I hope that I shall never see
A raygun as in Figure 3;
For if I do I must decide,
To laugh at him, or run and hide.

I wouldn’t want this to be aimed in my direction. I don’t want my atoms dispersed and rearranged as little stinky catfood pellets, but Mr. Shaible scoffed at all the naysayers and went ahead to patent this evil Weapon of Mass Destruction in 1953.

Previously posted here. More fascinating patents are archived in the Patent Room. Other captivating information will undoubtedly be revealed in tonight’s Overnight Open Thread.