Abstract: The present teaches new method and apparatus for evaluating ultrasonic images of muscle of an animal or carcass. Method and apparatus are taught for recognizing muscle interfaces of an animal or carcass from an ultrasonic image of a muscle area. Method and apparatus are taught for determining marbling scores of a muscle of an animal or carcass from an ultrasonic image of the muscle. Method and apparatus are taught for detecting an outline of a muscle from an ultrasonic image of an animal or carcass.

Abstract: The present invention includes method and apparatus for grading a poultry carcass intended for human consumption. An ultrasound machine is provided which includes a probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals such that the machine is capable of producing a image of a breast muscle of the carcass. The probe is positioned on the carcass parallel to the keel such that the image of the breast muscle of the carcass is detected by the ultrasound machine. A breast muscle size indicator of the breast muscle is determined from the detected image. The calculation of a grade for the carcass is based upon the ratio of the indicator to the weight of the carcass. The determination of the breast muscle size indicator can be performed by an image analyzer and pattern recognition equipment modified to recognize the breast muscle image. The probe can be positioned automatically by probe location equipment automatically.

Abstract: A pivoting keel guide for boat trailers which can be used with most boats, can be easily field added to existing trailers, and which will provide excellent centering action for crosswinds when the trailer is submerged. A base plate attaches to a cross-member of the trailer. Pivotally attached to the base plate is a U-channel guide arm, with a pair of guide rollers supported on roller arms mounted on the end of the guide arm opposite the pivot. The guide arm is biased into a raised position using resilient elements such as springs, so that the guide rollers can contact the bottom of the boat while the trailer is submerged. The guide arm pivots along the length of the trailer as the boat settles onto the trailer, exerting a constant centering force.

Abstract: A method is provided for protection of biological materials from the stresses of air-drying and also from destructive reactions, such as oxidation and free-radical attack, which degrade the materials during long-term storage. The method involves drying the materials, which may contain potentially destructive agents such as free-radical generators or reducing sugars, in the presence of a vitrifying substance, and under conditions which allow the protective substance to become vitrified.

Abstract: A mud valve having a plug seat which is made of a resilient material, and which forms the seal at an angle of approximately 28.degree. from the vertical. The valve seat is formed with a matching 28.degree. inclination to mate with the resilient seat.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for sorting agricultural products such as vegetables or fruits from dirt clods, rocks, or other debris, without bruising the desired product. The mixture of desired product and undesired debris is transported by conveyor and allowed to fall freely on a rotating roller. The individual components rebound differentially from the roller, separating the product and the debris. The roller is constructed of a loose-fitting sleeve supported and rotated by resilient disks on a rotating shaft, with the resilience of the disks minimizing the bruising of the product rebounding from the roller.

Abstract: A color graphics system for displaying a plurality of polygons, based upon polygon commands supplied by a host computer. The system accepts the commands from the host and circulates them in a circular queue past a polygon processor or "painter's station" which examines each to see if it is on the line currently being processed. If the polygon is on the line, a line command or "micropainter" is generated and placed in a pipeline comprising a plurality of microprocessors, one for each picture element ("pixel") in the video scan line. The micropainters are passed from processor to processor down the pipeline, in synchronization with the video scan. Each pixel processor examines the micropainter and stores its color if the painter affects the pixel on the scan line which is assigned to that processor, and, in one embodiment, if the micropainter is painting a polygon which is higher (less in depth) than the last polygon whose color was stored in the processor.

Abstract: A physical therapy device for increasing lumbar spine extension range of motion, comprising a cylindrical rod for elastic material capable of repeated flexing without taking a set or deformation, and having its central patient-contacting portion covered by a cylinder of padding material. The roller thus formed is tethered to a treatment surface by a pair of straps or belts, each having one end attached to the treatment surface and the other attached by means of a snap ring and swivel to a ring carried by a collar on the extremities of the rod. The collars can be moved along the rod and secured where desired, to alter the force potential effective through varying the lever arm, and thus the amount the rod will flex. The ring is located in a portion of the collar having a reduced diameter and is free to rotate with respect to the collar and hence the roller.

Abstract: A remotely contollable, motorized valve suitable for microprocessor control. The valve is protected against over-closure by a technique of current sensing of motor current. Starting surges are ignored through the use of a timing circuit. The valve may be re-started in the event of mid-travel stoppage, but is still protected against damage due to such stoppage, by permitting manual reset after the valve is stopped.

Abstract: An improvement in mower-conditioners for forage crops such as hay, in which a pair of ribbed rollers is used to crimp the stems of the crop passing between, to promote drying of the crop.The improvement comprises the use of additional pairs of ribbed rollers, synchronized such that each additional pair of rollers positioned to crimp the crop stems at a different point from the preceding pairs.

Abstract: A sling, especially for hemiplegics, having supports for hand and elbow made of flexible material. The elbow support is suspended from two straps, one over each shoulder, holding the affected shoulder in place and preventing subluxation of the joint. The hand support is suspended adjustably from a third strap attached at mid-chest to one of the others, and supports the hand in a natural, functional, supinated position.

Abstract: An improvement in drain cleaning machines comprising a removable drum containing a length of coiled spring snake in which is inserted a flexible tube for carrying a flow of water to the free end of the snake. The hub of the drum is designed to mount upon a powered shaft adapted to injecting water at house pressure into the center of the hub, and thus into the tube, without leakage. In one embodiment, a swivel is formed inside the free end of the snake, to allow differential twisting between the tube and the snake, thus avoiding kinking of the tube.

Abstract: A tavern game in the shape of an animal, in which a player attempts to place a coin in a target in the hollow, liquid-filled body of the animal. The liquid slows and deflects the coin. The coin traverses a delay mechanism in its path. In one embodiment an obstacle, in the form of an animal, is interposed between the delay mechanism outlet and the target to deflect the coin. Optionally, sounds and/or lights may be included to further attract players. The sounds and/or lights may be synchronized to the coin path to heighten suspense.

Abstract: An accelerator control for field-controlled DC motors, or other applications requiring non-linear response to linear control input. The control uses a photodetector detecting light reflecting from a movable vane connected to the control input.

Abstract: A portable, folding, outdoorsman's seat designed to be hung from the trunk of a tree. The seat is adjustable for height, tilt, and girth of the tree, and comprises a sling-type seat suspended from an integral rope harness. The ropes attach to the seat through a pierced sleeve arrangement allowing for tilt adjustment, and to each other through metal plates such as tent-rope adjusters or the like. The seat may be carried in a jacket pocket and easily erected without assembly.

Abstract: A three-way finger joint for joining three structural elements comprising at least five layers of interlocking fingers and slots. The top and bottom finger elements on one member are identical to each other and to the corresponding elements on the other members. The middle layers comprise a fully interlocking arrangement of fingers and slots, in which a long finger on each member mates with corresponding slots on the other two. The long finger may be formed or cut off to be flush with the joint surface. The joint thus formed is strong, rigid and aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A nutcracker which automatically adjusts for nut size. The nut is cracked between a piston and a receiver. The receiver holds the nut and is locked into place by a latching mechanism made up of a plurality of disk elements, stacked together. A locking lever raises one or more disk elements out of place and latches against the flat face of an adjoining disk. A cover may be provided to activate the latching mechanism and cover the nut to be cracked, protecting the user.

Abstract: A gassing detector for use in modifying the charge rate in charging circuits for liquid electrolyte secondary cells. A light is reflected from the surface of the electrolyte into a photodetector. A discriminator circuit distinguishes the pulses in the photodetector output characteristic of the rippling caused by gassing of the cell and produces a signal to cause the charger to reduce the charge rate.