Abstract: Radiation-curable compositions containing monoalkyl or mono-aralkyl ether di-acrylates or di-methacrylates of particular ethoxylated and/or propoxylated polyols of formulae I and II have been developed. These polyol derivatives substituted with hydrophobic ether functionalities constitute UV-curable diluents that can be isolated in excellent yields with minimal losses during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named `Coronado`, botanically identified as Fragaria.times.ananassa. The closest known variety is `Balboa`. The new variety is partially everbearing. The new variety is distinguished from `Balboa` by its globose plant habit, medium plant density, flat to cupped terminal leaflet profile, outwardly pointed petiole hairs, the inflorescence is held level to above the leaves, and the calyx is larger than the corolla. The harvest yield before April 1 of `Coronado` is about 4.4 times greater than for `Balboa` for the same period. The main crop of `Coronado` is approximately one week before that of `Balboa`. The PGI isozyme banding pattern for `Coronado` is A2, while that for `Balboa` is A1. The LAP banding pattern for both `Coronado` and `Balboa` is B3. The PGM banding pattern for `Coronado` is C4, while that for `Balboa` is C2.

Abstract: A clematis with purple tepals having a red/purple central stripe distinguished by yellow anthers and a free flowering habit.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Finesse`, characterized by its rounded uniform plant habit; daisy spray-type inflorescences that are 3.2 to 3.8 cm in diameter; attractive red and yellow bi-colored ray florets and bright yellow disc florets; floriferousness with about 70 to 90 inflorescences per plant; and excellent postproduction longevity with inflorescences maintaining good substance and color for about four weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Canton`, characterized by its rounded uniform plant habit; medium-sized anemone spray-type inflorescences that are 5.1 to 5.7 cm in diameter; attractive lavender quilled ray florets and light yellow to yellow disc florets; numerous inflorescences per plant; and good postproduction longevity with inflorescences maintaining good substance and color for about three weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Suerte`, characterized by its medium-sized daisy-type inflorescences that are about 9 cm in diameter; attractive dark pink/purple ray florets and bright yellow disc florets; numerous ray florets per inflorescence arranged in multiple rows; numerous disc florets per inflorescence; and excellent postproduction longevity with flowering stems maintaining good substance and color for three to four weeks in an interior environment after one week of cool storage.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Sierra`, characterized by its upright, uniform and rounded plant habit; large decorative disbud-type inflorescences that are 9.8 to 10.8 cm in diameter; pure white-colored ray florets; and excellent postproduction longevity with inflorescences maintaining good substance and color for about four weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named `Volcano Fuchsia Pink`, characterized by its dark hot pink flower color; vigorous growth habit; medium green, glossy, non-variegated foliage; and freely branching plant habit.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named `Juliana`, characterized by its bright red flower color; large flowers; dark green leaves; and early flowering.

Abstract: A holding device for vertically positioning a windshield or rear window so that it can be bonded into the frame of a motor vehicle. It has a holding part which can be inserted into a lower transverse part of the frame and a series of support steps transversely spaced from one another in a direction parallel to the transverse part of the frame and pivotally connected to the holding part so that they can individually and elastically pivot out to a holding position or be pressed into an out-of-the way position. The steps each have a support face, the faces being arranged in step wise fashion at an equal vertical distance from each other.

Abstract: An ultrasound tissue imaging system having an acoustic transducer, B-mode imaging means to produce with said transducer an electronically scanned B-mode image of tissue under examination. Doppler imaging means that accepts and processes large amplitude, low frequency signals to produce with said transducer an electronically scanned acoustic image of moving tissue, and color display means for displaying the B-mode image as a two-dimensional image with echo intensities encoded using a first mapping function and for simultaneously displaying Doppler information from moving tissue as a two-dimensional image using a second and distinct mapping function that is spatially coordinated with and superimposed upon said B-mode image to augment the B-mode image.

Abstract: A cooling device for providing cooling of integrated circuit semiconductor chips is so arranged as to transfer a heat via thin fin members which are fitted with each other with a small clearance. The bottom surface of one of thermal conductive members which is provided integrally with the fin members is made greater in surface area than a back planar surface of the semiconductor chip, and the thermal conductive member and the semiconductor chip are kept at all times in plane contact with each other, thereby enhancing the cooling performance.

Abstract: A synchronous burst-access memory latches a row address strobe signal, a column address strobe signal, and address signals in synchronization with a clock signal. Data are stored in rows and columns in a memory cell array. Data in a selected row are input and output in serial bursts in synchronization with the clock signal, starting from a selected column. The row and initial column address are provided as external inputs; subsequent column addresses are generated by an internal address counting circuit. A word-line driving circuit for a synchronous memory uses transparent latches to latch the row address strobe signal and address signals, enabling row address decoding to be completed prior to synchronization with the clock signal.

Abstract: A method of contraception is disclosed which comprises a two-stage protocol. In the first stage, an estrogenic compound in a first composition is administered daily as the sole contraceptively active substance to a human female from about Day 2 to about Day 7 of her menstrual cycle, where Day 1 is the first day of menses. The second stage of the protocol occurs immediately thereafter during which at least one follow-up composition containing a progestin is administered daily to the same human female. The follow-up composition can contain a progestin as the sole contraceptively active ingredient, or can contain a combination of an estrogenic compound with a progestin in different weight ratios. A drug delivery system containing daily dosage units is also described.

Abstract: Insect protective headgear comprising a headpiece having a crown and a brim with an outer edge extending at least part of the way around the periphery of said crown; a transparent eyepiece releasably attached to the outer edge of the brim; and a knitted tubular veil of pantyhose-type material releasably attached to the lower edge of the eyepiece and to the lower edge of the headpiece.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a coat with an integral hood wherein the front portion of the hood contains a rolled-up face mask integral with the hood. In a preferred form, the hood has an interior pocket which stores the face mask when not in use. The face mask has an upper edge sewn to the hood interior and a lower edge having VELCRO strips which cooperate with mating velcro strips in the lower interior of the hood to hold the mask in a lowered position covering the wearer's face.

Abstract: This invention provides an ear protector to prevent water from entering the ear during watersport activities like swimming, surface snorkeling or child's play in the water. It provides for waterproof ear pieces which are adhered to a head band worn either over the head and under the chin or, in combination with a viewing piece, around the front of the head to the rear of the head. While the ear pieces and viewing piece are watertight around the ears or eyes due to suction of suitable material, the band can also be tightened to further promote tightness against water.

Abstract: An insulated garment which includes an outer fabric and an inner fabric and at least two layers of insulation between the inner and outer fabrics. A first layer of insulation contiguous to the outer fabric is a synthetic material and a second layer of insulation contiguous to the inner fabric is goose down. Stitching maintaining the inner and outer fabrics to the two layers of insulation is patterned so that the stitching of one of the layers of insulation is contiguous to mid-points between the stitching of the second layer of insulation.

Abstract: A clothing ornamentation device and method for decorating the upper torso area of an individual wearing a garment. The device includes a securement element that attaches to the upper back portion of a wearer's garment and allows the attachment and support of strands and ornaments to the strands. The weight of the ornaments produces a bias on the strands, so that the ornamentation may be draped over the user's upper chest area, where they will rest while being supported by the strands. The device allows variation of number and composition of the ornaments as well as the strands. The device attaches to back portion of wearer's garment near the neck area of the garment. This allows the draping or incorporation of ornaments that may be used to decorate the back of the user's garment as well.

Abstract: A hosiery item including a panty member having three absorbent crotch members provided therein, each absorbent crotch member having a pocket formed therein; and three leg portions secured to the panty member in a manner such that an absorbent crotch member is positioned between any two leg portions, each leg portion having a leg insertion opening in connection with an interior of the panty member. In use the wearer inserts her legs into two of the leg opening in the conventional fashion of donning a pair of pantyhose. The remaining unused leg portion is then gathered and the toe end tucked into the pocket of one of the absorbent crotch members. If a run or hole develops in one of the leg portions being worn, the leg of the wearer can be easily and rapidly removed from the damaged leg portion and placed into the undamaged spare leg portion.

Abstract: An improved helmet constructed with a rigid shell having a soft outer covering which absorbs impacts and disperses energy thereby protecting the wearer of the helmet, as well as protecting the impacting object. When used for contact sports such as football, this covering is effective in preventing injuries resulting when the helmet is used as a striking object. The covering may be applied in segmented pieces or as a continuous layer around the shell which forms a solid frame-like structure. A face mask can also be covered with soft, durable covering and be mounted in such a manner to allow the covering to act as a shock absorber against sliding of the mask due to external forces.

Abstract: A one-piece, lightweight, molded plastic hat that comprises, in combination, a thin, molded plastic sheet forming a hat wall dome having an inner side, the sheet at the dome everywhere having thickness less than 3/16 inch; the sheet at the dome forming a corrugation having a local portion defining a U-shaped cross section; and a local plastic reinforcement sub-sheet formed to have U-shaped cross section matching that of the dome local portion, the sub-sheet fitting and adhesively bonded to the dome sheet local portion at the inner side of the hat dome.

Abstract: A lift mechanism which attaches to the rear edge of a toilet bowl including a lever which pivots at a base in a rotational plane parallel to that of the target element, such as the toilet seat. The lever may be flexed so as to permit insertion of a tang between the toilet seat and the bowl and includes a stabilizer which, in combination with the tang, complementarily receives the element throughout articulating the element to a raised position. The user is spared having to physically contact the seat. The toilet seat lid may be articulated alone or with the lid.

Abstract: A patio pond (10, 60) is formed by a bottom (12) of boards (22) with notches (32) formed in their upper surfaces, a wall (14) formed of a plurality of square panels (40) fit into the notches in the boards of the base, a flexible water tight membrane (18) which is fit over the upper edges of the square panels (40) and a top (16) formed of a plurality of boards (34) having notches (38) formed in their lower surfaces to fit over the membrane and upper edges of the panels to complete construction of the patio pond. The membrane (18) defines an enclosed volume (20) to be filled with water. The top, bottom and walls of the pond support the force of the water without the need to use any fasteners whatsoever.

Abstract: A flushing device has a first pushbutton for triggering a flushing with essentially the total amount of water present in the flushing tank and a second pushbutton for triggering a flushing with part of this amount of water. Both pushbuttons are connected to a valve pipe, which is to be raised during flushing and is mounted in a float housing. A beaker-shaped hollow body, which is raised as an additional weight with the closing element in the case of a partial flushing, is arranged in the flushing tank. The hollow body is raised with the closing element during a complete flushing and during a partial flushing alike. In the case of a complete flushing, the hollow body is opened by an opening such that water contained in the said hollow body flows out at least partially when the closing element with the hollow body is raised.

Abstract: A pool cover includes, in a preferred embodiment, an array of openings through an otherwise impervious pool cover sheet. A pair of filter units overlies the openings and allows only filtered water from the pool cover to drain into an underlying pool of water. A first (bottom) of the filter units is fixedly attached to the impervious sheet and includes a screen member tautly stretched across the array of openings for sharing stress in the sheet in the vicinity of the openings, and also includes a micromesh filter layer overlying the screen member. The second of the filter units is removably attachable to the first unit, as by VELCRO fastenings, and includes a lower micromesh filter layer, for directly overlying the micromesh filter layer of the first unit, and a macromesh filter layer directly overlying the micromesh filter layer.

Abstract: An innerspring assembly, such as for use in a mattress, comprises a plurality of coil springs defining upper and lower terminal convolutions and body portions therebetween. Adjacent coil springs are attached together at the body portions thereof with the terminal convolutions being unattached to one another, so that the terminal convolution can move independently of one another.

Abstract: A modular construction for quilted blankets uses long panels which are releasably connected together in a side by side manner through interlocking hook and loop type fasteners. On one long side of each panel a tongue strip is secured to extend from between fabric sheets of the panel. Hooks and/or loops are provided along the length of the tongue strip. On the other long side of each panel a groove is formed by the bifurcation of the fabric sheets. Within this grove, loops and/or hooks are provided to coact with their opposing members on the tongue strip. The tongue strip of one panel is interlocked within the groove of an adjacent panel. A capping strip with loops and/or hooks is doubled over to cover the remaining exposed tongue strip to finish the blanket. By adding or subtracting panels, the size of the blanket may be varied as desired.

Abstract: A bed enclosure (10) for a baby (12) comprising a dome shaped frame (14) sized to extend over the baby (12) sleeping on a bed (16) with it's parent (18). The dome shaped frame (14) will protect the baby (12) from being smothered by the parent (18) inadvertently rolling on top of the baby (12) while the parent (18) is sleeping, while also offering protection from a bed cover (20) falling across the face (22) of the baby (12) which can cause suffocation.

Abstract: An adjustable and portable bed raiser which raises the head of a bed to an incline so as to reduce gastroesophageal reflux, and thus heartburn, while a user is sleeping. The adjustable bed raiser is separate from the bed intended to be lifted and is comprised of a rotary motor, a mattress support, a control means electrically connected to the motor, a means for lifting the mattress support, and thus the bed to an inclined position.

Abstract: A horizontal top brush for a vehicle laundering or finishing plant wherein a brush rotated by an hydraulic motor is mounted between the free ends of pivot arms carried by spaced vertical stanchions flanking a vehicle treatment location. Counterweight arms on the left and right sides of the wash lane have an axis of rotation which is spaced from the axis of rotation of the brush pivot arms. The counterweight arms are mechanically interconnected with the brush arms by sector gears, an arrangement which permits all of the brush and counterweight arms to lie on one side of the vertical support stanchions. The brush arms are slotted to permit the counterweight arms to pass through them. Brush position relative to the vehicle is varied as a function of brush motor reaction which in turn is a function of brush contact pressure or depth.

Abstract: A pipe-cleaning device with a cutting head (3) makes it possible to clean clogged pipelines completely, even those clogged with concrete, for example. The cutting head (3) works like a jack hammer as it rotates and is driven only by a pressurized medium, which also rinses the pipeline and carries off the debris. The cleaning device is moved forward automatically by hammer impulses produced by curved disks (12, 22), impulse compensation and the backflow of the pressurized medium in the pipeline, precisely according to its cutting capacity at the time. The cleaning device follows the course of the pipelines and cleans them without damaging them.

Abstract: A washing implement is formed from links of mesh material and which is suitable for convenient use with a single hand. The hand sponge is formed by gathering loops or tubes of diamond mesh polymeric material into circular links, which are looped together to form the washing implement. At least two links are used and the links are tied closed at each end of the washing implement by a string or cord which connects the first and last links.

Abstract: A bifurcated paint roller and painting method using such. The paint roller is a hand tool having two roller portions, which each of the roller portions having a nap for picking up and spreading paint. The roller portions are spaced transversely from each other and rotate independently of the other. A paint pan is provided with the bifurcated paint roller and is itself bifurcated. The paint pan includes two receptacle portions, each of which holds a paint having a different characteristic. A divider separates the receptacle portions such that the paints having the different characteristics are prevented from mixing. The distal end of the hand tool includes an open ended slot for reception of the divider such that each of the roller portions is dippable into their respective paints. Alternatively, the hand tool may include tubes mounted thereon and feeding paint to the roller portions.

Abstract: A finishing trowel comprised of a blade, a mounting and a handle, wherein the handle is hollow and has a square mounting hole for receiving a square mounting surface. A plastic handle is comprised of a durable inner core material and a grippable outer member. The handle's inner core includes deformable ribs which axially line the mounting hole and provide a secure, lash-free fit onto the mounting surface over a broader range of manufacturing tolerances for the parts. The handle also includes an endcap which cuts into and seals the endcap against an outer grippable material upon tightening of a flanged nut onto the mounting. A lip extends from the handle and encompasses a portion of the mounting to facilitate increased torque transfer from the handle to the mounting and blade. The replaceable handle can also be formed of other grippable materials such as wood.

Abstract: A boot scraper of novel design and shape and incorporating a novel boot scraping surface that can be mounted to, or incorporated in, skiing implements such as skis and snowboards, as well as ski boot bindings, snowboard boot bindings, and ski boots and snowboard boots. In one embodiment, the boot scraper comprises an elongated polygonal molded rigid ABS plastic block that is mounted to the top surface of a ski. The block is mounted to the ski by an adhesive or by mechanical fasteners such as screws. The top surface of the boot scraper incorporates a two-dimensional grid of adjacent polyhedrons extending in an upward direction. The tips of the polyhedrons form a scraping surface consisting of a multi-dimensional array of spaced, generally rigid pointed surfaces. The underside of the block contains hollowed out cavities that reduce weight but maintain strength and rigidity of the block. The scraper is used by drawing the sole of the ski boot to be cleaned over the scraper.

Abstract: A system for cleaning light transmitting elements such as windscreens, window-panes or optical instruments, comprising a wiper arm supported by a carriage performing reciprocating movements, and a intermediate gear means for transforming rotary movements into oscillating movements, with the intermediate gear means cooperating with a driving means and actuating the carriage and, on the driven side, being in communication with a shaft performing oscillating movements. The shaft is the driving part of a transmission gear means for oscillating movements. The part of the transmission gear means performing movements on the driven side actuates the carriage through a tensile and/or thrust member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a windscreen wiper for a motor vehicle, of the type having a windscreen wiper arm provided with an articulated structure which carries, by means of a series of claws, a wiper blade made of a flexible material, and of the type having a flexible aerodynamic deflector mounted on the arm, wherein the deflector has at least one clasp for fixing it onto the blade of the arm.

Abstract: A bifurcated backing member (20) for use in a wiper blade assembly, the bifurcated backing member (20) being formed from an elongated strip (10) having a centrally thinned section (11) which is then laterally displaced such that the edge (14) of the thinned section (11) coincides with the adjacent edges (15a, 15b) of the remaining parts of the elongated strip (10), the elongated strip (10) then being bent around the thinned section 11 to form the bifurcated backing member with substantially parallel legs (13).

Abstract: A nozzle and container cleaning system for rinsing and washing the interior of a flexible container. The system comprises a bulk bag dispenser having a concentric reducer and a pair of nozzles. The nozzles comprise an inner and outer cylinder, where the outer cylinder penetrates through the wall of the reducer, so that it communicates with the interior of the bag. The inner cylinder has a conduit and is slidably mounted within the outer cylinder and has an extended and retracted position. The conduit is connected to a fluid source which provides a pressurized fluid, either liquid or gas. The fluid is forced through a set of orifices in the inner cylinder and into the interior of the bag when the inner cylinder is between its two positions, thus expanding and rinsing the interior of the bag. The orifices have a notch positioned proximate to where the orifices exit the inner cylinder to better adjust the spray pattern of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning exposed film includes a dry cleaning unit including at least a first dry cleaning station comprising an ionization unit having an electrostatic discharge device and means for removing discharged dust particles from the film. A roller driven by a drive motor draws the film from an unwinding reel through the dry cleaning unit. A film take-up reel driven by a controlled drive motor is disposed downstream of the driven roller. The controlled drive motor is controlled so that a tensile force acting on the film remains uniform as a diameter of the film winding on the film take-up reel varies. A satisfactory cleaning of the film is thus achieved, even when cleaning old and heavily-soiled films, together with a reliable take-up of the cleaned film without a danger of film breakage in the film cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner conversion arrangement is disclosed which, particularly, may be advantageously applied to a dirt cup cleaner. In this application, the conversion hose confluently communicates with the dirt cup when the cleaner is in converted condition so that suction air flows from the dirt cup to the motor-fan system of the vacuum cleaner in either of its floor or hose modes of operation. The conversion arrangement generally includes a conversion adapter having a closure means for sealing off its conversion hose and stanchions for conveniently mounting the ends of the same hose when it is not in use. The closure means may take the form of an outer door or an internal flapper valve plate.

Abstract: An oversized auxiliary handle for use by the manually impaired has a rigid outer cover with a gripping surface and an open end that is provided with a socket for receiving the handle of a conventional implement, such as a knife, fork, toothbrush, or the like. A bladder having a central cavity aligned with the opening is positioned inside the rigid cover. The cover is fitted with an air pump that is manually activated to pressurize the interior of the cover, causing the cavity in the bladder to, directly or indirectly, compress the socket containing the implement handle, and thereby retain the implement in a fixed relationship with respect to the cover.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable hinge which permits easy, small and precise vertical adjustments. The hinge includes a body, a first leaf and a second leaf. It should be noted that the hinge may be provided only as a body and a first leaf for retro-fitting on to an existing second leaf. The body includes a leaf cavity, an adjustment mechanism cavity and, where necessary, a window. The window extends from a face side of the body and communicates with the adjustment mechanism cavity. The adjustment mechanism cavity communicates with the leaf cavity. The leaf cavity is sized and dimensioned to receive a planer portion of the first leaf therein with additional space for vertical adjustment of the first leaf. An adjustment mechanism is provided in the form of an elongated jack screw having a head which engages a slot formed in the first leaf and a threaded portion which engages a fixed thread.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to ensure precise autolevelling for the drafting of a fiber structure in a pre-spinning machine, whereby an open control circuit controls the drafting of the fiber sliver through the drafting rollers, whereby the fiber structure is clampingly held between drafting roller pairs and sensing roller pair during stoppage, whereby a pulse generator is able to produce impulses for the rotation of a pair of sensing rollers which are transmitted to an electronic memory during stoppage of the drafting equipment, and whereby the association of data and momentary position of the sliver events is maintained in the electronic memory during stoppage of the drafting equipment.During stoppage each impulse of the pulse generator is detected and evaluated by means of an electronic system (13, 15, 23) on the connection between pulse generator (4, 14, 19, 22) and electronic memory (3, 18, 26).

Abstract: A fastening belt includes a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side. A corrugation extends from the first side thereof near the first end and a plurality of holes are defined in the fastening belt near the second end. A plurality of teeth extends from the second side of the fastening belt and are located between the corrugation and the second end such that the first end of the fastening belt is utilized by overlapping the first end thereof on the second end thereof with the teeth inserted into the holes corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A sealing devise provided for use in sealing flexible bags. The sealing device has a receiving arm (11) and a locking arm (12) each having generally parallel side walls (16, 26) having elongated, seating shoulders (19, 29) for interlocking engagement. The receiving and locking arms are configured to form a hinge (36) for pivotably movement of the arms relative to each other.

Abstract: A multi-purpose seat belt retaining device which provides a means for lowering the path of a seat belt for use by a child by removably inserting the lap and shoulder portion of a seat belt into slots on the device thereby lowering the intersection points of the lap and shoulder portion of the seat belt. In addition, the device also provides a means for allowing a person to enter and exit the driver side of a car without unbuckling the seat belt by removably placing a hook portion around the steering wheel and inserting both the lap and shoulder portion of the seat belt in a common slot. To allow the seat belt to engage around the driver, the device is simply unhooked from the steering wheel but is left secured onto the seat belt.

Abstract: A zipper closure comprises first and second rows of plastic teeth formed on first and second bands, each said band having an edge bead, said teeth having free ends and opposed back ends fixed to said bands. In said teeth close to said back ends of said teeth decorative stones are formed, each of said decorative stones having a tapered portion with a tip, said tip being directed to said respective band, and lying closer to said respective band as a tangent plane on said edge bead of said band, which tangent plane lies parallel to said band.

Abstract: To provide an interengaging fastener member which can enhance the disengagement force, while does not increase an engagement force required for an interengagement process. The fastener member 10 includes a base 12 and a plurality of headed stems 14. Each headed stem 14 includes a stem 16 adjoining and projecting orthogonally from the surface of base 12, and a head 18 formed at the end of the stem 16. The head 18 is provided with a bottom surface 20 adjacent to the stem 16 and extending outward from outer periphery of the stem 16, and an apex 24 arranged at an opposite side of the bottom surface 20 from the stem 16. The engagement force reducing means may take the form of, for example, one or more grooves formed in each head, or an undercut formed in each headed stem in the area where the head adjoins the stem.