Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor electrode connected to a card module that can be received within an industry standard plug-in receptacle of a selected computer to enable a combination capable of very exhaustive data detection, processing, storage and the like for whatever the selected data sensor and particular card module.

Abstract: The retractable electric power cord apparatus of the present invention can be mounted within a wall space between a pair of vertical studs forming a wall. The retractable cord apparatus includes a frame sized to be positioned and attached within the wall space by way of an opening formed in the wall, a door pivotally connected to the frame and an electric power cord. A spool for extending and retracting the electric power cord is connected to an inside of the door such that the spool has an axis of rotation perpendicular to the door and is sized to fit within the frame.

Abstract: A process for producing dry and semi-dry sausage products. Ground meat is admixed with an acidulant (e.g., a food grade acid) encapsulated by a material having a melting temperature of at least about 90.degree. F. The resulting admixture is formed into at least one shaped sausage product wherein the product has at least one cross-sectional dimension no greater than 1.0 inch. The shaped sausage product is then heated at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to (a) melt the encapsulating material and allow the acid to contact the meat and lower the pH of product to a value no greater than 5.3 and (b) dehydrate the product such that the ratio of the weight of moisture in the product to the weight of protein in the product is no greater than 3.7 to 1. The heating step is carried out for a period of time no greater than about one hour (typically for only a few minutes) and in a heating apparatus operating at a dry bulb temperature in the range of from about 90.degree. F. to about 500.degree. F.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transmission of biomedical waveform data from a patient to an attending physician wherein the waveform data audio signal is frequency modulated for subsequent wireline or wireless transmission to a remote hand-held computer that functions to digitize, record and demodulate the frequency modulated signal for display on the computer, for permanent print-out, or for further retransmission.

Abstract: A convertible therapeutic wrap includes indicia designating where a pad of the wrap is to be cut to provide a separate, smaller therapeutic wrap when the overall pad is not needed.

Abstract: A portable handle for facilitating entry into and exit from a trailer is provided. The handle comprises a base that includes a top, a bottom, an inside surface and an outside surface. A hook is attached to the inside surface of the base and extends outwardly therefrom. A handle member is attached to the outside surface of the base. In using the handle, the operator places the hook over the trailer (e.g. over a door hinge) to removably couple the handle to the trailer. The user can then grasp the handle member and pull himself or herself in and out of the trailer.

Abstract: An article, an apparatus, and a method for processing a meat product. The inventive article comprises: a shaft; a spiral conveying channel on the exterior of the shaft; and a cutting member projecting from the shaft and positioned within the conveying channel. The inventive apparatus comprises the inventive article and a driving assembly for rotating the inventive article about its longitudinal axis. The inventive method comprises the step of conveying a meat item through the conveying channel of the inventive article such that the cutting member contacts and forms a cut in the meat item.

Abstract: An apparatus provides multiple, phase-shifted power outputs, such as for driving a rectifier circuit of an electronic frequency converter. The apparatus connects to a multi-phase power source having a predetermined number of phases, such as a conventional three-phase alternating current source provided by a public utility. The apparatus causes a first phase shift in response to current flow from the power source through the input of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes an output. The output is responsive to current flow through the input such that the apparatus causes a second phase shift and provides multiple power outputs of different phases in response to the first and second phase shifts. The output of the apparatus includes at least two closed circuit winding groups.

Abstract: An electric monophonic/stereophonic stringed resonator instrument includes a body, a resonator assembly mounted on the guitar body, and strings connected to the body. A pickup responsive to string movement and a transducer responsive to resonator assembly action provide respective electric signals representing respective sounds. Independent volume control is provided for each signal. A switch connects the signals either to a common output channel as a blended monophonic output or to respective output channels as a stereophonic output.

Abstract: A system for recording designated physical activity during the period of activity by means of a digital timepiece carried by an athlete or user for subsequent playback after the activity via an audible transmission link to a digital computer for processing, analysis and display.

Abstract: A separation system for use with wells drilled for the purpose of producing hydrocarbons where the primary drilling fluid is air or mist. The separator system includes a horizontal separation tube connected to an exhaust line so that it will receive the exhaust mixture created during the drilling of the well. The separator tube has separator inlet liquid ports defined along the length of the tube. Dump outlet ports are also defined along the length of the tube. Separator liquid is injected into the tube and the solid and liquid components of the exhaust mixture along with the separator liquid will pass out of the tube through the dump outlet ports into a receiving tank. The gas component of the exhaust mixture passes through the separator tube into a secondary separator.

Abstract: An improved method for changing automotive tires wherein a single lug bolt on each wheel is extended about 3/8 inch longer than all remaining lug bolts so that, when the extended lug bolt is aligned topmost on the wheel, the replacement wheel need only to be hung on the extended lug bolt so that all other wheel holes will hang in alignment with their respective lug bolts for subsequent securing.

Abstract: Improvements in components for decorative light strings that include a plurality of track channels for holding successive segments of a light string, such track channel sections being supportable by snap attachment to pre-positioned snap-fasteners or the like.

Abstract: A blade-sharpening apparatus for knives and other cutting tools which uses a ceramic sharpening element. The sharpening element is a recycled aluminum oxide sodium vapor streetlight bulb. The vapor and heat expansion and contraction of the bulb during use as a light causes wear on the bulb and results in the ceramic element becoming more porous, thereby providing an abrasive surface suitable for blade sharpening. A first embodiment of the apparatus comprises a housing with a support substantially along a length of the sharpening element and a cover for enclosing the sharpening element when not in use. In the first embodiment, the sharpening element is supported on both ends. In a second embodiment, the sharpening element is supported on one end by a handle and a sleeve is provided to enclose the sharpening element when not in use. The sleeve may be attached to a portion of the handle opposite the sharpening element when in an operating position.