Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Aster plant named `Freja Viking`, characterized by its rapid growth rate and moderate vigor; freely branching and uniform plant habit; freely flowering even under winter conditions; large daisy-type inflorescences with purple ray florets and yellow centers; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Aster plant named `Purple Viking`, characterized by its rapid growth rate and moderate vigor; moderate branching; moderate flowering even under winter conditions; large daisy-type inflorescences with light purple ray florets and yellow centers; and good post-production longevity.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Aster plant named `Margrethe Viking`, characterized by its rapid growth rate and moderate vigor; freely branching and uniform plant habit; freely flowering even under winter conditions; large daisy-type inflorescences with pure white ray florets and yellow centers; purple flower buds; and good post-production longevity.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Aster plant named `Loke Viking`, characterized by its rapid growth rate and moderate vigor; freely branching and uniform plant habit; very freely flowering even under winter conditions; large daisy-type inflorescences with dark red purple ray florets and yellow centers; and good post-production longevity.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Aster plant named `Odin Viking`, characterized by its rapid growth rate and moderate vigor; freely branching and uniform plant habit; moderate flowering even under winter conditions; large daisy-type inflorescences with lavender ray florets and yellow centers; and good post-production longevity.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Aster plant named `Thyra Viking`, characterized by its rapid growth rate and moderate vigor; freely branching and uniform plant habit; freely flowering even under winter conditions; large daisy-type inflorescences with dark red purple ray florets anf yellow centers; and good post-production longevity.

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

Abstract: A new variety of hybrid lily plant bears large clusters of flowers of excellent form and long persistence. The flowers of the new plant are particularly characterized by their consistently outward-facing flowers which are close to its stem. This combination is completely new in the Asiatic hybrid lilies. The plant is highly resistant to disease. It is an excellent pot plant as well as garden plant. The bulbs may be precooled and forced for pot flower production. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plant named `Fissamba`, particularly characterized by the combined features of bright red flowers arranged tightly in compact, almost spherically shaped umbels, medium green foliage with distinct zonation, medium growth habit and early flower response.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plant named `Fisrock`, particularly characterized by the combined features of dark-red double flowers, comparatively dark green foliage with distinct zonation, medium long, well branched plant habit, and early to medium spring flower response.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plant named `Fisdel`, particularly characterized by the combined features of violet double flowers in compact, uniform shaped umbels, intense green foliage with distinct zonation, early to medium flower response, and medium, very well branched plant habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plant named `Fisberno`, particularly characterized by the combined features of light salmon-red flower color, double flower form, bright green foliage with weak zonation, medium to tall, very well branched plant habit, and medium early flower response.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Vriesea plant named `Charlotte`, characterized by its bright yellow inflorescence, with each bract being infused with red at its base, five to eight branches each of which is about 10 cm in length, 30 to 40 cm total bract height, and its abundant dark green foliage.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Guzmania named `Salsa` characterized by its red-purple or lilac scape bracts and its bright white top primary bracts, with the bracts just below the top primary bracts being white infused with lilac primarily at the base and tip, white flowers on many branches, relatively large growth habit, superior floral bract production, and its long lasting habit.

Abstract: An automatic control system for a thermal power plant comprises a master controller controlling a turbine in response to an externally applied load command signal, and producing a boiler input command signal by correcting the load command signal on the basis of the detected pressure of main steam generated from a boiler, and a water/steam process controller, a fuel process controller, a combustion process controller and a draft process controller to all of which the boiler input command signal is applied from the master controller. The process controllers apply control signals to equipments controlling a water/steam process, a fuel process, a combustion process and a draft process respectively among the terminal actuating equipments of the various parts of the boiler.

Abstract: A multi-layer self-stitched papermakers' fabric including a top fabric layer of relatively fine machine direction and cross machine direction yarns and a bottom fabric layer of relatively coarse machine direction and cross machine direction yarns, interwoven to produce seating and self-stitching conditions for optimal drainage. In a preferred embodiment, the top fabric layer has a right to left twill on its upper papermaking surface and the bottom fabric layer has a left to right twill on its upper interlacing surface.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/003,352, filed Mar. 7, 1994, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e).

Abstract: An overlay structure is provided for resurfacing a bowling lane. The structure includes a relatively thick homogeneous laminate sheet having a print layer to simulate the appearance of a wood bowling lane. A plurality of mechanical fasteners are positioned in respective recesses in the upper surface of the sheet and extending through the sheet for securement to the lane. Plugs are force fit into the recesses to hide the mechanical fasteners. The plugs are fabricated similarly to and have the same appearance as the print layer of the sheet.

Abstract: A post-surgical cardioverting system and method applies cardioverting electrical energy to the atria of the heart of a post-surgical heart patient. The system includes a first lead including a first elongated electrode having a proximal end and a distal end, a second lead including a second elongated electrode having a proximal end and a distal end, and sutures for releasably anchoring the distal ends of the first and second electrodes to the pericardium and disposing the first and second electrodes along the pericardium overlying the right and left atria respectively. A non-implantable cardiovertor is coupled to the first and second leads for applying the cardioverting electrical energy to the first and second electrodes. When cardioversion is no longer required, the first and second leads may be pulled out of the patient's chest.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to tight-fitting garments. It can be applied especially to diving suits as well as to riding boots and dish washing gloves. More generally, the disclosure can be applied to all types of garments whose tight-fit makes it difficult to put on or take off in water environment. The disclosure therefore relates to a tight-fitting garment of the sportswear type such as a diving suit, comprising an external layer made of a material having characteristics of adherence. This garment cooperates with at least one strip of film of non-porous material entirely fixed internally in contact with at least one surface portion of said tight-fitting garment.

Abstract: Disclosed is head equipment having a shell with flanks on each side of a plane of symmetry of the shell, an upper part and a rear part, and a rigid structure designed to bear an optronic device. The head equipment comprises linking assemblies to attach the structure and the shell to each other in a locally movable way. The linking assemblies are attached to the structure and to the shell and are capable of changing shape. The linking assemblies may be blocks of elastomer or pins attached to the structure, sliding in cylinders attached to the shell.

Abstract: A shin and ankle guard for attachment to a baseball or softball batter's leg to protect the shin, ankle and upper foot from foul tips and pitched balls has a rotatable ankle portion to protect either the inside portion or the outside portion of the ankle depending on the batter's needs. This allows both right-handed and left-handed batters of the same team to use the same guard.

Abstract: A play costume is comprised of a plurality of pads detachably mountable on body worn apparel. Optional items such as a belt and carrying bag with a draw string for transporting and storing the play costume parts may be packaged with the play costume as part of a costume kit. Further peripherals which may be included with the costume include: an integral sound system, interchangeable pads, simulated weapons, infrared detection systems, a powered simulated eye patch, interchangeable program cartridges and an integral light system.

Abstract: A garment for holding reading material includes a pocket member. The garment also includes an attachment portion which attaches to the pocket member for retaining the reading material to the pocket member. In a first aspect, the attachment portion is a string attached to a cover portion which covers a book. In a second aspect, a back cover of a book is sewn onto the garment.

Abstract: A golf glove adapted to assist in maintaining a proper grip on the club by means of an elastic strap affixed to the back of the glove which may be drawn around the hand and golf club handle and fastened to the backhand portion of the fourth and fifth fingers of the hand.

Abstract: A golf club having a configuration adapted to ensure that the gloved, weak hand of the golfer, grasps the club shaft and particularly the gripping area thereof with a sufficient force to adequately secure the club and thus play the game despite the presence of a handicap, including a handicap comprising the total inability to exert any force in a gripping manner. Furthermore, the present invention provides a golf glove configuration which is designed to provide a powerful grasp of the club shaft with the gloved hand for preventing any twisting of the glove upon impact with the ball, despite the presence of large torquing forces resulting from such impact. The invention is essentially identical in shape to all existing golf gloves, but comprises a Velcro hooked strap which is much longer than the conventional Velcro hook strap found in ordinary golf gloves.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a flexible article, such as a surgeon's glove, displaying slip properties with respect to damp and dry mammalian tissue without use of powder lubricants. The article is comprised of a substrate layer having an elastomeric material, the layer having a wearer-contacting surface and a damp slip-conferring amount of a lubricant composition applied to the wearer-contacting surface. The lubricant composition is selected from the group consisting of a first composition and a second composition. The first composition comprises an acetylenic diol and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an organo-modified silicone, an amino-modified silicone, and a cationic surfactant. The second composition comprises a cationic surfactant and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an organo-modified silicone, an amino-modified silicone, and an acetylenic diol.

Abstract: A visored cap is disclosed herein with a crown having an internal storage compartment when not being worn by the user and is provided with an elongated or cutout opening in the visor for grasping as a carrying handle by the user. A detachable cover is carried about the sweatband of the cap crown for enclosing the internal storage compartment when used for storage. The visor includes a sliding panel, a pivotal panel or a snap-on panel for selectively closing the cutout opening when the cap is worn by the user wherein the panel is translucent or transparent for accommodating visual observation. The closure for the cover with the cap crown may be of zippered or hook and pile construction.

Abstract: An article of protective apparel for securing the position of a shin guard. The article comprises upper and lower fasteners straps attached to a sock such that a shin guard can be placed between the fasteners. When the fasteners are cinched, the position of the shin guard is secured.

Abstract: A diving mask includes a frame with a monocular or binocular lens, fasteners for a strap located on the sides of the said frame, and a structure made of elastomeric material, located between the frame and the lens and constituting the body element of the mask. The top edges of the fasteners are located close to or aligned with the top edge of the frame so that the bottom edge of the mask lifts up and the top part of the mask remains firmly in contact with the diver's face as a result of air being blown through the diver's nose. No other strap is secured to the frame.

Abstract: An adjustable chest protector to prevent athletic injuries, particularly in baseball. The chest protector is C-shaped in a horizontal plane and designed to fit comfortably and unnoticeably underneath clothing of the user. It is also designed to allow free, unhindered movement by the athlete. The chest protector nevertheless is strong enough to prevent potentially fatal injuries. A portion of the protector is contoured convexly away from the user to assume the natural shape of the user's hemithorax.

Abstract: A disposable female urination device having a main body portion with two openings. One opening is adapted to fit over a female vulva, while the other opening is used to discharge urine. The urination device of the present invention allows a female user to urinate while in the standing position.

Abstract: A toilet seat lowering apparatus automatically lowers a toilet seat from an upright position to a lowered position. The apparatus has a base which can be fitted onto an existing toilet. A fluid-containing housing is attached to the base, and a piston is contained within the housing. A piston rod which extends upwardly through the top of the housing is coupled to an arm attached to the toilet seat by an adjustable connecting rod assembly. A conduit formed external to the housing allows fluid to flow between chambers within the housing in response to pressure differentials between the chambers. The rate of flow of fluid and the speed at which the seat is lowered by gravity can be adjusted by the user. The seat can also be quickly manually lifted or lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressure assisted flush toilets that comprises an air tight enclosed flush tank, a feed valve, a volume control device and a flush valve. The flush tank is normally empty when it is not in use. A push on the feed valve starts a flush cycle by feeding the flush tank with pressurized supply water. The incoming feed water fills the flush tank and at the same time compresses the entrapped air therein. When the tank is filled to the desired volume, the volume control device triggers to close the feed valve and opens the flush valve. Then the pressure of the compressed air in the flush tank discharges the water to the toilet bowl. The discharging water stream from the flush tank cleans the toilet bowl. After the flush the flush tank remains empty until next use.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism (6-9, 41-47) for a cistern or flush tank (1) has an underwater flush valve (3). The interlock mechanism is linked with the float arm (7, 57) of an inlet valve (5, 50). The interlock mechanism latches the float arm in its raised position in the event of a leaky flush valve (3). Thus although a single cistern volume is lost there is no further loss. The next time a flush actuator (10) is operated the interlock mechanism in unlatched allowing the cistern to re-fill. The rising water re-sets the interlock latch mechanism.

Abstract: A flushing system for a lavatory which includes a lavatory bowl and a lavatory seat disposed on the lavatory bowl, the flushing system including a flexible first cistern disposed between the lavatory seat and the lavatory bowl, a second cistern disposed above and in communicating with the first cistern, a block member disposed on the first cistern wherein the block member has an exit defined laterally therein and a tube extending therefrom and, a valve device rotatably connected to the first cistern with an L-shaped path defined therein. The L-shaped path has one section communicating with the first cistern and the other section of the L-shaped path adjustably and selectably communicates with the exit and the tube by rotating the valve device.

Abstract: A jet for use in spas and hydrotherapeutic reservoirs having a first set of nozzles aligned in a plane at the water entrance side of the jet and a second set of nozzles aligned one-to-one with the first set of nozzles at the water exit side of the jet. A chamber separates the two sets of nozzles and includes a slot which is used to introduce air into the fluid stream. The amount of air introduced into the chamber is controlled by the user by rotating the jet within its housing from a maximum air intake position to a "no-air" intake position, air being introduced through a slot surrounded by a rectangular seal structure. A housing is provided to mount the jet within the wall of a spa comprising a rear wall mounting, an end cap, and a front wall mounting. Water is introduced to the multiple jet structure via a single horizontal water inlet. The servicing of multiple jets by the single water inlet and air line improves plumbing reliability and further reduces labor by minimizing the number of plumbing joints.

Abstract: In a spa water circulation system, the spa including wall structure facing toward a water reception zone and comprising a plurality of water pumps associated with the wall structure, the pumps spaced about the zone, and oriented to receive water intake from the zone and to discharge water streams into the zone; each pump including water pumping structure, and there being structure for controlling pumping operation of the structure.

Abstract: A bathtub liner apparatus includes a flexible floor sheet member which includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The flexible floor sheet member includes a drain channel extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. A quantity of adhesive is applied to the bottom surface of the flexible floor sheet member, and flexible projection members project upward from the top surface of the flexible floor sheet member. The flexible floor sheet member may be comprised of a closed cellular foam material The adhesive may become tacky when wet. The flexible projection members include a main crescent-shaped projection member projecting from the top surface of the flexible floor sheet member at a location distal to the drain channel. The main crescent-shaped projection member includes a projection-drainage channel.

Abstract: A modular bathroom unit configured for comfort and spaciousness, with a relatively small footprint. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a commode, shower with floor drain, and a relatively large lavatory, which is configured to pivot to a vertical position for space savings when not in use, or to a horizontal position for use. Further contemplated is a unique drain connection system, wherein the lavatory drain includes a drainpipe connection to a stationary drainpipe built into the wall structure of the unit, the connection accomplished without the requirement of hoses, pipe fittings or the like. The present invention provides a shower and toilet facility which may be utilized with no impositions or restrictions on the user, while the interior is configured to be watertight, with a sealed door, and an easily cleaned interior surface.

Abstract: A pneumatic sit/stand device which is preferably used in assisting an invalid or physically disadvantaged person in rising from, or being seated in, a chair. The sit/stand device includes an inflatable bag having two or more cavities which inflate sequentially to help stabilize the person as he is raised from or lowered into a chair. Rear and side wall cavities inflate first to provide stabilization and push the person forward so that his feet contact the floor. A center cavity then inflates to lift and thrust the person into a standing position. The side walls help prevent the person from tilting or leaning from one side to another as air pressure equalizes the bag. The device can be used alone by the physically disadvantaged person or in conjunction with an attendant whose duty is to assist the person in sitting or standing.

Abstract: An inflatable patient transfer roller mattress is described for moving a patient from a first platform to a second platform. It includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet capable of being selectively sealed together, a set of parallel inflatable rollers and at least a pair of manifolds. Each roller has a pair of necked-down ends for introduction of an inflation gas, the rollers being formed by sealing selected areas of the top sheet and the bottom sheet together. The opposing, inflatable manifolds are for delivery of an inflation gas to each roller, and each manifold is disposed adjacent to and in gaseous contact with each necked-down end of the rollers, the manifolds being formed by sealing selected areas of the top sheet and the bottom sheet together.

Abstract: A medical bed having a pair of spaced ends and a pair of opposed sides connecting the ends. At least one of the sides has a top rail, a bottom rail and a plurality of spaced vertical bars extending therebetween to form a plurality of unobstructed vertical spaces. A part of the top rail extending over one or more of the unobstructed vertical spaces is movable to form an opening at the top through which tubes and wires connected between a person in the bed and medical devices outside of the bed may be moved without disconnecting them from the person when the person is moved.

Abstract: A rockable crib including a crib structure and a rocking support system for supporting the crib structure on a floor in a rockable manner. The crib structure includes a resting platform and a plurality of legs coupled to the resting platform. The rocking support system includes a rocking support for each leg of the crib structure. Each rocking support includes a base resting on the floor, a swing pivotally mounted to the base to pivot relative thereto in a substantially horizontal plane, and a crib-support coupling component which couples one of the legs of the crib structure to the swing.

Abstract: A conventional shower head is fitted with a tee fitting having a flow through passage and an additional tee passage within which a valve and control handle are supported. A flexible hose is coupled to a head assembly which includes an elongated handle and an elongated spray head. The handle defines an interior passage for coupling water under pressure from the flexible hose to the interior of the spray head. The spray head is elongated and defines angled facets each having a plurality of spray apertures formed therein. A valve slide shaped in correspondence to the interior of the spray head is slidably movable within the spray head. The valve slide defines a plurality of apertures corresponding to the apertures formed in the spray body. Volume of spray adjustment is controlled by the position of the valve slide with respect to the spray body. The angled facets of the spray head and aperture placement are configured to provide a hygiene device for cleaning the rectal area.

Abstract: The armrest of the present invention includes a first horizontal plate provided horizontally with a tabletop, a second horizontal plate jointed to the first horizontal plate by way of a hinge, this second horizontal plate forming a continuous horizontal surface along with the first horizontal plate when the hinge is opened, and the second horizontal plate being folded on the first horizontal plate so that a surface of the second horizontal plate meets a surface of the first horizontal plate when the hinge is closed, and a vertical plate provided vertically to the rear surface of the second horizontal plate. When the person sets a position in which he/she holds both arms down on the sides of the body, the hinge is opened, thus forming one horizontal plane, on which both arms can be laid down. When the person sets a position in which he/she folds both arms across the head, the hinge is closed, and the surface of the second horizontal plate is folded on the surface of the first horizontal plate.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes a firm body support portion constructed of foam, with the foam having a first side for placement on a bed or gurney, and the second side upon which the body of the patient would be laid. The foam apparatus would include a principal upper torso support portion for supporting a patient generally from the top of the patient's head to the lower buttock region of the patient; first and second leg portions which are attachable to a lower edge of the principal body support portion for supporting the legs of the patient, and attachable arm portions secured to the side edges of the upper body support portion for accommodating the arms of the patient.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for a washing machine wherein which the door may be automatically opened and closed. The door opening/closing apparatus comprises: a sensor for determining an opened state of the door; a sensor for determining a closed state of the door; a motor for supplying a dynamic force to open and close the door; an external input mechanism for entering a door opening/closing command; and a controller for determining the state of the door based on information supplied from each of the sensors when a door opening/closing command is present, and controlling the activation of the motor, accordingly.

Abstract: A coin-operated golf club cleaner cabinet is provided. Behind an access port in the front of the cabinet is mounted a structural housing comprising a rectangular box frame for supporting two pairs of cup-type brushes, positioned facing and in-line with a gap between them for receiving a golf club head. The first pair of brushes has aggressive bristles and forms a narrow gap between the facing brushes for cleaning irons, the second pair having softer bristles and a wider gap for cleaning woods. The housing has two small front curtained ports for permitting club access to the appropriate brush gap. Three in-line shafts provide two pairs of facing shaft ends upon which are mounted the two pairs of brushes. A line shaft and electric drive provide speed reduction to the three in-line shafts. For convenient access of the brushes for adjustment and maintenance purposes, the housing can be pivoted within the cabinet to present its substantially open base to the cabinet's access port.

Abstract: The invention is a new floor-cleaning machine, with brushes and motor mounted on a support which travels sidewards; the motor is positioned on the side opposite to the travelling direction of the support, in such a way as to allow the brush to protrude. The support can also rotate on the vertical axis so as to move the two brushes from the position in which they are aligned to the position in which they are side by side. The brushes can be provided with traditional discs or with a dragging disc equipped with two concentric elements made of rubber with different densities, owing to which the dragging disc edges maintain their correct shape over time.

Abstract: Sweeping devices for utility vehicles with a rotatingly driven bristle roller have been known, which are covered on the top side by a protective housing and in front of which a feed screw extending in parallel to the bristle roller is arranged, and the feed screw is arranged, drivable by a motor, in a sweepings collection housing, which is provided with a rear charging opening and with a discharge opening at the end of the screw, wherein the sweepings collection housing has an obliquely downwardly directed baffle plate with a flexible bottom plate under its charging opening. To improve the mode of operation and the sweeping performance, especially at higher speeds of travel, the bristle roller is driven at such a speed of rotation that in the area located between it and the charging opening of the sweepings collection housing, it generates an air flow, which continues into the discharge opening of the sweepings collection housing, which is designed as a feed cup and a flow channel at the same time.