Abstract: A mechanical apparatus for sequentially loading multiple quantities of articles or animal droppings from the surface of the earth into a disposable bag or receptacle is formed by an upright open frame assembly vertically supporting a telescoping handle member. Upon downward telescoping movement of the handle, with the frame assembly supported by the surface of the earth, a panel sweep assembly is vertically pivoted about a horizontal axis to propel articles on the surface of the earth into the open end of a receptacle, adjacent and attached to the frame assembly. The receptacle is removable to dispose of the articles therein.

Abstract: An automatic tuning system for a stringed instrument is formed by a microprocessor operating hardware connected with one end portion of the several strings. The hardware principally comprises a reversible motor driving gears and a gear train selectively meshed by a solenoid for each string entrained over a saddle at the bridge position and underlying a double hinged tremolo system. An input sensor in the tuning module detects the tone of a plucked string and converts it to a square wave of the detected frequency, which is compared by the microprocessor with the closest adjacent intended frequency and energizes the solenoid for engaging the gear mechanism for tightening or loosening the string to obtain the required frequency. The user can override the automatic string tuning function for initially tightening a string or strings, and manually adjust the frequency of a string by a manually rotated knob on the head stock of the instrument.