Abstract: There is disclosed an orthotic device adapted for use with a hand of a user to restore grasping function. The device includes a finger retaining member and thumb support. The finger retaining member is pivotally moveable from a first open or non-grasping position when the finger retaining member is spaced from the thumb support, to a second position where the two are adjacent. The device achieves this function by incorporating a suitable shape memory alloy suitably associated with the finger retaining member and thumb support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing viscera from poultry carcasses during processing is described comprising a frame which has a tilting means mounted thereon to tilt the carcasses so that the viscera hang sufficiently away from the carcasses to allow them to be mechanically grasped. A grasping means is mounted on the frame for grasping the viscera after the carcasses are tilted, and a pulling means is mounted on the frame for pulling the grasped viscera from the carcasses. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tilting means comprises at least one guide bar, disposed in such a manner that as the carcasses move along on the shackle line, they strike the guide bar and are tilted. The grasping means of the preferred embodiment of the invention comprise a pair of side-by-side, spaced apart rails, the distance between which progressively decreases along their length to the point that viscera may be substantially grasped between the rails.

Abstract: A double-acting hydraulic piston comprises a cylinder which has a first piston disposed therein in such a manner as to divide the cylinder into first and second fluid chambers. The first piston is attached to a shaft which extends through one end of the cylinder and is reciprocable within the cylinder. The first and second fluid chambers are connected to each other by a connecting mechanism so that fluid is able to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber, and visa versa, as the first piston is reciprocated within the cylinder. A second piston is disposed within the connecting mechanism. The second piston has a passage therethrough to allow for transfer of fluid from one fluid chamber to the other as the first piston is reciprocated within the cylinder.

Abstract: A system for rapid, easy testing of elastic components under compression or tension is disclosed. The system comprises a force measurement apparatus having a device which applies either a compression or tension force to the elastic component. The device measures the force applied to the component and transmits this information to an interface unit. A transducer, which is detachably connected to the component, measures the deflection in the metal and transmits this information to the interface unit. The interface unit comprises computer hardware and software which changes the analog signals it receives to digital signals and transmits these to a personal computer. The computer controls the test and displays the test results.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel locking device adapted for use with a length of flexible cable. The locking device comprises a body member designed to receive a flexible cable and a pivotable cable retaining member pivotally associated with one end of the body member and designed to work in conjunction with the body member to engage the flexible cable thereby allowing for the simple engagement of articles to be locked together.

Abstract: A method of producing fresh meat is disclosed, in which substantial moisture loss during production is effectively reduced. The method comprises the steps of applying liquid to the surface of a carcass; subjecting the carcass to a supercold environment for a period of time short enough to substantially prevent freezing of the outermost layers of the flesh of the carcass, but long enough to allow for formation of an ice layer around the carcass. Once the ice layer is formed, the carcass is passed into refrigeration chamber for further cooling. The carcass is kept in the refrigeration chamber for a period of time long enough to lower the temperature of the flesh to a point where substantial deterioration of the flesh is prevented, but short enough to prevent freezing of the flesh.