Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid having hydrate forming constituents is disclosed. More specifically, the method can be used in treating a petroleum fluid stream such as natural gas conveyed in a pipe to inhibit the formation of a hydrate restriction in the pipe. The method uses a mixture comprising a first additive and a second additive. The mixture produces a synergistic hydrate inhibition effect. The first additive is selected from the class of substantially water soluble polymers. The second additive is selected from the class of ionic or non-ionic organic compounds which have a polar part and nonpolar part with the nonpolar part having an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group with 12 or fewer carbon atoms.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a breathable laminate backsheet. The absorbent article has a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region positioned between the front waist region and the rear waist region, a pair of opposed side edges, a first end edge and a second end edge. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core having a pair of opposing longitudinal edges, a garment-facing side and a body-facing side, and a breathable laminate backsheet disposed adjacent to the garment-facing side of the absorbent core. The breathable laminate backsheet has an inner layer and an outer layer joined to one another. The inner layer is positioned between the absorbent core and the outer layer. The outer layer is relatively vapor pervious. The inner layer is substantially liquid impermeable and substantially vapor pervious.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the floribunda class, having strong clustering ability; vigorous upright growth; long stems; fairly large flowers for a spray cut rose; and medium to light yellow flower color.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of cherry tree, Prunus avium, which produces fruit of uniformly large size and dark red skin coloration which are mature for harvesting and shipment about April 20 to about April 25 in the San Joaquin Valley of central California and which have a smooth, crisp flesh texture being firm in character at harvest.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of azalea found as a seedling in a planned cross between the female azalea `Pink Cheer` and the male Rhododendron oldhamii `Fourth of July`. The new variety possesses a unique blooming time and is superior in development of a dense, globose shaped plant with attractive single strong pink flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of azalea found as a seedling in a planned cross between the female azalea `Georgia Giant` and the male Rhododendron oldhamii `Fourth of July`. The new variety possesses a unique blooming time and is superior in development of an upright, dense, globose shaped plant with attrative large single purple flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of azalea found as a seedling in a planned cross between the female azalea `watchet` and the male Rhododendron oldhamii `Fourth of July`. The new variety possesses a unique blooming time and is superior in development of a dense, globose shaped plant with attractive rosebud shaped flower buds and single to semi-double strong red flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus plant named `Bimini Breeze`, characterized by its very dark green leaves; upright and outwardly spreading, uniform and symmetrical plant habit; numerous bright pink-colored flowers with dark red throats; good resistance to flower bud abscission; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus plant named `Gulf Wind`, characterized by its very dark green leaves; upright and outwardly spreading, uniform and symmetrical plant habit; freely flowering, large and numerous light golden yellow-colored flowers with dark red throats; long peduncles; good resistance to flower bud abscission; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A distinctive cultivar of Scaevola plant named `Newon` characterized by its compact plant habit; dense and bushy plant form; freely branching plant habit; early to flower; and violet blue fan-shaped flowers.

Abstract: The new cultivar is an early, rich flowering variety. It produces elegant bright purple flowers continuously and early. It also has a cascading mound growth, improving shipping ability. The new cultivar is an improvement in comparison to the old purple variety "Cornell".

Abstract: The new cultivar exhibits all of the positive qualities of "Melody." It is quick rooting, has very good cutting production and uniform size for improved finishing time. The new cultivar has elegant red flowers with big umbrels and flowers freely, early continuously.

Abstract: The new cultivar is an early, rich flowering variety. Its elegant deep pink flowers with a very distinct magenta eye is very attractive over the medium green foliage. The cultivar produces big umbels and continuously flower. It demonstrates good garden and greenhouse performance. The new cultivar is an improvement in comparison to the current varieties "First Kiss" and "L'amour.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named `Solenia Rot`, characterized by its numerous and attractive red fully double flowers that are about 6 cm in diameter; uniform plant habit; dark foliage color; resistance to Powdery Mildew under commercial greenhouse conditions; and outstanding weather tolerance and garden performance.

Abstract: A wrap material dispensing system for supplying wrap material to the bale-forming chamber of a baler for forming round bales of crop material. A wrap material supply assembly is mounted to the baler for supplying wrap material to a conveying assembly for advancing the wrap material to the opening of the bale-forming chamber. The conveying assembly includes a moving belt arrangement in which the wrap material is captured between the baler belts and conveying belts for advancement toward the chamber opening. The conveying belts are arranged so as to be driven by movement of the baler belts.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring electrically conductive coating materials, such as water-based paint, from at least one source to one or more coating dispensers or spray guns for discharge onto a substrate includes two "parallel" flow paths, each having a large reservoir pump, which transmit coating material to a common valve which, in turn, switches flow to the coating dispensers from one flow path to the other. Each parallel flow path provides a voltage block between one or more sources of coating material and the electrostatically charged coating material discharged from the spray guns to ensure that there is never a completed electrical path between the source of conductive coating material and the charged coating material during a coating operation. Additionally, a rapid and efficient color change capability is provided for the entire system which permits different colored coating materials to be dispensed from the apparatus herein with minimum downtime of the coating operation.

Abstract: A microchannel plate (MCP)-based detector of reduced size employs a flexible multilayer printed circuit board as a lead assembly and enjoys increased ease of assembly and improved versatility.

Abstract: A camera capable of operation in continuous photography and one-frame photography modes has an automatically activated flash device the operation of which may be inhibited by the user when desired. In a preferred embodiment, when the camera is in the continuous photography mode and the user has inhibited the flash device, the inhibition of the flash device is maintained upon completion of continuous photography. One-frame photography may be performed while the camera is in the continuous photography mode, and while maintaining inhibition of the flash device, by momentary depression of the shutter release button. If the camera is operated in the one-frame photography mode and the flash device is inhibited, inhibition of the flash device is automatically cancelled after each exposure.

Abstract: A phosphonic acid derivative compound represented by formula ?I ! or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each represent hydrocarbon groups which may be substituted, except cases in which (1) R.sub.2 is unsubstituted methyl, ( 2 ) R.sub.3 is an unsubstituted hydrocarbon group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and (3) R.sub.1 is benzyloxycarbonylaminomethyl, R.sub.2 is isobutyl and R.sub.3 is isobutyl or phenylmethyl, which has endothelin-converting enzyme inhibiting activity and is useful as pharmaceutical drugs such as therapeutic agents for hypertension, cardiac or cerebral circulatory diseases and renal diseases.This is a Reissue of a Patent which was the subject of a Reexamination Certificate No. B1 5,330,978, dated Jun. 18, 1996, Request No. 90/00400, Oct. 18, 1995.

Abstract: A sun-visor includes a first plate having a curved inner side from which a second plate extends. A curved slit is defined along an outer side of the first plate so as to form a curved fastening member foldably connected to two ends of the first plate. A belt is connected to two sides of the second plate.

Abstract: A baseball or softball glove constructed to maintain the ball-catching pocket and to facilitate closure of the glove having an inverted V-shaped notch generally located at the center of the heel. The inverted V-shaped shaped notch assists in the opening and closing of the glove by creating a flex line extending up from the apex of the inverted V-shaped notch generally midway between the sides of the glove and through the ball-catching pocket.

Abstract: A garment designed to help in the physiological and psychological rehabilitation of a hemiplegic patient. Disposed on the shirt sleeves and the pants legs of the garment are graspable elements, such as hoops or handles. Within each of the shirt sleeves and pants legs are reinforced areas that are joined to the graspable elements. The reinforced areas branch out across the material of the shirt sleeve or the pants leg. As a result, when a pulling force is applied to the graspable element, the force is transferred throughout the sleeve or leg by the reinforced areas. This enables a sleeve to be pulled onto an arm or a pants leg to be pulled onto a leg by applying a pulling force to just one position, thereby providing the ability for a person to use a partially disabled arm when dressing. In a preferred embodiment, small weights are positioned within the garment at various points along the sleeves and pants legs.

Abstract: A sports utility case which is convertible to a vest and designed to carry elongated sporting objects of every description is disclosed. Several embodiments are contemplated including the incorporation of bullet-resistant fabrics as well as buoyancy means. Multiple layer construction facilitates the easy insertion of different materials between inner and outer surface sides depending on the use contemplated.

Abstract: The invention comprises a patient garment having a front side, a back side and two sleeve sections. The front side opens vertically down the center and is closed with releasable fasteners such as buttons or snaps, to allow for the patient to put on the garment. The garment has four triangular openings, arranged two on the front side and two on the back side, with one each on the right and left sides of the garment. The garment has a shoulder strap on each side that runs from the neck of the garment along the shoulder line of the garment and connects to a sleeve section. The shoulder strap forms the top edge of each of the triangular openings. Four triangular panels are attached to the garment to cover each of the triangular openings. Each triangular panel has a top side, a proximal side and a distal side. The top side of each panel is releasably secured to a shoulder strap.

Abstract: A low cost, disposable hand protector that provides a barrier between either hand and an item being handled comprises a thin contact sheet having overlying elements forming openings arrayed around a palm area for the fingers and for either thumb. The openings are formed by overlayer panels or webs which are themselves of thin sheet material. The topmost protector on a stack can be fitted on with a single insertion motion of the hand, and conforms to the hand while providing a barrier against contamination of an item being handled. The protector is released equally easily by a single motion.

Abstract: In this invention a novel configuration of the crotch area between the thumb and first finger has been found to impart unexpectedly good durability and resistance to splitting of the seam in this crotch area. The configuration is one in which the geometry of the crotch area is formed by two arcs separated by a short substantially straight portion, and in which the radii loci of the two arcs is centered in the space between the thumb and first finger.

Abstract: A seamless knitted glove with a cuff having an ambidextrous and universal size made from crimped and textured stretchable continuous filament nylon yarn of four ply of about 70 deniers or less. Also, a method of making a seamless knitted glove with a cuff having an ambidextrous and universal size comprising the steps of knitting an eight and a half inch to nine inch glove using crimped and textured stretchable continuous filament nylon yarn of four ply of about 70 deniers or less with a 13 gage knitting machine, heat shrinking the glove to less than seven inches, and heat stretching the glove to about seven inches.

Abstract: A baseball cap to accommodate pigtail and non-bundled hairstyles comprises a head covering portion formed from a front panel spaced-apart from a back panel by a plurality of side panels. Each side panel includes an opening bound by elastic. The openings are formed by overlapping tabs and selectively covered by a flap. Each opening is sized to accept a bundle of hair passed therethrough. A light deflecting brim extends outward from the front panel.

Abstract: A convertible hat comprises a crown formed of flexible material and having a peripheral edge defining a head-receiving opening, a visor flexibly attached to the crown along a section of the peripheral edge and projecting forwardly from the crown, a removable strap extending about and exteriorly of the crown adjacent the peripheral edge, guide means for guiding and retaining the strap adjacent the peripheral edge. Releasable fastening means for releasably attaching free ends of the strap to the crown at predetermined locations on opposite sides thereof. Further releasable fasteners are also provided for releasably attaching the visor to a rear portion of the crown.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible pouch comprising a container portion and a neck portion. The neck portion is integrally connected to the container portion. The container portion may be constructed of flexible, elastic material with a water-impermeable layer, which is expandable to accommodate the insertion and storage of cleaning articles therein. The neck portion may be constructed of flexible, elastic material which includes an opening of a sufficient size to allow the insertion and extraction of cleaning articles to and from the container portion. The flexible, elastic material of which the pouch is constructed includes two panels of equal size and shape which are securely and cooperatively affixed to one another in parallel orientation about their circumferential edges to form the flexible pouch. Closure means are employed for narrowing the opening in the neck portion and retaining the contents therein.

Abstract: A protective helmet most useful in the sport of football includes a helmet shell for enclosing a head of the wearer and further includes a face guard attached to the helmet shell and extending in front of a face opening in the helmet. A chin cup is mounted by a pair of straps. One of the straps is fastened to the sides of the helmet. The other of the straps is fastened to the face guard at lateral positions so that forces directed to the face guard are transferred to the wearer's chin directly.

Abstract: A pair of swimming goggles includes two frames, two rigid lenses respectively received in the frames, a strap, and two clamping blocks each having a bore. Each frame includes a slot defined in an outer side thereof. Each end of the strap is extended through the associated block, wound through the associated slot, and then again extended through the associated clamping block, thereby forming an upper strap section and a lower strap section which are located at a position above the ears of a user. The first end and the second end of the strap are securely attached to a buckle, thereby allowing adjustment of the length of the strap in response to the shape of the head of the user.

Abstract: A safety cover for mounting upon a suction drain that removes water from a jetted tub or spa. The safety cover can handle a high fluid flow intake rate and has a relatively small size, yet is unlikely to entangle the hair of a user and can pass the industry standard five pound pull test. The safety cover has at least one internal wall that acts as a guide vane thereby advantageously tending to reduce turbulence and vortexing of the water as it passes through the cover and into the suction drain. Because turbulence and vortexing of the water is reduced, the possibility that a user's hair could extend through the cover and become entangled thereunder is likewise reduced. Further, because of the stabilized fluid flow inside the safety cover, the cover can have a size that is smaller than otherwise possible without the anti-vortexing interior wall. The interior wall also can extend from the cover to a supporting base to advantageously increase the structural strength of the cover.

Abstract: A uni-sex water conserving urinal which has a bowl which is engageable with a hanger on or near the toilet. A flush plate directs water into the bowl. In use, the bowl is detached and moved to a position of use which is permitted by the flexible waste and water supply line. The water supply is from a reservoir in the hanger. The reservoir may include a pump for manually pressurizing the flushing water. Flush water may be supplied by manually filling the reservoir or by connecting the reservoir across a valve to a water supply. A universal connector may be used to connect the waste line from the bowl into an existing drain line.

Abstract: A combination toilet and bidet system including a compact bidet assembly secured to a rear portion of a seat portion of a toilet disposed between the seat portion and a tank portion thereof. The bidet is coupled with a water supply tube of the toilet.

Abstract: A manually powered swimming pool cover drive for extending and retracting swimming pool covers is described which includes a pair of overrunning, one-way clutch devices journaled around a drive shaft coupled for rotating a swimming pool cover drum for retracting a swimming pool cover and a pair of one-way clutch devices journaled around a drive shaft coupled for rotating a cable reel for extending a swimming pool cover. The respective pairs of overrunning, one-way clutch devices are reciprocated back and forth respectively, manually with long lever handles for rotating the respective drive shafts.

Abstract: An ice protector for absorbing the expansion of ice within a pool skimmer during freezing conditions. The inventive device includes a hollow compressible container having a stopper engagable to the fluid conduit within the skimmer. The stopper is operable to plug the conduit and support the container in a vertical orientation projecting above the waterline such that freezing of the water will compress the container to preclude damage to the skimmer. The device may further include a plurality of extension caps attachable to the container to accommodate various skimmer sizes and to ensure projection of the container above a high waterline.

Abstract: An anatomically-correct neck and head support removably securable to a barber, beautician or salon chair for use when the individual is placed in a reclined position, the support being a lightweight foam or resilient material covered with a water-resistant, chemical-resistant, washable, sanitizable covering, the upper surface having a double arcuate surface complimentary with the normal cervical lordotic curve of an individual's spine and neck, the support providing planar and lateral support to the neck area of the individual.

Abstract: The method of providing a spa tub, and comprising providing a load-bearing tub side wall having an inner side and an outer side, the tub having an interior to receive liquid; the tub side wall provided to include at least two wall sections, spaced about the interior, the sections assembled end-to-end to form the side wall to extend in a loop, the sections consisting of synthetic resin; each section having inner and outer panels extending upright throughout the major upright extent of the side wall.

Abstract: A dual shower head device having elongated tubular sections that are connected in a telescopic manner to form an elongated unit is disclosed. The elongated telescoping tubes serve to adjust the length of the device to fit a particular tub/shower enclosure, to aid in securing the unit in place between opposite walls of the enclosure, and to allow the unit to be compressed for ease in installing and positioning the unit in place between the walls, and to provide a conduit for moving water. A helical spring is compressed within the tubular unit and serves to urge the tubular sections apart and to secure the device between the walls of the enclosure. Rubber bumpers are secured to the ends of the unit for contacting the walls of the enclosure and a shower head is mounted at one end and directed inward and a second shower head is secured to a diverter which is connected to the conventional shower pipe and, via a flexible hose, to the unit.

Abstract: A rear loaded and unloaded wheelchair and method for transferring a patient between a bed and a wheelchair through the rear of the wheelchair. The wheelchair includes a wheeled main frame, a sub-frame rearwardly extensible relative to the main frame to a position overlying the bed. The sub-frame is vertical moveable on the main frame to raise and lower the sub-frame to a position adjacent the bed and a position removed from the bed. A patient supporting chair is rotatably mounted on the sub-frame for rolling movement between a forward position and a rearward position adjacent the bed cantileverly supported on the main frame via the sub-frame. The chair includes a frame having laterally spaced apart rails and upstanding back rails. The side seat rails detachably mount a seat on which a person will sit while seated on a bed.

Abstract: A hammock is composed of a net, two side ropes fastened to two longitudinal sides of the net, two support rods fastened near the longitudinal ends of the net, and two suspension hooks. The support rods are made up of an upper rod piece and a lower rod piece. The upper rod piece and the lower rod piece form therebetween a net locating recess for locating the net, and two rope holes for locating the two side ropes.

Abstract: A knee holder includes a base plate having two parallel rows of slots designed to hold the ends of a cylinder to which is attached a foot cradle. Each slot has the appearance of an inverted symmetric "T" allowing reversability of the orientation of the foot cradle. The base plate has an "L"-shaped arm extending along its upper surface and then having a right angle bend to extend downwardly. The arm is sized to be received within an opening of a clamping bracket attached to a rail of a surgical table or other horizontal support surface on which the base plate has been placed, with the clamping bracket including structure allowing locking of the arm in fixed position to fix the position of the knee holder. The base plate is sized to allow two knee holders to be mounted on a surgical table side by side to facilitate performance of a bilateral procedure.

Abstract: An intracardiac blood flow velocity measurement device has a catheter adapted to be inserted through a blood vessel into the heart, at least two electrodes made of two different biocompatible materials mounted on the catheter at a detecting position which is located in a selected detecting area when the catheter is inserted into the heart for detecting blood flow velocity, with at least one of the electrodes being formed as a polarizable electrode and being disposed in the detecting position, and another of the electrodes being located on the catheter at an axially spaced distance from the polarizable electrode. Variation in an over-voltage or in a galvanic voltage is detected, and is used as a blood flow velocity signal.

Abstract: A pool cleaner having an improved self-starting vibratory power source including a power-source chamber between downstream hose connection and a substantially open upstream chamber inlet and a vibrator with a downstream pivot thereon about which it pivots in the chamber, the vibrator mounted and sized such that all vibrator positions are unstable and flow is substantially unrestricted in all vibrator positions. Preferred embodiments include a drive mechanism mechanically linked to the vibratory power source.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a toothbrush that effectively removes plaque attached to or deposited on all the regions of tooth surface, interdental space, and cervical margin, and to conduct efficient tooth brushing. To attain the object, at least one of a plurality of tufts constituting the tufting area is wide extending along the longitudinal direction of a tufting base, and the profile of the end portion of the wide tuft is converged toward the end in a shape of dot, line, or plane.

Abstract: A rocker toothbrush is disclosed wherein the brushhead includes three bristle tuft bundles, each on a separate, elongated base. The middle bundle is elastically hinged to the two side bundles, which, in turn are hinged to the brushhead. A force applied to the middle bundle, during normal use, causes the two side bundles to turn in the direction toward the middle bundle.

Abstract: A new Padded Toothbrush for providing a safer and more comfortable toothbrush. The inventive device includes an elongated member including a handle at one end and a head at an opposite end, wherein a plurality of bristles protrude upward from the head and a protective pad is disposed around the sides of the head and on the back of the head so as to protect a user's teeth, gums, and inner mouth from contact with the head while brushing. In addition to protecting a user's teeth, gums, and inner mouth while brushing, the protective pad can be used for buffing and polishing teeth.

Abstract: A tooth brush includes, in addition to bristles, a plurality of magnetic projections on a handle of the tooth brush for massaging gums, thereby preventing and remedying dental disease such as alveolysis, peris dentosis and the like. The magnetic projections are constituted of rod shaped synthetic resin members each having at a tip end thereof a permanent magnet member or piece. Each of the rod shaped members passes through the handle from a side thereof opposite the bristles and being secured to a common base plate on such side of the handle.

Abstract: A cleaning utensil comprises a handle defining at one end a rigid threaded portion and a substantially cube-shaped sponge having a chamfered corner, said corner providing an opening extending within the sponge forming a hollow channel, said channel being adapted to threadably receive the rigid portion of the handle within the sponge.