Abstract: An improved lifting assembly for removing contents from containers consistent with mechanized containerizing operations are disclosed. The lifting assembly of the present invention comprises a support plate for lifting contents coupled to the top of a container by a connector.

Abstract: A binding assembly includes a boot having a plate, and a binding plate secured to a snowboard. The boot plate includes at least one set of opposing, horizontally-projecting, binding tabs positioned along the sides of the boot. The binding plate includes at least one set of binding elements that correspond, respectively, to the binding tabs. In operation, the binding tabs on the boot are maneuvered to engage the binding elements on the binding plate to mount the boot to the snowboard.

Abstract: A rotatably adjustable binding assembly provides for quick and easy rotational adjustment of the binding assembly from a preset first rotational position to a preset second rotational position while a person's foot remains engaged in the binding assembly. The binding assembly includes a detent mechanism mounted under a foot base that engages at least one plate element whereby engagement of the detent mechanism with the plate element secures the binding assembly at a first or second rotational position. Operation of a foot tab actuates the detent mechanism, thereby permitting a "hands free" method of adjusting the rotational position of the binding assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for suture placement while performing less invasive surgical procedures within a body cavity. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides for the placement of sutures within the heart or a great vessel that is accessed from outside the closed chest. According to one exemplary method, the patient's heart valve is accessed through an intercostal port in the patient's chest. At least one needle having a suture is then directed into the annulus while visualizing through the port placement of the needle into the annulus. The needle is then passed through the annulus.

Abstract: A wringer for squeezing liquid from a wet cloth comprising:a housing formed to support a first roller and a second roller;with the first roller being formed as a hollow cylinder and having an electric motor disposed therewithin for providing rotational power to the first roller;a power communication arrangement formed within the first roller and the housing, and disposed to communicate rotational power from the electric motor to the second roller; the power communication arrangement functioning such that if one of the first or second rollers is held in fixed position the other of the first or second rollers will continue to rotate through power supplied by the electric motor.

Abstract: A dispenser for use on an agitator-type washing machine is provided. Means are provided for mounting the dispenser on various machines by means of an adapter. The dispenser has a body of generally cylindrical shape which may be mounted on the agitator. The dispenser includes a measuring chamber for containing a volume of liquid such as bleach, soap, etc. Also included are dispensing and timing means for dispensing the liquid in the chamber a predetermined time after the initiation of agitator action. In this manner, liquid is not dispensed until after filling of the machine has occurred. In the first embodiment, the dispensing and timing means includes a double siphon arrangement. In a second embodiment, a single siphon arrangement is used.