College of William and Mary

David M Stanhope

Kory T Angstadt

Kirk J Havens

Donna Marie Bilkovic

Jason Patrick McDevitt

Jay Menefee

David Daughtry

Wade K Blackwood

Herein we describe embodiments of shotgun shells, methods for loading such shotgun shells, and methods for using them. In some embodiments, the shotgun shells utilize a multi-component wad system with a biodegradable powder wad that stays intact through the firing process, and a separate and chemically distinct biodegradable shot wad that breaks apart within one meter after being shot out of the barrel of a shotgun. A clean release of the shot can be obtained, providing both high performance and biodegradability. The biodegradable shot wad can be a biodegradable polyester.

Biodegradable shotgun wad system

Herein we describe embodiments of a biodegradable wad having a gas sealing function, as well as methods for their use. In some embodiments, the biodegradable wad comprises at least 50% by weight of a poly(butylene succinate co-adipate) polymer. In some embodiments, the biodegradable wad comprises at least two biodegradable polymers, wherein a first biodegradable polymer comprises a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer and a second biodegradable polymer comprises a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer. Plastic debris has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use implements that will degrade into environmentally benign compounds. Incorporating a biodegradable wad into shotgun shells provides an effective, economical solution, provided cost is acceptable and performance is not compromised. Suitable shotgun shells utilizing biodegradable shotgun wads and methods are described herein.

Biodegradable shotgun gas sealing wad

Herein we describe shotgun shells each having a degradable wad comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, as well as methods for ensuring that such wad degrades quickly after landing in an aquatic environment. Plastic, aquatic debris has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use implements that will degrade into environmentally benign compounds. Incorporating a degradable wad into shotgun shells provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable shotgun wads and methods are described herein.

Degradable shotgun wad

Herein we describe fishing gear having a degradable identification component comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, as well as methods for ensuring that such identification component degrades quickly after detachment. Aquatic debris has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use implements that will degrade into environmentally benign compounds. Incorporating a degradable identification component into fishing gear provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable identification components are described herein.

Degradable identification component

Herein we describe fishing gear having a polyhydroxyalkanoate degradable component, as well as methods for ensuring that such gear has reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict fishing gear has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use gear that will lose the ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating a degradable apparatus into such gear provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable components are described herein.

Fishing gear with degradable component

Herein we describe crustacean fishing traps having degradable cull ring panels, as well as methods for ensuring that such traps have reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict crab and lobster traps have a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use degradable traps that will lose their ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating degradable cull ring panels into such traps provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable cull ring panels are described herein.

Growing community of inventors

Hayes, VA, United States of America

David M Stanhope