Abstract: A new and distinct selection of Japanese Yew, Taxus cuspidata, which shall be referred to hereinafter as `Monloo`. `Monloo` differs distinctively from other Taxus cuspidata plants by its unique combination of small dense needles, symmetrical low growth, shorter rigid branching, and a comparatively overall enhanced denser appearance. This uniquely compact and dense plant requires less pruning than other Japanese yews having horizontal growth habits due to its dense branching, and can be maintained as a small foundation specimen or can be planted in rows to form a thick, dense hedge.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum named `Cape Daisy Zimba`, particularly characterized by its upright growth habit with excellent pure white flower color, early season flowering and medium green foliage, and suitability to 6 inch pots, nursery containers and 8 and 10 inch hanging basket cultures.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum named `Cape Daisy Lusaka`, particularly characterized by its upright spreading growth habit with excellent purple flower color, early season flowering and medium green foliage, and suitability to 6 inch pots, nursery containers and 8 and 10 inch hanging basket cultures.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum named `Cape Daisy Volta`, particularly characterized by its upright growth habit with excellent light purple flower color, early flowering, medium green foliage, and suitability to 6 inch pots and 8 and 10 inch hanging basket cultures.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum named `Sunny Girl`, particularly characterized by its spreading growth habit with excellent pinkish-purple and white bi-color flower color, early flowering and dark green foliage, and suitability to 6 inch pots, and 8 and 10 inch hanging basket cultures.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum named `Cape Daisy Nairobi`, particularly characterized by its mounding growth habit with abundant white flower coloration, early flowering, dark green foliage and suitability to 6 inch pots, and 8 and 10 inch hanging basket cultures.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum named `Sunny Sonja`, particularly characterized by its mounding growth habit with excellent dark purple spoon-shaped ray florets, mid season flowering response time, medium green foliage, and suitability to 6 inch pots, and 8 and 10 inch hanging basket cultures.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum named `Cape Daisy Congo`, particularly characterized by its upright growth habit with excellent light purple flower color, mid-season flowering and medium green foliage, and suitability to 6 inch pots, and 8 and 10 inch hanging basket cultures.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Brachycome plant named `Toucan Tango`, characterized by its compact plant habit; dense and bushy plant form; fast crop time; freely branching plant habit; large inflorescences; numerous inflorescences with blue ray florets and bright yellow disc florets; and long, erect peduncles that hold inflorescences above the foliage.

Abstract: A new variety of carnation plant producing white picotee red flowers.

Abstract: A distinctive cultivar of Double Impatiens plant named `Tioga White`, characterized by its large pure white flowers; flowers held above the foliage; consistently double and symmetrical flower form; numerous flowers per plant; freely branching plant habit; compact and mounted plant habit; and dark green foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct Alstroemeria plant variety producing flowers of good quality and attractive coloration, suitable for growing in pots.

Abstract: A new and distinct Alstroemeria plant variety producing flowers of good quality and attractive coloration, suitable for growing in pots.

Abstract: A new and distinct Alstroemeria plant variety producing flowers of good quality and attractive coloratio n, suitable for growing in pots.

Abstract: A new geranium cultivar particularly distinguished by dark green foliage, light bluish pink flower color, and semi-double flowers on large umbels, fast rooting and a vigorous growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plant named `Fispur`, particularly characterized by the combined features of cherry red flower color, weakly semi-double, nearly round flower form, medium green foliage with distinct zonation, medium vigorous, but comparatively compact plant habit, and early to medium spring flower response.

Abstract: A Guzmania hybrid having bright red bracts, with the lower and uppermost bracts ascending and the intermediately positioned bracts splayed relative to the axis of the spike. Corollas protrude as bright yellow ovoid pod-like structures. Inflorescence is long lasting with the bract coloration having a high sheen.

Abstract: A brake/shift interlock for, e.g., a vehicle having a shift mechanism (10) for an automatic transmission. The shift mechanism includes a shift lever (12) and a detent mechanism (24) having a latch (26) and latch plate (28) with a detent notch at the "Park" position. A Park/Lock member (34) is actuable to lock the latch in the Park position (FIGS. 1 and 6). In addition to an ignition lock mechanism (38) for actuating the Park/Lock member based on the status of the ignition switch (36A); FIG. 8), a brake/shift interlock is also provided for actuating the Park/Lock member when the ignition switch is in "Run" position (FIG. 2 ) , except for being released during actuation of a brake switch (82). A solenoid (160; FIGS. 4 and 5), when energized, applies a tensioning force to the Park/Lock member via a cable (44) actuating the P/L member. The solenoid includes a plunger (162) having a centrally located, axial opening (171) through it, through which the cable extends.

Abstract: An electroreheological field comprising a dielectric particle as the dispersed phase, an insulating oil as the dispersing medium, and an additive, the additive being substantially insoluble in the dipersing medium, and being a composite containing a polysiloxane-containing structural unit (A), and at least one dispersed phase absorbing chain-containing structural unit (B) selected from the group consisting of an alkylene oxide chain-containing structural unit (B-1), a nitrogen atom chain-containing structural unit (B-2), and a long hydrocarbon chain-containing structural unit (B-3).

Abstract: A hybrid transmission system is provided to transmit and receive high-speed digital information in the form of variable length packets using standard television practices and components. The basic building block of this hybrid digital transmission system is the device at the remote location that receives the analog broadcast TV-like signal processed by a standard vestigial sideband video modulator. This device decodes the digital information from the signal and then passes it along as digital information to any form of a data terminal equipment or computer.

Abstract: A two lens unit zoom lens of plus, minus configuration where the rear negative group provides the primary variator function and the positive first lens unit consists of a negative sub-unit and a positive sub-unit and where the sub-units may move differentially during zooming.

Abstract: The membrane shield is applied over the eye of a wearer to retain moisture. The moisture shield includes a window that can be made of a transparent plastic. A base rim having a collar is sealingly attached to the perimeter of the window such that the collar extends outwardly from the window. An adhesive layer, such as an adhesive gel, is applied to the collar to permit the moisture shield to be adhered to the wearer's face about the eye.

Abstract: A multi-layered barrier glove having high tactility and dexterity characteristics includes an outer shell fabricated from relatively flexible and durable material, and a barrier insert disposed underneath the shell and fabricated from gas permeable, liquid impermeable material. An inner layer or insert may further be provided for adding comfort to the wearer. Specifically, the outer shell is a knit glove made out of aramid fibers for providing durability, cut resistance, and fire resistance identified by non-melt and non-flammable properties. The barrier insert is fabricated from porous polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE") that is shaped to fit inside the outer shell. The barrier insert provides the user with the barrier protection to protect the user's skin, while still maintaining the breathability.

Abstract: A roll of disposable aprons is formed from an elongated strip of plastic film having a portion along each side which is longitudinally folded over the remaining portion of the strip. The strip contains a plurality of latitudinal perforations at spaced intervals to enable the strip to be readily separated into discrete sheets. Each sheet has a cut-out portion near the top and centered latitudinally in the sheet. Each sheet also has a cut-away portion on each side of the hole portion which begins on the outside edge at the top of the strip, then runs inwardly and downwardly, and then ends on the outside edge of the strip. The cut-out portion defines a neck opening and the two strips of the folded-over portions adjacent and inward of the cut-away portions define two waist tie straps.

Abstract: A garment that includes a center front fabric and at least one side front fabric being sewn together along a curved sew line. The curved sew line comprises a concave section, a second convex section and a third concave section. The second convex section is disposed between the first and third section, and points away from center front fabric.

Abstract: This invention comprises a mitten device for sanitarily removing a tampon from a body cavity of an individual and thereafter disposing of the tampon through the solid waste system as opposed to the plumbing system. The mitten is adapted to fit over a hand and wrist and has a front side and a back side. The mitten has an unitary finger portion, a partially detached index finger portion, a thumb portion, a mid-section, a cuff portion, an absorbent pad affixed to the mid-section on the front side of the mitten, and an adhesive tab. The unitary finger portion includes a grasping portion on the front side of the middle finger near the fingertip. In use the mitten is utilized to remove the tampon for disposal from an individual's body. The individual then makes a fist around the tampon. The mitten is then inverted and rolled, and secured with the adhesive tab, thereby encasing the tampon within the mitten for sanitary, compact disposal.

Abstract: A glove for sports and utility is provided with a method for creating multiple tensile forces along the length of the fingers and thumb and across the back of the hand through a point (30) of common force juncture located on the wrist proximate to the intersection of the base of the thumb and the wrist. These tensile forces yield continued improvement in fit and utility along multiple orientations of force lines across the back of the hand and along the fingers and thumb. These orientations of force lines are most advantageously aligned approximately perpendicular to the primary axis of closure of the human hand in grasping an object and the primary central axis of an elongated object being grasped.Further, the fit in the finger enclosures and at the fingertips is significantly improved, as is the glove fit around the wrist and across the palm of the user's hand. These tensile forces continue to function properly and remain adjustable by the user throughout the life of the glove.

Abstract: Headgear being an absorbing forehead perspiration collector and discharge device using primarily impermeable materials comprising a soft pliable absorbing body that features a fluid barrier with absorption apertures. The extremities of the absorbing body has a junction with a pair of attachable conduit assemblies being the means for fluid discharge. The pliable absorbing body member envelops an absorbent material and when this forehead section is secured to the wearer's head utilizing its unique attachment means it serves to block and absorb forehead perspiration flow. The plug ends of the conduit assemblies are adaptable to a support means for the benefit of dark shaded lens frames. When sweaty fluids reach excessive levels in the absorbing body they flow out through the attached conduits assemblies. The conduit assemblies also serve to secure the device to the wearers head which is effectively achieved with the aid of sliding elastic cord retainers.

Abstract: This invention modifies nearly any form of apparel, including baseball-style hats, by incorporating a portion of magnetic material into the article of apparel which allows for releasable attachment of a plurality of magnetic-based display panels.

Abstract: A device for attaching flexible articles, such as clothing items having an edge. The device includes a flexible strip which includes an end with a sewable edge, and a second end having a fastening device. The device may be sown to an edge of the flexible article, such as a pair of socks, allowing the user to temporarily join a pair of socks, for example, by taking at least two of the flexible strips and stitching the sewable edge of each flexible strip to an edge of each of the socks of a pair of socks. This allows the fastening of the second end of one flexible strip to the second end of the other flexible strip, so that the clothing items may be secured together when they are not being worn.

Abstract: A footwear accessory for use with a shoe includes a stocking-like structure having a lower foot portion and an upper ankle portion wherein the lower foot portion is made of a porous hosiery material and the upper ankle portion is made of a material which simulates a boot leg. According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper ankle portion is made of a stretchable material, may have a glossy or non-glossy appearance, may be a solid color or a print, may be provided with different textures and may include a functional closure device such as a zipper or a number of buttons or clasps. The dimensions of the upper and lower portions of the footwear accessory according to the invention are preferably chosen so that the lower foot portion is completely concealed by a shoe. The dimensions of the upper ankle portion may vary to cover any length of leg desired. One presently preferred embodiment has an upper ankle portion which terminates slightly below the knee.

Abstract: Protective goggles which comprise a transparent protective member made of a polarizing lens with a polarizing characteristic oriented to reduce glare are disclosed. A transparent anti-fouling member is configured to overlie at least a portion of the transparent protective member. An adhesive is disposed on the transparent anti-fouling member. The adhesive is adapted to allow the transparent anti-fouling member to be adhered to the transparent protective member.

Abstract: A water-saving structure of toilet bowl water tank is disclosed. The toilet bowl water tank is disposed with a float ball valve for controlling the incoming of the water and a flush handle for controlling a water-outgoing valve. This handle is disposed with a first and a second pulling arms for respectively pulling two movable valves disposed at the openings of a high level tube and a low level tube. A stopper body serves to restrict the rotational angle of the pulling arms within 45 degrees. The opening of the high level tube is positioned at one half of the full level, while the opening of the low level tube is positioned near the bottom of the water tank. Therefore, the handle can be rotated left or right to control the amount of the water flushing into the toilet bowl. Also, it can be easily installed in the water tank and operated by a user himself without changing the existing structure of the water tank.

Abstract: A pool protector device (10) which comprises a plurality of panels (12). A facility (14) is for interlocking the panels (12) together in side by side relationships to form a larger covering which will extend across a swimming pool (16) and be elevated above water (18) therein. Components (20) are for securing edges of the outermost panels (12) onto sidewalls (22) of the swimming pool (16), so as to prevent access to the water (18) in the swimming pool (16), eliminating accidental drowning when the swimming pool (16) is left unattended.

Abstract: An improved offset swivel bath and shower chair apparatus that can be folded in a manner which makes movement or transport of the device reasonably easy. The apparatus is placed in a bathtub with a shower facility. The device is adjustable to adapt and secure the apparatus to tubs of various widths. An offset swivel mechanism allows an user to bring the chair into a position where the leading edge of the seat extends beyond the edge of the bathtub so that a person of limited mobility can easily lower himself into a seated position at the edge of the bathtub. The offset swivel chair affords an easy rotational arc of the seat into the center of the bathtub.

Abstract: A furniture piece comprises: a sofa frame; a plurality of seating sections connected to and associated with the sofa frame, one of which is a reclining seating section; and a foldable bed. The configuration described hereinabove provides both reclining seat and sleeping capability, and does so in the same furniture piece.

Abstract: A new Inflatable Sleeping Bag System for providing a combination inflatable mattress and sleeping bag providing a comfortable lightweight sleeping bag. The inventive device includes an inflatable mattress having a head support tube, a cover sheet having a zipper, insulation within the cover sheet, and a netting supported over the head support tube with a pair of support loops and support bar. The inflatable mattress includes at least one valve and a plurality of perforated dividers.

Abstract: A combination tarpaulin-blanket construction comprises a first, tarpaulin layer of a material such as a cotton canvas, a cotton duck or a cellulose acetate synthetic yarn, and a protective covering of a waterproof and windproof laminated plastic, and a second, blanket layer of a material such as synthetic fleece or wool. The second layer is sewn to a major surface of the first layer to form a tarpaulin-blanket unit of a rectangular shape. Grommets are provided at each corner of the tarpaulin-blanket unit for enabling the unit to be secured in place. Securing straps, affixed to one edge of the tarpaulin-blanket unit, encircle the unit, when the unit is in a rolled-up state, so as to retain the unit in that state. A carrying handle, secured to the one edge between the straps, enables carrying of the unit in the rolled-up state.

Abstract: A blanket with waterproof frictional backing comprising an upper layer attached to a lower layer, and frictional strips attached to the lower layer. The upper layer is a non-abrasive textile such as canvas or terrycloth, and is intended to provide a comfortable seating surface for an occupant. The lower layer is a waterproof material such as plastic or nylon, and serves to protect an occupant from a wet surface upon which the blanket with waterproof frictional backing rests. The frictional strips are fabricated of a material such as rubber or other suitable material, and are intended to prevent the blanket with waterproof frictional backing from slipping on a wet surface, thus enhancing the comfort of an occupant as well as decreasing safety risk.

Abstract: An adjustable articulated bed manufactured in seven or so components for packing in three or so separate smaller boxes for easy transport. These components can be snap-fit together for easy assembly (and disassembly). The bed includes a bed frame, a power module or carriage and a bedding foundation. The foundation in turn includes a head portion and a body portion both of which are snap-fit securable in position to the power carriage. Pins releasably hold the roller assemblies of the power carriage to side rails of the frame for rolling moving of the carriage on the frame. A motor of the power carriage controllably moves the foundation head portion with respect to the frame and body portion. A drag link pivotally connects the head portion to the head rail of the frame. The drag link can be releasably connected at either end thereof or in the middle, snapping the two parts of the drag link together.

Abstract: An emergency eyewash unit is provided for installation on a counter top adjacent to a sink, and includes a pair of spray heads mounted on a common swing arm for movement between a stored position alongside the sink and an active position with the spray heads disposed over the sink. The swing arm is mounted to the counter top by a control valve assembly which opens as the swing arm is moved to the active position to connect the spray heads to a water supply. The eyewash unit includes an adjustable cam mechanism with a set screw which cooperates with a selected one of a pair of cam tracks formed on the control valve to define a limited range of swing arm travel between the stored and active positions, wherein the set screw is quickly and easily mounted within a selected on of a pair of threaded ports to accommodate mounting of the eyewash unit on the left or right sides of the sink.

Abstract: A collapsible hammock comprises an elongate stand of dovetail section and an open bottom having a first portion slidably receivable into a second portion and detained by a retaining device, a pair of support releasably secured to the bottom of the stand, a rectangular socket projected upward from two ends of the stand having a groove composed of a square cavity and a pair of L-shaped guide slots formed for slidably and pivotally coupling a pair of rectangular posts therein and a pair of square caps sleeved on the top of the posts each having a hook on an inward surface for suspending from a suspension bed therebetween. The hammock of the present invention is characterized in a stretchy and releasable structure which facilitates the hammock to be portable and saves space to store or packing for transportation.

Abstract: A bed having a support apparatus for supporting the feet of an individual residing in the bed having a frame and a mattress carried thereon, the support apparatus including a padded foot support member coupled to the frame above the mattress proximate the feet of an individual residing in the bed, the support apparatus operative for allowing the individual to bear his or her feet against the padded foot support member to aid the patient in repositioning his or her body, of for allowing the patient to exercise his or her feet for inhibiting the shortening of the Achilles tendon as a result of prolonged confinement to the bed, and for further inhibiting physiologically adverse effects resulting from such prolonged confinement.

Abstract: An operating table has two leg sections each of which has a rotatable shaft extending along its length. Each shaft carries a gear that engages another gear fixed with the table such that raising or lowering the leg section causes the shaft to rotate. A helical spring extends helically around each shaft and is arranged to coil up when the leg section is lowered, so that the weight of the section is counterbalanced.

Abstract: An air bed includes first and second air-tight enclosures disposed side by side in a first plane. Each of the first and second air-tight enclosures is independently inflatable and has substantially the same length and width, the first and second air-tight enclosures together having a first cross-sectional area in the first plane. An inflatable foundation is disposed below the first and second air-tight enclosures in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The inflatable foundation has a cross-sectional area in the second plane at least as great as the first cross-sectional area. The inflatable foundation is independently inflatable with respect to the first and second air-tight enclosures. The first and second air-tight enclosures and the inflatable foundation are secured together by a circumferential belt, with the first and second air-tight enclosures fixed in place with respect to the inflatable foundation.

Abstract: A hybrid mattress has two or more individual support structures such as springs and a unitary comfort casing. The comfort casing is formed with two or more internal pouches each adapted to snugly receive one of the individual support structures and to hold the support structures in a planar, contiguous manner. The individual support means can be selected to have different load bearing characteristics from each other, thereby providing a continuous mattress with different support and comfort capabilities for different occupants.

Abstract: A ramp system made up of any selected member ramp sections connected together, end to end, by stands. The ramp sections have depending flanges at each end that engage retaining rails in the stands. The height of the rails in the stands can be varied to accommodate the terrain spanned by the system.

Abstract: A steering device is attached to a submersible swimming pool cleaner for aiding in turning the cleaner away pool side wall engaging positions and thus allowing the cleaner to move across pool surfaces for performing its cleaning function. The steering device includes elongated rods extending from a connector fitting attached to the pool cleaner hose connector. Driven gears of the pool cleaner connector drive the steering device and cause rod ends engaging a pool side wall to lift and push the cleaner away from the side wall. The fitting and thus the rods are freely rotatable through a limited arc about an axis of rotation of the connector, defined by movement of a gear tooth between stop prongs. The ability of the rods to rotate freely within this arc overcomes a problem of excess drag to the cleaner by the steering device.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning cracks, grooves, channels and spacings in pavement. The inventive tool comprises an elongate pole having a longitudinal axis and a flat blade having at least one vertex, said blade being disposed at one end of said pole whereby said vertex may engage the ground when said pole is held at a predetermined angle with respect to said surface. In a specific implementation, the tool has a wooden pole and metallic blade and includes first and second vertices disposed at opposing ends of a first edge on the blade extending along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pole. In alternative embodiments, an edge of the blade between the pole and the vertex is straight or curved in a concave or convex manner or some combination thereof as may be required for particular applications.

Abstract: A dust mop head is formed of a single sheet as a backing for pile yarns, with flaps integrally formed, the flaps having slits therein. A mop frame has inwardly directed tongues, and the flaps wrap around the frame so the tongues extend through the slits to hold the mop head to the mop frame. The mop heads can be formed by die cutting, either separately or in a continuous strip of backings. Pile yarns are subsequently attached, and the individual mop heads are separated from the continuous strip. If the mop head is to be launderable, one would use loop pile yarns and serge the edges of the backing.