Abstract: A device for removing a barbed fish hook from the mouth of a fish. The device consists of a support base for holding snippets used to disable the effectiveness of a fish hook barb. When a fish hook barb is disable the fish hook may be readily removed from the fish without further harm to the fish. The device further employs an extension handle for snippet placement when a fish hook has been swallowed by a fish.

Abstract: A roatable hands free fish dehooking device (1) used for safely removing hooks and lures from a fish's mouth and/or body. The hands free dehooking device has a rigid ring (2) located on an end of an elongated arm (3) that is mounted to a fixed or stationary object (6), such as a box (8), boat (7), or other object that anchors the ring and arm in a fixed position for use. The ring and arm may also be rotatable so the hands free dehooking device may be rotated into a stored position or an operating position.

Abstract: A fish hook removal device (1) used for removing fishing hooks (11) from human skin. The fish hook removal device applies downward pressure on a shank (15) of a fishing hook via a forked tip (4) located on a distal end ( ) of a shaft (3) extending from a handle (2). A removal hook (10) extends from the shaft and engages a curve (13) of the fish hook to apply a rearward motion to the curve of the fishing hook. The simultaneous downward pressure and rearward motion aligns a barb (12) of the fishing hook with an entry point of a wound (18) as the barb is removed from the wound.

Abstract: A fishhook remover for dehooking a fishhook from a catch is provided. The fishhook remover includes a hollow shaft having a first end, a second end, and a bore extending from a handle provided at the first end to an opening provided at the second end. The fishhook remover includes a retractable grabber within the bore of the hollow shaft and extending out from the second end for grabbing/retaining the fishhook, and an actuating member slidably engaging the hollow shaft between the first and second ends for actuating the grabber between an extended position and a retracted position. The fishhook remover includes a fishhook alignment needle for engaging the eye of the fishhook. The needle can be in proximity to the second end of the hollow shaft and configured to orient the fishhook in a position where it can be engaged by the grabber.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a device configured to reverse the direction of a fish hook up to two hundred degrees deep within a fish's gullet. This may allow the hook to be extracted without a barb of the hook re-engaging itself into the fish's tissue, as well as without the fisherman inserting their hand into the fish's mouth.

Abstract: A stationary hands free fish dehooking device (1) used for safely removing hooks and lures from a fish's mouth and/or body. The hands free dehooking device has a rigid ring (2) located on an end of an elongated arm (3) that is mounted to a fixed or stationary object (6), such as a box (8), boat (7), or other object that anchors the ring and arm in a fixed position for use. The ring and arm may also be rotatable so the hands free dehooking device may be rotated into a stored position or an operating position.

Abstract: A clamping device includes two parts which are pivotably connected to each other by a pivot joint. Each part includes a jaw and a handle. Each jaw has an engaging portion and a clamping portion defined in the inside thereof. A groove is defined in the engaging portion of each jaw so as to accommodate a wire holder. The groove of the engaging portion extends from the nose of each jaw and toward the pivot joint by an angle relative the axis of the inside of each jaw. The groove opens through the nose and one side of each jaw.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a fishing line, said apparatus including a hollow shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween; a slot formed in said hollow shaft and communicating with said lumen; and a cutter shaft movably disposed within said lumen so as to selectively cross said slot, whereby to cut a fishing line disposed in said slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for removing a fish from a line. The fish removing device has a generally U-shaped portion that extends into an elongated straight section. The straight section bends into a gripping section, which in one embodiment includes a first and second gripping member. After a fish is caught with a hook on a fishing line, the fishing line is caught in the U-shaped portion and slid down to the hook. The fishing line is then positioned horizontally between a first hand and the fish removing device held in a second hand. The fish is rotated on the fishing line, which applies rotational and gravitational force to the fish thereby dislodging the hook from the fish without having the user coming into physical contact with the fish.

Abstract: A medical apparatus positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may constrict a bodily orifice (e.g., a mitral valve). The medical apparatus may include tissue anchors that are implanted in the annulus of the orifice. The tissue anchors may be guided into position by an intravascularly or percutaneously deployed anchor guiding frame. Constriction of the orifice may be accomplished by cinching a flexible cable attached to implanted tissue anchors. The medical device may be used to approximate the septal and lateral (clinically referred to as anterior and posterior) annulus of the mitral valve in order to move the posterior leaflet anteriorly and the anterior leaflet posteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation and eliminate mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A device for closing holes in tissue is delivered via a catheter to the inside of a body lumen such as a heart. An elastic barbed clip is expanded, pulled into the tissue and released, pulling the tissue with it. The operation is fully reversible.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a fish hook from the mouth of a fish and related methods of use. The apparatus comprises a rod slidably mounted within a housing for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. A spring biases the rod toward the extended position. In use, the rod is pushed into the housing and is locked in the retracted position. The fishing line attached to the fish hook is folded over to form a loop and the loop is threaded through an arcuate channel in a proximal tip of the rod. The apparatus is slid along the fishing line until the proximal tip engages the fish hook. A trigger handle on the apparatus is actuated to release the rod from the housing. The spring forcibly moves the rod into the extended position to remove the fish hook from the mouth of the fish.

Abstract: A game dressing device, in one embodiment, comprising at least two legs, each coupled to at least one hook. A spring member that is configured to engage a portion of each of the legs and define a compressed state and an uncompressed state.

Abstract: A device, kit and method may employ an implantable device (e.g., annuloplasty implant) and a tool to implant such. The implantable device is positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) and operable to constrict a bodily orifice (e.g., a mitral valve). Tissue anchors are guided into precise position by an intravascularly deployed anchor guide frame and embedded in an annulus. Constriction of the orifice may be accomplished via a variety of structures, for example by cinching a flexible cable or anchored annuloplasty ring, the cable or ring attached to the tissue anchors. The annuloplasty ring may be delivered in a generally elongated configuration, and implanted in an anchored generally arch, arcuate or annular configuration. Such may move a posterior leaflet anteriorly and an anterior leaflet posteriorly, improving leaflet coaptation to eliminate mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: The scissor-style crab leg clipping tool are uniquely designed to aid in cracking crab legs, cutting crab legs, and retrieving crab meat. The hand-held scissors feature elongated finger openings for enhanced gripping action. The pair of hand-held scissors is further defined with a first armature and a second armature. The first armature features an ovular profile along an anterior portion, whereas the second armature features a thin profile. The first armature includes a gripping nub at a distal end, and which extends downwardly as well as perpendicularly with respect to a first blade affixed thereon. The gripping nub is used to grab hold of crabmeat, and pull said crabmeat from within a crab leg shell.

Abstract: A strike indicator attachment tool includes a tool handle, an elongated tool rod extending from the tool handle and a line or leader engaging hook in the tool rod. A method of fabricating a strike indicator on a fishing line or leader includes providing a strike indicator attachment tool having a line or leader engaging hook, snagging the fishing line or leader in the line or leader engaging hook, forming a loop in the fishing line or leader by sliding a strike indicator securing sleeve over the fishing line or leader, extending a bundle of strike indicator threads through the loop and cinching the strike indicator threads by sliding the strike indicator securing sleeve from the fishing line or leader over the bundle of strike indicator threads.

Abstract: A device for closing at least one opening leading to an anatomical cavity is delivered via a catheter positioned in a first opening leading to the anatomical cavity. An orientation control unit, positioned within the anatomical cavity, an orientation of a portion of a tissue surface within the anatomical cavity that is skewed with respect to the first opening and orients a closure member of the device with the tissue surface. An occluding member and a constricting unit are positioned within the anatomical cavity, the occluding member blocking a portion of an opening that is constricted by the constricting unit. An intermediate member of the device is positioned within the anatomical cavity and a closure unit employing at least one piercing element pierces through the intermediate member into a tissue wall surrounding the anatomical cavity.

Abstract: Tommaso's De-Hooker is a device designed to remove a fishhook swallowed by a fish as humanely as possible so as not to unduly injure the fish. The function of the De-Hooker is to dislodge the hook from the fish using only one hand. This frees the other hand to hold the fish, or for whatever purpose the fisherman wants to use it.

Abstract: A fish release device is claimed, comprising a spring-loaded set of opposing members with tip portions capable of retaining the lip of a fish suffering from barotrauma to a depth sufficient to reverse the effects of barotrauma prior to releasing the fish. The opposing members cross over each other such that the jaws can be temporarily opened merely by tugging upward on the line attached to the device. Once the jaws are opened, the fish normally swims away rapidly, before the jaws close again. The device is small, compact, and can be used with a variety of fish species and sizes.

Abstract: A fishing tool is inserted into a fish's mouth to keep the mouth open while dislodging a fish hook therefrom. The fishing tool includes serrated arm teeth that can be opened when the handles are moved together. A clamping arch, with teeth, can keep the serrated arm teeth in an opened configuration and prevent closure while holding a fish's mouth open.

Abstract: The embodiments of the Fishing Tool are comprised of a front and rear element secured together at a common pivot point. Each element is comprised of a handle and an arm. In the embodiments each arm is comprised of a tip end that is formed at an angle from the arm and extends outward from the arm. The Fishing Tool is comprised of a radial handle located on each element so that when the handles are squeezed together each element moves oppositely around the common pivot point causing the radial arms and the tips to move apart in opposite arc paths. An integral ratchet, friction, or other mechanism will cause the device to hold or lock its position until the mechanism is released. An internal spring will assist returning the device to its original, neutral position. The embodiments of the Fishing Tool offer fishermen hands-free assistance with fishhook retrieval/removal.

Abstract: A fishing hook remover with a V (10D) shape on the front end. Used to position and secure fishing hooks. The back end of the de-hooker has handle (20) is attached to body (12) and trigger (22) is attached to handle (20). V (10D) is part of jay (10), which is attached to the front end of tubular body (12). Shaft (14) is position in the center of body (12) by front space (26) and back spacer (28). The two spacers (26) and (28) have holes in their centers, which allow shaft (14) to slide. The back end of shaft (14) has a pivotal connection to front link (16). The back end of front link (16) has a pivotal connection to back link (18) and the back end of back link (18) has a pivotal connection to body (12). When trigger (22) is fully out front link (16) and back link (18) form proximately a 90-degree angle at their common connection. When trigger (22) is depressed it causes the angle between front link (16) and back link (18) to increase this in turn push shaft (14) towards point (10A).

Abstract: A fishhook disgorger and method of disgorging employ a pair of opposed, widely-spaced, rotating jaws having surfaces configured to grip and hold a fishhook or lure. The jaws are pivotally connected to each other, and a hand operated mechanism uses links and hingepins to draw the jaws toward each other for clasping an impaled fishhook or portion of a fish lure therebetween. The disgorger clasping force may be increased by extending linked elements at an angle to the surfaces configured to hold a fishhook or lure.

Abstract: The retriever/hook remover is a device for retrieving fishing lures that have become hung on various objects below and above the surface of the water. It can also be used to remove the hooks from the mouth of the fish after it has been caught. It consists of a handle that will attach to a standard utility pole. A stiff rod is molded into the handle that attaches to the extension pole. This rod should be made of a rigid metal to ensure that it retains durability, but could possibly be made from other material. At the end of the rod, opposite the handle, the rod is coiled to encase the fishing line to keep it from escaping. Coiling the rod three times seems to work really well, but the rod could be coiled more or less times. The inside diameter of this coil should be 3/16-inch to maybe 2-inches. The minimum rod size should be at least 3/16-inch in diameter to give it rigidity and durability. The length can vary from a few inches up to maybe four feet.

Abstract: A tool for releasing excess air from the swim bladder of a fish. The present invention includes a puncturer situated in a housing and a push rod which extends out of the housing for pushing the puncturer out of the housing and into the swim bladder of the fish. When the tool is employed, the excess air passes through the puncturer into the housing and then out vents located in the side wall of the housing. The puncturer is spring biased to remain in the covered position until the user applies an external force to the push rod to expose the puncturer.

Abstract: A hook removal tool primarily for use in the removal of fish hooks. Hooks attached to a line and which are at least partially embedded in a fish or other substrate can be extracted using this tool. The tool includes a body with a handle at or adjacent a proximal end, and having a guide member pivotally connected at or adjacent a distal end. The guide member has at least one guide aperture or slot adapted to engage with the line or hook in such a manner that the line and at least the shank of the hook are able to slide through the aperture or slot. The tool can be slid down the line to the hook and used to dislodge the hook and then to remove the hook out of the fish's mouth.

Abstract: A dual purpose fishing tool which includes an elongated handle portion. One end of the handle portion has attached to it a fishhook-removing portion. The opposite end of the handle has a fish bladder venting needle attached thereto.

Abstract: An improved fishing accessory for use in fishing operations. The fishing accessory comprises a housing configured to be affixed to a user's hip or waist via an item of clothing. The housing may further include a retractable fish gripping-glove and a tool such as a fish hook-extraction member.

Abstract: A fish hook removing device which has two fingerholds on a proximal end and which tapers to a rounded point at the distal end thereof A fisherman uses the disgorger of the present invention by using his free hand to grasp the fishing line associated with the hook approximately 1 to 2 feet above the fish and sliding the device over the line then pulling the device down tight to fish's mouth and flipping the fish over the device. With this motion the hook is immediately dislodged. The simple one-piece construction of the device of the present invention makes it less susceptible to damage during storage and still easy and efficient to use.

Abstract: A dehooking device with treble hook guard including an elongated rod having a handle disposed at a first end thereof. A spiral looped hook removal end is formed at a second end of the rod and a looped treble hook guard positioned in close proximity to the hook removal end is formed being transversely oriented to the rod. The hook guard defines a perimeter at least as large as that defined by the distal ends of the hooks of a treble hook to shield the hooks from reengagement with the fish as the treble hook is being withdrawn from the fish along with the device.

Abstract: A notched dehooking device having a handle (2) located at a first end of an elongated shaft (3) and a hook removal portion (4) having a notch (6) affixed to a distal end of the shaft. The notch works to capture and hold fishing hooks while dehooking a fish. The distal end of the shaft is bent degree to 30 degrees horizontally to form a horizontal offset angle (8) and 1 degree to 30 degrees vertically to form a vertical offset angle (7). These offset angles work to better accommodate circle hooks a large range of other types and sizes of hooks and also to hide a barb or point of a hook while removing the hook thereby preventing re-engagement of a hook with a fish after being removed.

Abstract: A device for holding fish to remove a fish hook from the mouth of a fish, the device comprised of a first hollow cylindrical member, a connecting member attached to a first end of the first hollow cylindrical member, a second hollow cylindrical member attached to a first side of the connecting member, and a third hollow cylindrical member attached to a second opposed side of the connecting member. A gap is located within the second and third hollow cylindrical members, and two dowels are attached to the inside surfaces of the second and third hollow cylindrical members. The second end of the first hollow cylindrical member is fitted over a fishing rod holder. A fish is pulled within the second or third hollow cylindrical member until the fish head is wedged between the dowels at which time the fish hook can be removed from the mouth of the fish.

Abstract: A tool for saving the lives of captured fish that are swollen by expanded gases when brought to the surface includes an elongate hollow tube of rigid construction having a sharp cutting edge formed in a distal free end of the tube. A user grasps a proximal end of the tube and punctures a fish at a predetermined location in its body with the sharp cutting edge to allow gases to flow out of the body of the fish until the body returns to a substantially unswollen condition. The fish is conventionally resuscitated prior to release after the gases have been vented. The tube folds into a handle for storage when not in use.

Abstract: A fish handling pliers includes two levers pivotally coupled together, and each has a jaw member at one end and a handle member at the other end, a protrusion is extended from one of the levers and has a lock notch, the other lever includes a channel for pivotally receiving a latch device which includes a catch for engaging with the lock notch of the other lever and for latching the levers together, and a spring biasing device for biasing the catch of the latch device to engage with the lock notch of the protrusion, or for disengaging the catch of the latch device from the protrusion, and for allowing the user to easily handle or operate the fish handling pliers.

Abstract: This invention provides a fish hook remover comprising a handle and a shaft. The handle comprises a first end, a second end, a width, and a longitudinal axis. The handle defines a handle notch and slot, the handle notch extending across the entire width of the handle, to define a width axis of the handle, and extending from the first end of the handle along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the handle, and terminating at a slot opening. The slot extends across the entire handle width and extends from the slot opening along a portion of the longitudinal axis and has a terminal portion offset from the longitudinal axis. The shaft comprises a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The first end defines a shaft notch.

Abstract: An application for a fish dehooker with a line latch includes a shaft with a handle at its first end. A partial loop is affixed at a distal end of the shaft and has an open section. A spring-loaded gate is pivotally affixed to the partial loop thereby covering the open section. The spring-loaded gate opens inward within the partial loop when pressed by a fishing line and closes after the fishing line passes, holding the fishing line within the partial loop.

Abstract: A fish hook remover system for efficiently removing a fish hook from a fish. The fish hook remover system generally includes an elongated member including a first end and a second end, a catch member extending from the first end of the elongated member and a bulge portion extending from adjacent the first end, wherein the bulge portion extends outwardly from the elongated member. At least a portion of the bulge portion is between the catch member and the elongated member.

Abstract: A fish hook removal apparatus is provided for removing a fish hook from a fish. The fish hook includes a barb, a bend, a shank, and a hook eye. The subject apparatus includes a handle portion and hook engagement and twisting means which are connected to the handle portion. The subject fish hook removal apparatus can be used to easily remove a fish hook from a fish. Preferably, the hook engagement and twisting means include a spiral spring portion which is connected to the handle portion, and a hook engagement end is connected to the spiral spring portion. Preferably, the hook engagement end includes a pair of finger members that are connected to the spiral spring portion. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a needle assembly is connected to the handle portion.

Abstract: A device for extracting a fishing hook fastened to a fishing line from the mouth of a fish, having an elongate holding arm and a tubular hook holder which is connected to the front end of the holding arm and can be pivoted by a pivoting device from an engagement position which is oriented forwards into a release position which is oriented backwards, wherein the free internal cross section and the length of the hook holder are dimensioned in such a way that the limb of the fishing hook fits into it, and wherein the hook holder has a lengthwise a slot for introducing the fishing line, and wherein the pivoting device has a connecting rod which acts on the hook holder and is displacable longitudinally along the holding arm. The holding arm is hollow and the connecting rod is arranged in the interior of the holding arm.

Abstract: A fish hook remover, designed to minimize damage to an artificial fly and to minimize and reduce human contact with a fish during fish hook removal, comprises an elongated body, designed of wire which is controlled by a handle of cork or other floating material, which allows the angler to hold and control the wire or tubular stem, which terminates with a hook removing extraction loop. The extraction loop terminates in the form of a guiding flange. This fish hook remover is designed to allow the angler to slide the fish line, which has a fish attached to a hook on the end of the line, into a loop which can be guided down the line to the shank of the hook. Once the hook shank is engaged the angler can lift the fish hook remover and the fish is released.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for holding fish, said device comprising first and second handles attached to first and second arms. The first and second arms are connected in scissor-like fashion. The first and second arms are connected to first and second contact plates. The first and second contact plates pinch the inside and outside of a fish's mouth when the device is in the closed position, thereby allowing a fish to lifted out of the water or off the ground. The present invention may also comprise first and second tongs attached to first and second arms. In this embodiment, the first and second tongs are shaped substantially like semi-ovals and are attached to the first and second contact plates.

Abstract: A hand-held fish handling device includes a shaft having one pointed end, useful in entering the mouth of a fish and then retrieving a swallowed hook from the stomach of a fish. The other end of the shaft has a multi-purpose tool fastened thereon; the tool is able to be used as a pithing device, as an external hook remover, and as a gaff. A hand grip enclosing the center of the shaft may be brightly colored and of high buoyancy to aid in retrieving a dropped device. One version of the device employs a wooden shaft and the attached multi-purpose tool is made of a bent metal rod, sharpened at both ends.

Abstract: A fish hook removal apparatus includes a shaft having opposed end portions. One end portion defines a hook for fitting into a fish's mouth. Such a hook is engageable with a fish hook. The shaft enables a user to remove a hook from fish. A grip is positioned about another end portion. Such a grip includes indentations spaced along a length of the grip allowing for a firm grasp. A clevis is attached to the shaft and situated proximate to the grip. A handle includes body and rod portions. Such a rod portion has opposed end portions. The body portion is positioned about one end of the rod extending from the body. The handle is abutted against the shaft in such a manner that rotation of the handle causes the hook to twist about a fishing hook lodged within the fish's mouth, thereby dislodging the fishing hook.

Abstract: A pliers-type tool having gripping channels and a longitudinal axis, further comprises gripping ridges disposed at selected angles from the longitudinal axis to facilitate gripping a fishhook in different dispositions for extraction of the fishhook from a fish. An alternate embodiment comprises top and bottom end portions and a middle portion intermediate the top and bottom end portions. A shoulder connected to the top end portion has first and second portions offset from the longitudinal axis. A first hook engaging member joined to the first portion of the shoulder angularly extends toward the longitudinal axis. The first hook engaging member has an inner surface defining a plurality of grooves therein adapted to engage the fish hook to facilitate removal thereof from the fish's mouth.

Abstract: A live eel hook-insertion device. A hand-operated unit is disclosed that generally comprises a T-handle/trigger driving a spring-mounted plunger through a housing, an open-ended eel nesting tube at one end of the housing and defined by a lateral notch, and a distal yoke on the plunger for immobilizing an eel within the nesting tube. The T-handle trigger is actuated to trap the eel, whereupon a hook can be easily inserted into the eel. The nesting tube is further defined by a lengthwise notch to allow extraction of fishing line if the eel backs out of the nesting tube with hook attached. In use, the device is inserted into a bait well full of eels and the nesting tube is placed flat against the bottom. One eel will enter the nesting tube, whereupon the yoke is distended to trap the eel against the floor of the nesting tube. A hook with attached fishing line is inserted through the notch of the nesting tube and the eel is thereby hooked.

Abstract: A tool for removing a fish hook has an elongated handle with a longitudinal axis, top and bottom end portions and a middle portion intermediate the top and bottom end portions. A shoulder connected to the top end portion has first and second portions offset from the longitudinal axis. A first hook engaging member joined to the first portion of the shoulder angularly extends toward the longitudinal axis. The first hook engaging member has an inner surface defining a plurality of grooves therein adapted to engage the fish hook to facilitate removal thereof from the fish's mouth.

Abstract: A device for use by fishermen to perform several functions including assisting in preparing a hook on a fishing line. The device includes a housing carrying a nipper for assisting in cutting a fishing line. A light is carried within the housing and directed toward the nipper for illuminating the fishing line when fishing in the dark. A threading device receptacle is provided for receiving a threading device, as well as a magnet receptacle for holding metallic objects such as a hook. Further, the nipper of the present invention is provided with means for securing the nipper to a selected object for easy location.

Abstract: A hook dislodging assembly includes an elongated rod that has a first end and a second end. A tool head is attached to and extends away from the first end. The tool head has a free end, a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A groove is positioned in the top side and extends through a juncture of the top side and the free end. The groove extends toward the first end of the rod. The tool head may be removably positioned in a mouth of a fish such that a hook in the mouth is positioned in the groove. The hook may be dislodged with the free end.

Abstract: A tool for crimping the barb defined by a conventional fishhook is disclosed. The tool includes a pair of forceps on which is carried a barb crimping element. The tool is provided for modifying a conventional fishhook to allow a fisherman to catch fish in a catch-and-release manner without causing undue harm to the fish. The tool is a pair of forceps adapted to include a fishhook barb crimping device. The barb crimping element includes a first head carried by the first arm and a second head carried by the second arm. The first and second heads are configured to define an interior face, the two interior faces being configured to cooperate to engage when the finger loops are engaged toward a locked position.

Abstract: A gripper to hold a fish upright during hook removal has a pliers-like body. This body includes a first member having an outer handle portion joined to an upper jaw portion and a second member having an inner handle portion joined to a lower jaw portion. The lower jaw portion is pivotally carried in an opening between sidewalls of the upper jaw portion. Bottom edges of outer segments of the upper jaw portion sidewalls have tooth-like abrasions. These abrasions mate with like abrasions on a top wall of a swivel element pivotally attached to the lower jaw portion. When the handle portions of the gripper are squeezed togther so that the jaw and swivel element abrasions compressively engage a lower jaw of a fish, downward movement of the swivel element is inhibited by a locking action between complementarily formed offsets on a bottom surface of the swivel element top wall and on the lower jaw portion.