Abstract: A new and distinct variety of orchid and more particularly a Sophrolaeliocattleya (Slc.) hybrid plant which is outstanding and distinct from other orchids because of its unique color pattern of a yellow heart-shaped splash in the petals surrounded by purple coloration, its flower form which is consistently flat and fully open, and its flower carriage high above the foliage on a tall stem. The heart-shaped pattern is consistently well formed and different from other orchids. The flowers are considerably larger and of consistently better shape than any of its siblings in the grex population or similar hybrids. The substance of the flowers is superior to its siblings, resulting in longer lasting flowers. The new variety exhibits more vigorous growth than its siblings and other similar hybrids.

Abstract: A new and distinct Asiatic lily hybrid having numerous white flowers, white buds, and strong stems with good foliage quality excellent for cut flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named `Meririco`, characterized by its rounded, initially upright, then pendant growth habit; moderate growth rate and vigor; freely branching plant habit; fast rooting; medium green foliage color with distinct zonation pattern; numerous peduncles with seven to twelve flowers per umbel; semi-double red and dark pink flowers; and good weather and stress tolerance.

Abstract: A new and distinct spathiphyllum plant named `Frederick`, characterized by its medium growth habit, relatively large recumbent leaves, large white spathes relative to size and shape of plant, short strong flower stems, and its very rich flowering.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Aglaonema named `Stars` particularly characterized by its dark green leaves marked with dark silver-green blotches and white yellow-green speckles and its relatively short, well-branched and dense growth habit.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Anthurium plant named `Laura`, characterized by its large plant size; upright and vigorous growth habit; large dark green leaves that are glossy and ovate to cordate in shape; numerous flowers that are positioned above the foliage on strong and erect peduncles; large shiny red spathes; and good post-production longevity.

Abstract: An apparatus for glueing the tail or outer end of a web of material which has been formed into a log which comprises: device (9, 13) for unwinding the tail from the log (R); applicator (45) for applying glue to the log; tail rolls (97, 99) for re-winding the tail back on the log and glueing the tail to the log; and conveyor (23, 41) for transferring said log. The applicator for applying the glue includes a dispenser device (55-63) provided with a nozzle (61) forming at least one upwardly oriented slit (63) from which the glue is dispensed by overflowing; the log (R) conveyor (23, 41) discharges the log, with the tail (L) being unwound from it, above the glue dispenser, causing it to roll over said slit (63) for the application of the glue to the log.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for regenerating a plating bath comprising trivalent chromium cations (a trivalent chromium bath). The bath can be continuously, or more preferably, periodically with an ion exchange resin, preferably a cation exchange resin. A useful apparatus comprises a plating tank containing a trivalent chromium plating bath in communication with an ion exchange bed continuing ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A supporting bracket for hanging decor such as decorative flags, banners, windsocks and planters, which is designed for attachment to a flat surface. The bracket includes a base portion and several elongated receptors for receiving a cylindrical pole to which the decor is attached. The bracket design is such that it is capable of accommodating different sized poles and displaying the decor at different angles. The bracket also includes screw holes for mounting to a planar surface and a set screw for securing the support shaft within the bracket.

Abstract: A transformable mechanic's creeper is disclosed having an elongated creeper frame which includes a base and a seat assembly interconnected by at least one interlinking connector pivotally connected to the base and the seat assembly. The interlinking connector has a first pivot position in which the seat assembly is positioned generally in horizontal alignment with the base for defining a creeper position, and a second pivot position in which the seat assembly is positioned generally in vertical alignment with the base to define a seating position wherein the seat assembly and the base support a worker in an upright seating position. A removable insert pad carried within the elongated creeper frame supports a worker in a supine position support.

Abstract: A novel and improved device for interconnecting an integrated circuit package to a circuit board is presented. In accordance with the present invention an integrated circuit package having an central area devoid of surface contacts is positioned over a resilient or compressible connector system. The compressible connector includes an opening about its center which corresponds to the central area on the integrated circuit package. A component is mounted on the circuit board within the opening of the compressible connector between the integrated circuit package and the circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for the transmission of light through the adjoining ends of two fiberoptic cables, and more particularly to connectors adapted to connect an end of a fiberoptic cable to another fiberoptic cable or to a LED or to a laser.

Abstract: An electrical connector (20) for mounting to a printed circuit board (24) includes a boardlock (22) secured thereto by an interference fit. The boardlock (22) has a first portion (58) including means for securing the boardlock (22) to the connector housing (26) and a second portion (68). The second portion (68) comprises spring means (72,74) extending from the first portion (58) to an end (80) beyond the mounting face (30) for reception in a boardlock receiving aperture (56) in the printed circuit board (24). The spring means (72,74) have a slot (70) therebetween and barb means (84) thereon with the barb means (84) positioned along the spring means (72,74) between the first portion (58) and the end (80) to engage wall means (92) of the boardlock receiving aperture (56).

Abstract: A protective garment designed to shield a wearer from insects. The garment includes a protective hood that may be attached to a body-covering piece of the garment, or that may be used separately. The body-covering section and the hood are fabricated substantially entirely of a see-through mesh material that is breathable but that prevents very small insects from entering. The hood includes a crown and a lower section that covers the face and sides and back of the head. The crown is fabricated with a plurality of crossing reinforcing strips designed to cause the lower section of the hood to stand off from the wearer's face.

Abstract: A disposable sanitary mask comprises a covering panel section adapted to cover the wearer's nose and mouth and a pair of ear-looping panel sections which are respectively formed of nonwoven fibrous fabric. The covering panel section has a central rigid region formed vertically extending across a front surface thereof and side rigid regions defined vertically extending across the front surface thereof, a rigidity of these regions being higher than that of the remaining region of the covering panel section. Therefore, the mask can keep at least the covering panel section from losing its shape.

Abstract: A nose guard is disclosed for shielding the nose and central facial region of an individual from excessive exposure to solar radiation. The nose guard is designed for use in conjunction with conventional eyewear. The nose guard has a unitary construction and is secured to the bridge of the eyewear. The nose guard is constructed of soft material capable of conforming to the shape of a nose. The unique design provides solar protection to the nose, while not effecting vision or causing the eyewear to become cumbersome. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the nose guard includes a layer of hypo-allergenic material designed for prolonged contact against skin of the nose.

Abstract: A post-surgery lip and chin protector is described. The protector includes a barrier section having a sufficient area to cover the lips and chin of the patient. A hole is formed in the barrier section in a position so that the hole will be adjacent to the patient's mouth when the patient wears the protector. A flexible area is formed in the barrier section adjacent to the patient's lips to enable the patient to open and close his mouth while wearing the protector. Finally, the protector includes flanges that project into the patient's mouth and beneath the patient's chin to secure the protector in its desired position. Additionally, the protector can further include a strap that fits around the patient's head when the protector is worn.

Abstract: A sports catch glove according to the present invention offers superior control and effectiveness over conventional catch gloves. The glove incorporates a dished tensegrity stiffener in its distal finger portion that weighs less but is more than ten times stiffer than stiffeners employed in conventional gloves. To allow the wearer to gain maximum benefit from this added stiffness in the distal finger portion, the glove also incorporates a close-fitting inner glove, at least a portion of which is made of an elastomeric material. The inner glove keeps the wearer's hand more closely coupled to the glove than in conventional gloves, thus allowing the wearer to maintain control over the glove under the severe forces imposed when catching fast-moving, hard objects.

Abstract: A baseball glove is provided wherein the index finger of the wearer of the baseball glove is protected from being damaged by the opening edge of the glove even in the event that the glove is used with the index finger of the wearer of the glove projecting outside of the backside of the glove. The baseball glove includes a finger protecting strip in the glove body for contacting an inner surface of a proximal end portion of a finger which projects outside from an opening portion formed in the backside of the glove body. The finger protecting strip is also for guidance into an inside of the glove body when the wearer of the glove is placing the glove on his/her hand.

Abstract: A leg protection device for protecting the lower leg of a user from injury. The device includes a leg covering and an anterior air bag which is mounted in the leg covering. The anterior air bag includes a series of vertically extending chambers which are interconnected so as to equalize pressure among the chambers, thereby serving to spread the impact of a sharp impact and thereby reducing the chances for injury. The device may also include a shield adjacent the air bag and may also include a posterior air bag for protecting the Achilles tendon and related structures at or near the user's ankle.

Abstract: A form-fitting garment having side pockets that allow hip pads for the protection of the greater trochanter, to be securely positioned and centered above the greater trochanter region is described. The hip pads have a slit extending through the planar surface that is centered over the greater trochanter region and disperses any impact forces against the pad away from the greater trochanter region.

Abstract: A one-piece lady's swimsuit has an upper portion that covers the upper body and a displaceable lower portion that includes a crotch section for covering a wearer's crotch. The displaceable lower portion can be detached and swung down and out of the way for using the restroom and swung back and up where it is secured in place to present a fashionable stylish swimsuit design.

Abstract: An active wear garment which has sleeves, leggings, a collar, and a hood which are detachably connected to vest and pants portions. The components may be attached and detached to form outfits covering as much or as little of the body as desired. The sleeves are segmented to provide long and short sleeve configurations, and the leggings may be attached and detached to provide either long or short pants configurations. Zippers are provided down the length of the sleeves, leggings, and vest to provide ventilation and flexibility. The hood, cuffs, and pants portion may be provided with elastic or drawstring closures.

Abstract: A multi-compartment, modular jacket includes a vest which has a vest front panel, a vest rear panel, a pair of armholes and a fastener for opening the vest. A plurality of pockets covers the outer surface of the vest. The vest has a fastener for releasably attaching a pair of detachable sleeves to the pair of armholes. The inner jacket has a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of sleeves and a means for opening the inner jacket. The exterior surface of the rear panel has a pouch. A plurality of pockets covers the pouch and the exterior surface. The inner jacket has a collar which contains a collapsible hood. A first composite jacket is formed by fastening the vest to the inner jacket. The first composite jacket has an outside surface which is the exterior surface and an inside surface which is the outer surface. The outer jacket has a jacket front panel, a jacket rear panel, a first pair of sleeves and a fastener for opening the outer jacket.

Abstract: A single piece protective ear covering device is provided. The device is designed to protect the ear from heat and hairdressing preparations while the hair of the user is being treated. The device has a pair of mutually opposed ear coverings having a drawstring threaded therethrough and through a central strap for adjusting the ear coverings to a secure, fluid tight position about the ear. The strap is secured to both ear coverings and extends under the users chin when the device is in use. The drawstring is threaded through the strap and extends therefrom allowing for adjustment of the ear coverings about the ears.

Abstract: Eye and ear protective eyewear comprising a standard pair of conventional reading glasses, prescription glasses, safety glasses or sunglasses to which a pair of wind-deflecting deflectors are attached to the lenses and/or frame and extend rearward from the lenses towards the ear. The deflectors are configured and arranged to deflect air flow away from the ear while terminating prior to the auditory meatus of the ear in order to avoid interfering with the hearing of the wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus to be worn by human males as underwear for providing protection of the private parts, having a flexible and durable material attached to the inside of the underwear to form a pocket. Thus, having a means of supporting and separating the private parts to help protect them from injury and fungal type diseases. An apparatus, whereby when worn would not hinder normal movement.

Abstract: An equestrian show helmet includes an impact resistant outer helmet shell formed to cover a wearer's head. The helmet shell has an upper dome-shaped portion and a lower rim extending from a forward portion of the dome, thence rearwardly to a pair of lateral side portions of the dome, and thence further rearwardly and downwardly to a rear portion of the dome wherein the rim is at its lowest point. A brim extends forwardly from the lower rim at the forward portion of the dome. A protective inner helmet liner is mounted within the dome portion of the helmet shell. The helmet liner has an upper dome-shaped portion that nests within the helmet shell, and a lower rim located substantially proximal to and extending substantially parallel with the helmet shell lower rim. A first vent aperture is formed in the helmet shell at a central top portion of the helmet shell dome. A second vent aperture is formed in the helmet liner at a central top portion thereof which is adjacent to the first vent aperture.

Abstract: A foul air remover is placed inside the tank of an ordinary toilet system having a water intake assembly for introducing water into the tank, a flushing water discharge pipe connecting the tank with a toilet bowl, a plunger normally keeping the flushing water discharge pipe closed, and an overflow pipe with an open upper end above the water level inside the tank and connected to the flushing water discharge pipe at the lower end such that foul air in the toilet bowl can be brought inside the tank therethrough. The foul air remover has an air intake chamber connected to the open upper end of the overflow pipe, a deodorizing chamber and a partition therebetween incorporating a fan for drawing foul air from the toilet bowl through the water discharge and overflow pipes and the air intake chamber into the deodorizing chamber where the foul air contacts an odor-destroying liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing fluid into a cistern such as a cistern on a water-closet, toilet or urinal. The apparatus comprises a receptacle (1) to be mounted in position within the cistern (not shown). A pivoted scoop (5) is mounted to move pivotally about trunnions (6). The pivoted scoop (5) is provided with a ladle (7) for collecting fluid (31) from the cistern and a trough (8) for dispensing the fluid (31) collected by the ladle (7) into the cistern. The scoop (5) is also provided with holes (13) for draining fluid (31) from the trough (8) as fluid (31) is collected by the ladle (7). A float (14) is connected to one end of the scoop (5) to cause the scoop (5) to pivot and dispense fluid (31) whenever the cistern is emptied. The float (14) is provided with a first cavity (21) for forming an air pocket in the float (14) and a second cavity (20) which allows water (28) provided in the cistern to enter and weigh down the float (14).

Abstract: A spa is provided wherein fluid circulation equipment is disposed on a movable tray to facilitate maintenance work on such fluid circulation equipment.

Abstract: It is formed by a piece installed on the floor, constituted by a plate (1,101), whose top side is set at the same level as the floor (9) on which the plate is installed; along at least part of the perimeter of the plate, there is a header (4,102) which is open at the top and which does not rise higher than the top side of the plate; the bottom of the header is situated at a lower level than that of said top side of the plate; the header leads into a drainage orifice (7,104) also situated at a lower level with respect to that of said top side; it is characterized in that the header (4,102) presents a top opening (5,103) for the intake of water from the shower base, said opening being narrower than the header as such.It facilitates the access of elderly and disabled people and of people on wheelchairs, and at the same time it can be efficiently cleaned.

Abstract: A continuous bedclothes apparatus includes a continuous bedclothes device which includes an elongated sheet and a delivery roller. The long sheet is made of disposable and recyclable material and one end of the sheet is attached to the delivery roller. The sheet is rolled on the delivery roller and has a plurality of transversal dividing lines parallelly and evenly positioned along the length of the sheet respectively. The dividing lines divide the elongated sheet into a plurality bedclothes units of same width. The continuous bedclothes device further comprises a delivery device including a housing and a pair of supporting axles. The housing has a delivery slit adapted for the delivery of the sheet via the delivery slit and the pair of supporting axles are affixed to two opposite sides of the housing so as to support the delivery roller in rotary manner and parallel to the delivery slit.

Abstract: A pillow with advertising collar includes an elongated pillow having enlarged ends and a smaller diameter central portion with a generally cylindrical collar encircling the central portion and having printed indicia on an outward face thereof. The collar has a diameter greater than the central portion but less than the ends of the pillows, thereby retaining the collar in position on the pillow.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a baby by supporting him/her by a flat cushioned surface at a parallel relationship with respect to a supporting ground. A rectangular frame supports the cushioned surface. Two elongated members are hingedly mounted to one end of the frame that includes a bay inbetween the elongated members. Straps are slidably and adjustably mounted over the length of the frame and elongated members. The angular position of the elongated members with respect to the flat cushioned surface is adjustable to one of several predetermined positions.

Abstract: A method for improving the tensile strength of wet collagen threads or collagen thread constructs for implantation to replace or repair tissue or organs wherein the strength of the threads is improved by plasticizing the threads with a plasticizing agent, imparting a tensile load to the collagen thread to strain the collagen thread; allowing the load in the thread to decrease by stress-relaxation or by creep conditioning methods and finally, removing the plasticizing agent. Prosthetic devices comprising collagen threads with improved strength characteristics are intended to repair load bearing tissues such as ligaments and tendons.

Abstract: A footwear last usable in the mass production of footwear comprises a solid body having a top, bottom, toe and heel portion with a smooth contoured sole surface connecting the toe and heel portion including an inner longitudinal arch formed on the sole surface and on an inner side of the last, an outer longitudinal arch formed on the sole surface on an outer side of the last. A first transverse arch formed proximate the toe portion. A second transverse arch formed forward of the heel portion. The smooth upper surface transitions to the smooth sole surface in a continuous curve free from a sharply angled last bottom featherline and the contoured sole surface defines three separate and distinct contact areas. The sole surface projects cross-sections of varying percentages with respect to the total cross-sectional area onto a base plane at different heights above the base plane in accordance with the unique contours of the sole surface.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a housing, a motor, a battery, and a removable cleaning attachment. The housing comprising a rigid subassembly shell and a resilient cover. The cover is injection molded onto the shell to waterproof a majority of the shell. The shell has raised portions on its exterior that are used to position the shell in the injection mold. After molding is completed, the cover surrounds the raised portions, but does not cover them.

Abstract: A cyclonic power wash system and method of using the system to clean flat surfaces. The cyclonic power wash system uses high pressure, high temperature water for selectively cleaning large, flat, concrete or asphalt surfaces. The sprayed water is reclaimed by vacuuming it through holes in the bottom of a reclamation ring attached to the underside of the mobile cyclone sprayer, filtering the vacuumed water and returning it to a storage tank for re-use by the system. The filtration tank initially filters out large matter in an inlet trough and smaller matter in a plurality of cascading chambers. Removably constrained within each chamber of the filtration tank and in each downstream canister filter is at least one bag or pillow filled with water insoluble, hydrocarbon absorbent, substantially polypropylene material which absorbs oil, fuel and other hydrocarbon substances suspended in or floating on the water passing therethrough.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes: a glove having a plurality of separate flexible sheaths for putting on a user's hand, the glove being deformable with the movement of the fingers of the user; and a hose having a first end adapted for coupling to the input port of a vacuum cleaner, and a second end terminating in a plurality of flexible nozzle tubes respectively fastened to the sheaths of the glove, each tube having defined therein a longitudinal series of holes through which air is drawn into the vacuum cleaner through the hose when the vacuum cleaner is operated.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting both bagged and loose waste. The apparatus includes a hopper which is in flow communication with a waste receptacle for collecting bagged or bundled waste. The apparatus also includes a suction mechanism which draws loose waste into the waste receptacle. The hopper and the suction mechanism are arranged on the apparatus so that the hopper and/or suction mechanism can be used to collect waste without having to modify the suction mechanism and/or hopper.

Abstract: A nozzle for a vacuum cleaner including a brush-roll and wheels. The nozzle is partly supported above a surface being cleaned by the wheels. The brush-roll and the wheels are concentric with each other.

Abstract: A hinge device is provided comprising a first member (12) pivotally connected about a hinge axis (14) to a second member (16), an implement to permit radial movement of the hinge axis (14) upon the application of a force to the members, and a locking assembly on at least one of the members to enable inter-engagement of the members to prevent pivotal movement therebetween when the force is applied. The locking assembly is provided by a projection (30) formed in one member and engageable in the other member. The hinge device is particularly of use in attaching a hood along its rear edge to a car body, in which one member is attached to the hood and the other member is attached to the car body.

Abstract: A buckle for a seat belt of a motor vehicle includes a lockbar 18 engagable in an aperture 26 in a latch plate 24, which is inserted into the buckle. A slider 16 connected with the lockbar 18 is retained under a lockpin 12 to prevent the lockbar 18 from disengaging the aperture 26 in the latch plate 24, except when a release button 20 is depressed. The surface of the lockpin 12 confronting the slider 16, when the lockbar 18 is engaged in an aperture 26 in a latch plate 24, is provided with one or more protuberances 28 such that when under high load the lockpin 12 becomes embedded in the slider 16 to prevent the slider 16. from sliding with respect to the lockpin 12 and inadvertently releasing the latch plate 24 from the buckle.

Abstract: A device for tying a shoelace on a shoe, the shoelace having a first end and a second end. The device includes a base and a cover hingedly mounted on the base so as to be pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The base includes a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second holes which are sized and shaped so that the shoelace can be inserted therethrough. The cover includes a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second pins which are aligned so as to project into the first and second holes, respectively, when the cover is in the closed position. The cover also includes a locking tab which engages with a tip on the base to releasably lock the cover in the closed position. In use, with the first and second ends of the shoelace inserted through the first and second holes, respectively, with the base seated on top of and in direct contact with the shoe and with said cover pivoted in the closed position, said device prevents the shoelace from loosening within the shoe.

Abstract: A web of non woven textile fabric is fed on a porous belt into the nip between the belt and a rotating porous drum to compress the web within the nip. A curtain of water is passed through the web while it is in the nip into the drum and a vacuum is drawn on the drum to remove the water. The web, after passing the nip remains upon the drum and is subject to one or more high pressure jets of water to entangle the web fibers.

Abstract: A holder for securely holding pens and pencils, and the like, has a body with an elastic sheath attached so that pens and pencils, and the like, can be inserted easily into the sheath through mouths at either end of the sheath, be secured reliably in the sheath, and be removed easily from the sheath through either mouth. The holder also has a clip attached to the holder body so that the holder can be clasped over the edge of a belt or waist band or similar surfaces.

Abstract: There is a need for a reclosable polymeric package which minimizes air leakage in the side seal area. This need is addressed by providing a unique closure arrangement for a polymeric bag where the closure arrangement is made up of two opposing closure profiles. These closure profiles are oriented so that they are each attached via their outer surfaces to the opposing films of the polymeric bag and are adapted to interlock with each other. The closure arrangement is further defined in that at least one of the closure profiles has a tapered lower flange. Preferably, the outer surface of the lower flange is tapered inwardly toward the inner surface of the lower flange. This can also be accomplished by tapering from the inner to outer surface.

Abstract: A fixing device having a stem (3) adapted to be retained in a wall, this stem having a shaft (9) carrying flexible non-return blades (13A, 13B, 13C, 13D), and having at least three longitudinal wings (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) oriented in respective planes which intersect at the central longitudinal axis of the shaft, with the surface defining the free end of two of such wings being adjacent to the contour provided for the hole when the latter and the shaft are disposed concentrically.

Abstract: An adjustable attachment has been developed which can be used in combination with an auxiliary backrest to suspend the backrest from a fixed backrest normally found on a chair or wheelchair. The support structure includes an elongate receiver and a hanger. The receiver extends longitudinally and is normally fixed in a vertical position to the auxiliary backrest and defines a plurality of openings spaced apart along the length of the receiver to form a row of openings. The hanger is shaped to fit in any one of the receiver openings and the receiver has an outer part so that in use the hanger can be engaged through a selected one of the openings. The hanger then extends along the length of the receiver and the outer part can be engaged downwardly over an upper edge of a fixed backrest or other support.