;

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”. 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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Clauses

The present invention may be defined according to one or more of the following Clauses:

Clause 1: 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); characterized in that said eradication device at a lower portion of said housing (2) comprises a mounting assembly (300) for mounting said eradication device in a sewer pipe; wherein said mounting assembly comprises:

-a bottom plate (302) having a first side (304), and a second side (306), arranged opposite to said first side;

-a first mounting element (308) having a proximal edge (310) and a distal edge (312);

-a second mounting element (314) having a proximal edge (316) and a distal edge (318);

-adjustment means (320) for adjusting the orientation of said first mounting element (308) and a second mounting element (314) relative to said bottom plate (302); wherein said proximal edge (310) of said first mounting element (308) is being hinged to said first side (304) of said bottom plate (302) by a first hinge assembly (322) so as to be able to pivot in relation to said bottom plate upon exerting a force thereto; wherein said proximal edge (316) of said second mounting element (314) is being hinged to said second side (306) of said bottom plate (302) by a second hinge assembly (324) so as to be able to pivot in relation to said bottom plate upon exerting a force thereto; wherein said adjustment means (320) is being configured to be able to adjust the orientation of said first mounting element (308) and of said second mounting element (314), relative to said bottom plate (302), and thereby alter the distance between said distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314). Clause 2: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 1, wherein said adjustment means (320) is configured in such a way that once set to define a predetermined distance between said distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314), said adjustment means blocks a pivoting movement of said first mounting element (308) and of said second mounting element (314), relative to said bottom plate (302) so as to prevent diminishing said distance between said distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314).

Clause 3: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein said first mounting element (308) comprises a rim section (326) at said proximal edge (310) of said first mounting element (308) and a major curved portion (328) extending therefrom; wherein said rim section (326) defines an inward bend relative to said major curved portion (328); and/or wherein said second mounting element (314) comprises a rim section (330) at said proximal edge (316) of said second mounting element and a major curved portion (332) extending therefrom; wherein said rim section (330) defines an inward bend relative to said major curved portion (332).

Clause 4: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 3, wherein said first mounting element (308) comprises a protrusion (334) extending from said rim section (326) in a direction away from said rim section; and/or wherein said second mounting element (314) comprises a protrusion (336) extending from said rim section (330) in a direction away from said rim section.

Clause 5: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 4, wherein in respect of said first mounting element (308) and/or said second mounting element (314), said protrusion (334,336) comprises a cutaway (338) for accommodating part of said adjustment means (320).

Clause 6: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 4 or 5, wherein in respect of said first mounting element (308) and/or said second mounting element (314), said protrusion (334,336) is defining an upwardly bend engagement portion (340) for entering into engagement with said adjustment means (320).

Clause 7: An eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 3 - 6, wherein said major curved portion (328) of said first mounting element (308) essentially defines a segment of a cylinder wall; and/or wherein said major curved portion (332) of said second mounting element (314) essentially defines a segment of a cylinder wall.

Clause 8: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 7, wherein said segment of said cylinder wall of said major curved portion (328) of said first mounting element (308) spans an angle of 55 - 90° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, such as 60 - 85° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, for example 65 - 80° of the circumference of a cylinder wall or 70 - 75° of the circumference of a cylinder wall; and/or wherein said segment of said cylinder wall of said major curved portion (332) of said second mounting element (314) spans an angle of 55 - 90° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, such as 60 - 85° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, for example 65 - 80° of the circumference of a cylinder wall or 70 - 75° of the circumference of a cylinder wall.

Clause 9: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 8, wherein in respect of said first mounting element (308) and/or in respect of said second mounting element (314), said segment of said cylinder wall is having a radius selected from the ranges of: 50 - 400 mm, such as 75 - 350 mm, for example 100 - 300 mm, e.g. 100 - 250 mm, such as 110 - 200 mm, for example 125 - 175 mm, such as 150 - 160 mm.

Clause 10: An eradication device 100 according to any of the Clauses 3 - 9; wherein said first hinge assembly (322) comprises a plurality of projections (342) arranged along said first side (304) of said bottom plate (302) and a plurality of oblongly extending through-going holes (344) arranged at said rim section (326) of said first mounting element; wherein in respect of one or more of said projections (342) and in respect of one or more of said oblongly extending holes (344), said projection (342) is being accommodated in said oblongly extending through- going hole (344); and wherein said second hinge assembly (324) comprises a plurality of projections (346) arranged along said second side (306) of said bottom plate (302) and a plurality of oblongly extending through-going holes (348) arranged at said rim section (330) of said second mounting element (314); wherein in respect of one or more of said projections (346) and in respect of one or more of said oblongly extending holes (348), said projection (346) is being accommodated in said oblongly extending through-going hole (348).

Clause 11: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 10, wherein said bottom plate (302) comprises a plurality of ribs (350) extending between said first side (304) and said second side (306) thereof, wherein said projections (342,346) are being arranged at said ribs.

Clause 12: An eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 3 - 11 wherein said first mounting element (308) comprises a cutaway (352) for allowing space for said killing means (10) upon ejection thereof; said cutaway (352) optionally being arranged near said rim section (326) thereof; and optionally also extends into the curved portion (328) thereof and/or wherein said second mounting element (314) comprises a cutaway (352) for allowing space for said killing means (10) upon ejection thereof; said cutaway (352) optionally being arranged near said rim section (330) thereof; and optionally also extends into the curved portion (332) thereof.

Clause 13: An eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 3 - 12, wherein in respect of said first mounting element (308) and/or said second mounting element (314), said mounting element comprises one or more threaded through-going holes (354) for securing, by means of a bolt (356), said mounting element (308,314) to said bottom plate (302); said one or more threaded through-going holes (354) optionally being arranged at said rim section (326,330) or at said protrusion thereof; and wherein said bottom plate (302) comprises one or more through-going holes (358), each being configured for accommodating said bolt (356).

Clause 14: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said adjustment means (320) comprises a female thread (360) arranged at said bottom plate (302), such as approximately midway between said first side (304) and said second side (306) thereof; in combination with a handle (362) comprising a male thread (364), wherein said male thread (364) of said handle (362) is being screwed onto said female thread (360); wherein said handle (362), at a lower portion thereof comprises a collar (366) which is configured to engage with said protrusion (334) of said first mounting element (308) and with said protrusion (336) of said second mounting element 314.

Clause 15: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 14, wherein said collar (366), upon engage with said protrusion (334) of said first mounting element (308) and with said protrusion (336) of said second mounting element (314), defines a minimum distance between said distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314).

Clause 16: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 14 or 15, wherein said collar (366) and said protrusions (334,336) in combination prevents diminishing said distance between said distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element (314) beyond a predetermined distance.

Clause 17: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, 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.

Clause 18: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, 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.

Clause 19: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 18, wherein said ejector mechanism (202) and said reloading mechanism (204) are being separate entities or are being integrated into a single unit.

Clause 20: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 19, 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 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.

Clause 21: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 20, wherein said 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).

Clause 22: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, 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 nonejected, stand-by configuration to its ejected configuration.

Clause 23: An eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 18 - 22, 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.

Clause 24: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 22 and 23, 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) and said stationary support element (230), such as being arranged so as to surround one or more of said guide member(s) (210).

Clause 25: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 23 or 24, 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).

Clause 26: An eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 23 - 25, 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).

Clause 27: An eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 23 - 26, 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).

Clause 28: An eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 23 - 27, wherein, once the position of said movable support element (208) has been locked by said electrically actuated lock (224), said movable lifting element (220) is being configured to be lowered by turning said spindle in an opposite rotational direction via said motor (218), thereby rendering reloading of said firing mechanism (200) complete.

Clause 29: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, 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.

Clause 30: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 29, wherein said electronic controller (20) is being powered by said power source (8).

Clause 31: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 29 or 30, wherein said electronic controller (20) is being configured to transmit said trigger signal (TS) to said ejector mechanism (202) of said firing mechanism (200).

Clause 32: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 18 and according to any of the Clauses 29 - 31, 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.

Clause 33: An eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 29 - 32, 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).

Clause 34: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, 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.

Clause 35: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, 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.

Clause 36: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, 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.

Clause 37: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said power source (8) is being in the form of a battery, such as rechargeable battery.

Clause 38: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses wherein the number of killing means (10) of said eradication device (100) is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 or more.

Clause 39: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses wherein said sensor means (6) comprises one or more sensors, such as 1 or 2 sensors (6a, 6b).

Clause 40: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 39 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.

Clause 41: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 39 or 40, 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)

Clause 42: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses 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).

Clause 43: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 42, wherein said plate element (32) is being planar or is having the shape of a segment of a cylinder wall.

Clause 44: An eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 1 - 41, 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).

Clause 45: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 44, 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.

Clause 46: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, 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.

Clause 47: An eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 42 - 46, 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 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.

Clause 48: An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, 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 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.

Clause 49: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 48, wherein said 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).

Clause 50: An eradication device (100) according to Clause 34, wherein said sensor means (6, 6a, 6b) is/are being arranged at said plate (44).

Clause 51: A kit of parts comprising an eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses in combination with one or more additional pairs of mounting elements (308,314), wherein each pair of mounting elements is being configured in such a way that they pair- wise, when being mounted onto said bottom plate (302), defines different minimum distances between the distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314) thereof.

Clause 52: An eradication system (400) comprising one or more eradication devices (100) according to any of the Clauses 1 - 50 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).

Clause 53: An eradication system (400) according to Clause 52, 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. Clause 54: An eradication system (400) according to Clause 52 or 53, wherein said central data logger (48) is being in the form of a central data server.

Clause 55: An eradication system (400) according to any of the Clauses 52 - 54, 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.

Clause 56: An eradication system (400) according to any of the Clauses 52 - 55, wherein 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.

Clause 57: Use of an eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 1 - 50 or of an eradication system (400) according to any the Clauses 52 - 56 for eradicating rodents, such as rats.

Clause 58: Use according to Clause 57, wherein said use takes place in the interior of a sewer system.

Clause 59: A method of installing an eradication device in a sewer pipe (502), said method comprises the steps of: i) providing an eradication device (100) according to any of the Clauses 1 - 50; ii) via said adjustment means (320), adjusting the distance between the distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314), respectively, to a magnitude that allows at least part of said first mounting element (308) and at least part of said second mounting element (314) to be inserted into the interior (504) of said sewer pipe (502); iii) inserting at least part of said first mounting element (308) and at least part of said second mounting element (314) into the interior (504) of said sewer pipe (502); iv) once inserted as set out in step iii), via said adjustment means (320), increasing the distance between the distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314), respectively, so that a surface of said first mounting element (308) and a surface of said second mounting element (314) abut an inner surface (506) of said sewer pipe.

Clause 60: 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 Clauses 1 - 50; 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.

Clause 61: A method according to Clause 60, wherein said method further comprising the step of: vi) automatically making said killing means (10) return to its non-ejected, stand-by configuration.

Clause 62: A method according to Clause 60 or 61, 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.

Clause 63: A method according to any of the Clauses 60 - 62, wherein said one or more eradication devices (100) form(s) part of an eradication system (400) according to any of the Clauses 52 - 56.

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

2 Housing

6 Sensor means

6a, 6b Sensor of sensor means

8 Power source

10 Killing means

12 Free first end of killing means

14 Impact element of killing means

16 Second end of killing means

20 Electronic controller

22 Data memory

24 Lower impact area of impact element

26 Rod of killing means

28 Upper end of rod

30 Lower end of rod

32 Plate element of killing means

34 Lower rim of plate element

36 Vertically extending enclosure of housing

38 Upper end of housing

40 Lower end of housing

42 Interior of enclosure

44 Horizontally extending plate

46 Opening for killing means

48 Central data logger

50 Wireless communication unit

100 Eradication device

200 Firing mechanism

202 Ejector mechanism

204 Reloading mechanism

206 Stationary part of firing mechanism 208 Movable support element

210 Guide member

212 Spring of ejector mechanism

214 Spindle arrangement of reloading device

216 Spindle of spindle arrangement

218 Motor of spindle arrangement

220 Lifting element of spindle arrangement

222 Tube

224 Electrically actuated lock

226 Threaded hole in lifting element of spindle arrangement

228 Engagement element of upper part of tube

230 Stationary support element

300 Mounting element of eradication device

302 Bottom plate

304 First side of bottom plate

306 Second side of bottom plate

308 First mounting element

310 Proximal edge of first mounting element

312 Distal edge of first mounting element

314 Second mounting element

316 Proximal edge of second mounting element

318 Distal edge of second mounting element

320 Adjustment means

322 First hinge assembly

324 Second hinge assembly

326 Rim section of first mounting element

328 Curved portion extending from rim section of first mounting element

330 Rim section of second mounting element

332 Curved portion extending from rim section of second mounting element

334 Protrusion of first mounting element 336 Protrusion of second mounting element

338 Cutaway of protrusion of mounting element

340 Upwardly bend engagement portion of protrusion

342 Projection at first side of bottom plate

344 Oblongly extending through-going hole at rim section of first mounting element

346 Projection at second side of bottom plate

348 Oblongly extending through going holes at rim section of second mounting e element

350 Rib

352 Cutaway for providing space for killing means

354 Threaded through-going hole in mounting element

356 Bolt

358 Through-going hole in bottom plate

360 Female thread of adjustment means

362 Handle of adjustment means

364 Male thread of handle

366 Collar of handle

400 Eradication system

500 Sewer system

502 Sewer pipe of sewer system

504 Interior of sewer pipe

506 Inner surface of sewer pipe

508 Manhole of sewer system

510 Side of manhole of sewer system

RI Reloading instruction

SS Sensing signal

TS Trigger signal

Claims

1. 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 at a lower portion of said housing (2) comprises a mounting assembly (300) for mounting said eradication device in a sewer pipe; wherein said mounting assembly comprises:

-a second mounting element (314) having a proximal edge (316) and a distal edge (318); -adjustment means (320) for adjusting the orientation of said first mounting element (308) and a second mounting element (314) relative to said bottom plate (302); wherein said proximal edge (310) of said first mounting element (308) is being hinged to said first side (304) of said bottom plate (302) by a first hinge assembly (322) so as to be able to pivot in relation to said bottom plate upon exerting a force thereto; wherein said proximal edge (316) of said second mounting element (314) is being hinged to said second side (306) of said bottom plate (302) by a second hinge assembly (324) so as to be able to pivot in relation to said bottom plate upon exerting a force thereto; wherein said adjustment means (320) is being configured to be able to adjust the orientation of said first mounting element (308) and of said second mounting element (314), relative to said bottom plate (302), and thereby alter the distance between said distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314); wherein said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314) are being detachable mounted so as to be detachable from the rest of said mounting assembly (300).

2. An eradication device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said adjustment means (320) is configured in such a way that once set to define a predetermined distance between said distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314), said adjustment means blocks a pivoting movement of said first mounting element (308) and of said second mounting element (314), relative to said bottom plate (302) so as to prevent diminishing said distance between said distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314).

3. An eradication device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first mounting element (308) comprises a rim section (326) at said proximal edge (310) of said first mounting element (308) and a major curved portion (328) extending therefrom; wherein said rim section (326) defines an inward bend relative to said major curved portion (328); and/or wherein said second mounting element (314) comprises a rim section (330) at said proximal edge (316) of said second mounting element and a major curved portion (332) extending therefrom; wherein said rim section (330) defines an inward bend relative to said major curved portion (332).

4. An eradication device (100) according to claim 3, wherein said first mounting element (308) comprises a protrusion (334) extending from said rim section (326) in a direction away from said rim section; and/or wherein said second mounting element (314) comprises a protrusion (336) extending from said rim section (330) in a direction away from said rim section.

5. An eradication device (100) according to claim 4, wherein said adjustment means (320) is being configured for engagement with said protrusions (334,336) and thereby enabling adjustment of the orientation of said first mounting element (308) and of said second mounting element (314), relative to said bottom plate (302).

6. An eradication device (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein in respect of said first mounting element (308) and/or said second mounting element (314), said protrusion (334,336) comprises a cutaway (338) for accommodating part of said adjustment means (320).

7. An eradication device (100) according to claim 6, wherein in respect of said first mounting element (308) said cutaway (338) thereby defines two protrusion portions of said protrusion (334) separated by said cutaway (338); and/or wherein in respect of said second mounting element (314), said cutaway (338) thereby defines two protrusion portions of said protrusion (336) separated by said cutaway (338).

8. An eradication device (100) according to any of claims 4 - 7, wherein in respect of said first mounting element (308) and/or said second mounting element (314), said protrusion (334,336) is defining an upwardly bend engagement portion (340) for entering into engagement with said adjustment means (320).

9. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 3 - 8, wherein said major curved portion (328) of said first mounting element (308) essentially defines a segment of a cylinder wall; and/or wherein said major curved portion (332) of said second mounting element (314) essentially defines a segment of a cylinder wall.

10. An eradication device (100) according to claim 9, wherein said segment of said cylinder wall of said major curved portion (328) of said first mounting element (308) spans an angle of 55 - 90° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, such as 60 - 85° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, for example 65 - 80° of the circumference of a cylinder wall or 70 - 75° of the circumference of a cylinder wall; and/or wherein said segment of said cylinder wall of said major curved portion (332) of said second mounting element (314) spans an angle of 55 - 90° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, such as 60 - 85° of the circumference of a cylinder wall, for example 65 - 80° of the circumference of a cylinder wall or 70 - 75° of the circumference of a cylinder wall.

11. An eradication device (100) according to claim 10, wherein in respect of said first mounting element (308) and/or in respect of said second mounting element (314), said segment of said cylinder wall is having a radius selected from the ranges of: 50 - 400 mm, such as 75 - 350 mm, for example 100 - 300 mm, e.g. 100 - 250 mm, such as 110 - 200 mm, for example 125 - 175 mm, such as 150 - 160 mm.

12. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first hinge assembly (322) and/or the second hinge assembly (324) comprises a combination of a plurality of projections and a plurality of holes arranged at said bottom plate 302 and along said rim section 326,330 of said mounting element(s) (308,314), respectively, or arranged oppositely, wherein said respective holes accommodate said respective projections, thereby hinging said first mounting element 308 and/or said second mounting element 314 onto said bottom plate 302 by making said projections engage with said holes.

13. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first hinge assembly (322) comprises a plurality of projections arranged at said bottom plate (302) and a plurality of holes arranged along said rim section (326) of said first mounting element (308); wherein said respective holes accommodate said respective projections, thereby hinging said first mounting element (308) onto said bottom plate (302) by making said projections of said bottom plate (302) engage with said holes of said first mounting element (308); and/or wherein said second hinge assembly (324) comprises a plurality of projections arranged at said bottom plate (302) and a plurality of holes arranged along said rim section (330) of said second mounting element (314); wherein said respective holes accommodate said respective projections, thereby hinging said second mounting element (314) onto said bottom plate (302) by making said projections of said bottom plate (302) engage with said holes of said second mounting element (314).

14. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first hinge assembly (322) comprises a plurality of projections arranged along said rim section (326) of said first mounting element (308) and a plurality of holes arranged at said bottom plate (302); wherein said respective holes accommodate said respective projections, thereby hinging said first mounting element (308) onto said bottom plate (302) by making said projections of said first mounting element (308) engage with said holes of said bottom plate (302); and/or wherein said second hinge assembly (324) comprises a plurality of projections arranged along said rim section (330) of said second mounting element (314) and a plurality of holes arranged at said bottom plate (302); wherein said respective holes accommodate said respective projections, thereby hinging said second mounting element (314) onto said bottom plate (302) by making said projections of said second mounting element (314) engage with said holes of said bottom plate (302).

15. An eradication device (100) according to claim 13 or 14 wherein said holes are through- going holes, such as oblongly extending through-going holes.

16. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims; wherein said first hinge assembly (322) comprises a plurality of projections (342) arranged along said first side (304) of said bottom plate (302) and a plurality of oblongly extending through-going holes (344) arranged at said rim section (326) of said first mounting element; wherein in respect of one or more of said projections (342) and in respect of one or more of said oblongly extending holes (344), said projection (342) is being accommodated in said oblongly extending through- going hole (344); and wherein said second hinge assembly (324) comprises a plurality of projections (346) arranged along said second side (306) of said bottom plate (302) and a plurality of oblongly extending through-going holes (348) arranged at said rim section (330) of said second mounting element (314); wherein in respect of one or more of said projections (346) and in respect of one or more of said oblongly extending holes (348), said projection (346) is being accommodated in said oblongly extending through-going hole (348).

17. An eradication device (100) according to claim 16, wherein said bottom plate (302) comprises a plurality of ribs (350) extending between said first side (304) and said second side (306) thereof, wherein said projections (342,346) are being arranged at said ribs.

18. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 3 - 17 wherein said first mounting element (308) comprises a cutaway (352) for allowing space for said killing means (10) upon ejection thereof; said cutaway (352) optionally being arranged near said rim section (326) thereof; and optionally also extends into the curved portion (328) thereof and/or wherein said second mounting element (314) comprises a cutaway (352) for allowing space for said killing means (10) upon ejection thereof; said cutaway (352) optionally being arranged near said rim section (330) thereof; and optionally also extends into the curved portion (332) thereof.

19. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 3 - 18, wherein in respect of said first mounting element (308) and/or said second mounting element (314), said mounting element comprises one or more threaded through-going holes (354) for securing, by means of a bolt (356), said mounting element (308,314) to said bottom plate (302); said one or more threaded through-going holes (354) optionally being arranged at said rim section (326,330) or at said protrusion thereof; and wherein said bottom plate (302) comprises one or more through-going holes (358), each being configured for accommodating said bolt (356).

20. An eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said adjustment means (320) comprises a female thread (360) arranged at said bottom plate (302), such as approximately midway between said first side (304) and said second side (306) thereof; in combination with a handle (362) comprising a male thread (364), wherein said male thread (364) of said handle (362) is being screwed onto said female thread (360); wherein said handle (362), at a lower portion thereof comprises a collar (366) which is configured to engage with said protrusion (334) of said first mounting element (308) and with said protrusion (336) of said second mounting element 314.

21. An eradication device (100) according to claim 20, wherein said collar (366), upon engage with said protrusion (334) of said first mounting element (308) and with said protrusion (336) of said second mounting element (314), defines a minimum distance between said distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314).

22. An eradication device (100) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said collar (366) and said protrusions (334,336) in combination prevents diminishing said distance between said distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element 308 and said second mounting element (314) beyond a predetermined distance.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. An eradication device (100) according to claim 24, wherein said ejector mechanism (202) and said reloading mechanism (204) are being separate entities or are being integrated into a single unit.

26. An eradication device (100) according to claim 25, 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 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.

27. An eradication device (100) according to claim 26, wherein said 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).

28. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 24 - 27, 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.

29. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 24 - 28, 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);

30. An eradication device (100) according to claim 28 and 29, 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) and said stationary support element (230), such as being arranged so as to surround one or more of said guide member(s) (210).

31. An eradication device (100) according to claim 29 or 30, 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).

32. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 29 - 31, 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).

33. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 29 - 32, 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).

34. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 29 - 33, wherein, once the position of said movable support element (208) has been locked by said electrically actuated lock (224), said movable lifting element (220) is being configured to be lowered by turning said spindle in an opposite rotational direction via said motor (218), thereby rendering reloading of said firing mechanism (200) complete.

35. 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.

36. An eradication device (100) according to claim 35, wherein said electronic controller (20) is being powered by said power source (8).

37. An eradication device (100) according to claim 35 or 36, wherein said electronic controller (20) is being configured to transmit said trigger signal (TS) to said ejector mechanism (202) of said firing mechanism (200).

38. An eradication device (100) according to claim 24 and according to any of the claims 35 - 37, 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.

39. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 35 - 38, 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).

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. 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 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.

43. 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.

44. 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.

45. 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).

46. An eradication device (100) according to claim 45 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.

47. An eradication device (100) according to claim 45 or 46, 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)

48. 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).

49. An eradication device (100) according to claim 48, wherein said plate element (32) is being planar or is having the shape of a segment of a cylinder wall.

50. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 47, 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).

51. An eradication device (100) according to claim 50, 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.

52. 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.

53. An eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 48 - 52, 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 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.

54. 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 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.

55. An eradication device (100) according to claim 54, wherein said 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).

56. An eradication device (100) according to claim 55, wherein said sensor means (6, 6a, 6b) is/are being arranged at said plate (44).

57. A kit of parts comprising an eradication device (100) according to any of the preceding claims in combination with one or more additional pairs of mounting elements (308,314), wherein each pair of mounting elements is being configured in such a way that they pair- wise, when being mounted onto said bottom plate (302), defines different minimum distances between the distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314) thereof.

58. An eradication system (400) comprising one or more eradication devices (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 56 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).

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);

-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;

-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;

-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 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 - 56 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 of installing an eradication device in a sewer pipe (502), said method comprises the steps of: i) providing an eradication device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 56; ii) via said adjustment means (320), adjusting the distance between the distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314), respectively, to a magnitude that allows at least part of said first mounting element (308) and at least part of said second mounting element (314) to be inserted into the interior (504) of said sewer pipe (502); iii) inserting at least part of said first mounting element (308) and at least part of said second mounting element (314) into the interior (504) of said sewer pipe (502); iv) once inserted as set out in step iii), via said adjustment means (320), increasing the distance between the distal edges (312,318) of said first mounting element (308) and said second mounting element (314), respectively, so that a surface of said first mounting element (308) and a surface of said second mounting element (314) abut an inner surface (506) of said sewer pipe.

66. 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 - 56; 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.

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

68. A method according to claim 66 or 67, 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.

69. A method according to any of the claims 66 - 68, wherein said one or more eradication devices (100) form(s) part of an eradication system (400) according to any of the claims 58 - 62.