stoomejector

A stoomejector is a fictional device that appears in science fiction literature and media, most notably in the comic strip "Buck Rogers" and related works. The term is a portmanteau combining "stool" and "ejector," though it is sometimes spelled as "stool ejector."

The device is typically depicted as a mechanical contraption designed to rapidly remove unwanted visitors or prisoners from a location, often through forceful ejection. In the Buck Rogers universe, stoomejectors are commonly installed in spaceships and other facilities as a means of quickly disposing of intruders or individuals who have outstayed their welcome. The mechanism generally operates by grabbing the target individual and propelling them out of an airlock or designated exit point at high velocity.

While primarily serving as a plot device in science fiction narratives, the stoomejector has become a recognizable element within the genre's vocabulary. The concept plays into themes common in space adventure stories, including efficient security measures and creative methods of character removal that avoid more permanent consequences.

The popularity of stoomejectors in science fiction has led to occasional references in other media forms, including video games and animated series that draw inspiration from classic space opera themes. Some modern interpretations have adapted the concept for comedic effect, emphasizing the absurdity of such elaborate ejection systems.

The stoomejector represents a lighthearted approach to security technology in fictional universes, where practical concerns like waste management are secondary to dramatic storytelling needs. Its enduring presence in science fiction reflects the genre's tendency to blend technological imagination with narrative convenience, creating memorable gadgets that serve both functional and entertainment purposes within fictional worlds.