Abstract: A cutting tool and method for removing the tenders from a poultry carcass wherein the cutting tool is a deboning knife having a pair of blades attached to a handle in a side by side relation with a distance therebetween. The surfaces of the blades include undulations for accommodating the curvature of the keel from which the tenders are removed. The method for removing the tenders comprises manual manipulation of the deboning knife to simultaneously remove two tenders from the carcass.

Abstract: An article retrieving device for gathering and storing nuts that allows the user to maintain an erect posture during use, comprises a retaining element and a housing. The retaining element is adapted to retrieve nuts from the ground and includes a plurality of resilient pieces arranged in rows on a sleeve. The retrieved nuts are stored in the housing and dispensed from the housing via a dispensing opening.

Abstract: A security cover for a padlock used to lock a hasp or other similar structure comprises a housing having first, second and third openings. The openings provide limited access to the housing's interior region. When installed on a hasp, the shackle and a substantial portion of the hasp's eye extend through the second and third openings, respectively, and are contained within the housing for protection.

Abstract: An add-on section for use with a shopping cart has a convertible seat which provides seating for passengers, or alternately provides a support surface for holding an infant carrier. The convertible seat includes a pivoting panel that can be pivoted between a raised position in which the panel functions as the seat's back rest and a lowered position in which the panel serves as a holder for an infant carrier.

Abstract: A mitral valve annuloplasty ring and method for implanting a mitral valve annuloplasty ring to treat mitral insufficiency by reestablishing the normal shape and contour of the mitral valve annulus. The annuloplasty ring is flexible and can be readily adjusted to different sizes and shapes. The method substantially eliminates scarring subsequent to the annuloplasty procedure to maintain flexibility of the ring and the annulus indefinitely.

Abstract: A sighting device comprises a fiber optic element removably mounted on a support bracket which is adapted for attachment to ventilation rib of a gun. The sighting device is primarily for use in low light conditions and can be readily mounted and removed from the gun in immediate response to changing light conditions. In addition, the fiber optic element is removably attached to the support bracket, thereby allowing alternate fiber optic elements to be selectively mounted on the sighting device as desired.

Abstract: A pressureless infeed conveyor table for forming a predetermined spacing between articles on a conveyor in order to create a uniform column for a packaging process comprises reciprocating carriages that are driven directly by a reversible servo-motor. By directly driving the carriages, the weight of the accompanying sprocket assembly is decreased and the speed at which the carriages move is increased to improve efficiency and processing time.

Abstract: A mitral valve annuloplasty ring and method for implanting a mitral valve annuloplasty ring to treat mitral insufficiency by reestablishing the normal shape and contour of the mitral valve annulus. The annuloplasty ring is flexible and can be readily adjusted to different sizes and shapes. The method substantially eliminates scarring subsequent to the annuloplasty procedure to maintain flexibility of the ring and the annulus indefinitely.

Abstract: The tow shield and underskirt device comprises a flexible deflecting member that is adapted to be attached to the towing vehicle and the vehicle in tow to protect both vehicles and the tow bar from road debris that is thrown by moving vehicles during travel. Tensioned elastic members on the forward and rearward edges of the deflecting member hold the respective edges adjacent to the rear of the towing vehicle and adjacent to the front of the towed vehicle. The longitudinal sides of the deflecting member are supported by additional elastic members which lengthen and shorten as the vehicles maneuver around corners.

Abstract: A fan blade assembly for a ceiling fan has lightweight, oversized blades formed by a support frame with a blade covering material stretched over the frame. A lighting fixture attached to the support frame rotates with the fan blades. The fan blades are contoured to provide airfoil characteristics having an optimal compromise to maximize air circulation when rotating in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. In a ceiling fan, the fan blade assembly can be used singluarly or used in combination with conventional fan blades on the ceiling fan.

Abstract: The support assembly comprises a primary platform having a plurlity of adjustable holddown devices for securing a laptop computer or other equipment while providing full access to the equipment supported thereon. Each of the adjustable holddown devices includes a quick release clamp which actuates the locking and releasing of the cable adapted to encircle the equipment on the primary platform. A secondary platform for supporting a computer printer or other accessory equipment is adjustably attached to the primary platform.

Abstract: An electronic control system including a collision avoidance system is for use on an electric cart, such as used for shopping, wherein the electronic control system includes a databus board for expanding user options on the electric cart. The collision avoidance system includes sensors which detect the presence of objects in the path of the moving cart and the system acts to stop the cart when the objects are detected. Additional user options of the electronic control system are an anti-theft system for deterring cart theft and vandalism and a voice module for playing recorded messages to the cart operator.

Abstract: This invention comprises a method of using tubular material to replace an atrioventricular (AV) heart valve (i.e., a mitral or tricuspid valve, positioned between an atrial chamber and a ventricular chamber) during cardiac surgery. Preferably, the tubular material should be inherently tubular; i.e., it should be created in tubular form from its inception, rather than by using a longitudinal suture line or other seam to convert a flat sheet of material into a tubular shape. Suitable tubular materials include (1) biocompatible synthetic materials which are manufactured in tubular form, by methods such as extrusion or coating a cylindrical molding device, using material which is sufficiently thin and flexible to serve as leaflets in AV heart valves; and (2) a segment of submucosal tissue harvested from a small intestine, either from the patient who is undergoing the cardiac surgery, or from an animal or human cadaver if the harvested tissue is properly treated to reduce antigenicity.

Abstract: The guide strip separation device employs a base plate, such that the base plate includes a bottom surface having mounted onto a top surface thereof a row of spaced registration lugs that are received within the apertures of the guide strips to be removed. The registration lugs engage a groove within a cover portion of the device. The cover portion of the device is arranged to engage the guide strip thereby permitting ease of manual grasping of the paper web to effect its separation relative to the associated guide strip thusly clamped by the abutment flange.

Abstract: Methods of improving anaerobic digestion by enhancing the microorganism population through the creation of a nutrient environment more favorable for microbial growth and through the addition of microbes and, more particularly, by the addition of chelating agents, chelating agents and nutrients, and methanogens. Methods for the improved production of said methanogens by the provision of controlled amount of methanol and H.sub.2 and CO.sub.2. Methods for the improved preservation of said methanogen by ultra-freezing and freeze-drying.

Abstract: A device and method for treating presbyopia by which the ciliary muscles of the eyes are electrically stimulated when the internal rectus muscles of the eyes are activated in order to focus the eyes on objects within the near field of vision. The amounts of electrical stimulation can be adjusted according to the individual needs of a patient and are preferably in direct proportion to the amounts of contraction of the internal muscles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lubrication of pumps, wherein due to relative space limitations, pumps oriented at various positions are provided sufficient oiling fluid to accommodate lubrication of cylinder surfaces preventing excess wear, such that an expansion tube projecting from and in secured operative communication with the crankcase of the existing pump is such that the tube having a graduated exterior surface is provided. The graduations are oriented in a parallel relationship relative to the axis of the tube and permit ease of viewing of sufficient pump oil volume when such volume is visible via the graduations. The tube provides for a removable cap structure to permit the adding or removal of fluid relative to the pump crank case.