Abstract: A bimodal propulsion and power nuclear reactor with coaxial power and propulsion cores, each with its own primary propellant/coolant. An inner core region provides electrical power while an outer annular core region surrounding the inner core region has, passageways for heating a gaseous propellant.

Abstract: A new method for preparing low loss multimode and monomode glass optical fibers which avoids casting or pouring the core and clad melts is disclosed. The new technique is based on a reactive-gas-transport approach which avoids contamination from absorbing impurities and scattering centers by reacting the glass melt with reactive gases which remove impurities and increase the refractive index of the fiber.

Abstract: A miniature rose plant with hot pink colored flowers which is extremely compact, floriferous, and which has good shelf life. The new variety propagates well by cuttings and is suited for the year-round production of flowering pot roses in glasshouses. The variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from such asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new red miniature rose plant which has an extremely compact habit, abundant non-fading flowers and very good keepability. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for year round production in commercial glasshouses. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new miniature rose with light red flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Hybrid Tea rose plant is provided that abundantly forms attractive double flowers that are pink striped with white. Such flowers exhibit a good vase life and possess petals that detach cleanly. The plant exhibits a bushy growth habit, forms relatively straight stems, forms semi-vigorous to vigorous vegetation, and is particularly well suited for greenhouse forcing for cut flower production. Additionally, the plant is resistant to diseases when grown under greenhouse conditions or when grown outside in the garden.

Abstract: A new variety of Hybrid Tea rose plant producing apricot-ochre flowers of good form and suitable for growing under glass.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Hybrid Tea rose plant is provided which forms attractive long-lasting currant red blossoms that commonly open slowly and completely. The blossom coloration commonly is stable during the course of opening. The stems are strong and the thorns tend to be few in number. The plant exhibits dark green and glossy foliage, as well as good disease resistance. The new variety is particularly well suited for cut flower production under greenhouse growing conditions.

Abstract: A strawberry plant producing conical fruit of dark red internal and external color.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plant named `Flofetti`, particularly characterized by the combined features of large, intense pink flowers in compact inflorescences, relatively small, glossy, bright green foliage with distinct zonation, and medium tall, compact and bush plant habit.

Abstract: An asexually reproduced variety of perennial zoysiagrass with a unique combination of characters including an absence of leaf blade hairs, deep rhizomes, good recovery from sod harvest, high salinity tolerance, good shade tolerance, and a distinct DNA fingerprint.

Abstract: An adsorber having an upright longitudinal extent includes two perforated parallel panels extending within the vessel formed therein and spaced apart defining an adsorbent mass chamber. The adsorbent mass is in two longitudinal parts having a first part of fine particles and a second part of larger particles. The gas to be treated is circulated horizontally between the two perforated panels. This device allows the treatment cycle to be less than 60 seconds with the same or better performance. This adsorber and process are preferably used for the separation of oxygen from air.

Abstract: A part is kept on standby so that it can be reliably held by a feed rod. An auxiliary feed rod is provided with an arrangement for holding a part at a fixed position in advance. The part is stopped on the advance and retraction axis of a main feed rod by the advance movement of the auxiliary feed rod where the part transferred and is held on the main feed rod.

Abstract: A series of hard disk drives are secured atop molded plastic support trays slidably and removably received in opposing guide channel member pairs snap-fitted into opposite side walls of a sheet metal cage structure externally used in conjunction with a file server or other computer device. Snap-fitted into rear end portions of the trays are small printed circuit boards that are insertable into hot plug sockets at the rear of the cage. Forwardly projecting guard plates on the rear end of the cage block manual access to the board/socket interface, and the surface mounted grounding leads on the board extend rearwardly beyond its signal leads to enhance grounding safety during disk drive installation and removal. At the front end of each tray is a vertical support plate upon which LED indicating lights are conveniently mounted for the associated disk drive.

Abstract: A cellular telephone system includes a plurality of cell sites and a mobile telephone switching office. Call management, including selection of a cell site most appropriate for a call associated with a mobile unit, are made based on the geographic location of the mobile unit as opposed to the strength of the signal associated with the call. The geographic location of the mobile unit is precisely determined using a NAVSTAR global positioning system, or its equivalent. Each mobile unit includes a GPS receiver that receives information from a geostationary satellite to determine the precise location of the mobile unit. This position information is relayed to the cell site initially managing the mobile unit, and the mobile unit is handed off to a cell site that is most appropriate for the call. Initial selection of an entrance cell site is made based on signal strength, but further call management decisions are made based on location of the mobile unit.

Abstract: Headwear comprising a support positionable on the head of a wearer with a front positionable across the forehead of a wearer and sides positionable across the sides of the head of a wearer. A forwardly extending shield is provided. The shield has a forward end remote from the support and a rearward end adjacent to the support with lateral side edges therebetween whereby the forward end and lateral side edges form a periphery having the shape of an object and indicia correlated to the periphery. The shield may also have an internal portion within the periphery which is bendable up or down to display logos, etc., and the periphery of this portion along with indicia may also combine or make a replication. The periphery and the indica together are designed to make a replication. Further provided are mechanisms to couple the shield with the support.

Abstract: An eye shield assembly for attaching to a cap. The assembly includes an envelope for storing a transparent or translucent eyeshield that may be moved from a retracted position when the eyeshield is not required to an extended position to protect the wearer's eyes, thereby providing either visual enhancement or a fashionable appearance.

Abstract: A convertible article includes: a torso bag having a hood detachably securable with the torso bag, with an inflatable pillow attached to the hood and inflated for cushioning a wearer's head; a leg bag detachably securable with the torso bag for forming a sleeping bag to be worn by the wearer for sleeping purpose; and a built-in carrying bag inherently formed in the leg bag, whereby upon inversion of the built-in carrying bag outwardly from the leg bag and folding and insertion of the remaining portion of the leg bag into the carrying bag, the carrying bag can be conveniently carried for storing the torso bag, the hood and other items into the carrying bag.

Abstract: A vest and harness combination garment wherein a a child can be securely fastened to a chair when the garment is worn. The vest/harness also includes an insulated bottle holder wherein a child's bottle is placed so that the bottle is available for the child when he/she is hungry or thirsty. A pacifier is attached by a strap to the front of the vest/harness so that the pacifier is readily available to the child as desired. A musical device which plays music when the device is squeezed is attached to the front of the vest for entertaining the child.

Abstract: A necktie includes a wide portion having one or more openings which allow the narrow portion of the necktie to pass through the openings. The openings can take the form of slits or shaped cut-outs. The wide portion preferably contains a first design or color, and the narrow portion contains a second design or color. When the narrow portion is passed through the openings, at least part of the narrow portion becomes visible when the necktie is worn, and the necktie assumes a design which represents a combination of the first and second designs. For example, the wide portion can depict an animal, with the narrow portion depicting the tongue of the animal. In another example, the wide portion can depict a musician, with the narrow portion representing an instrument being played by the musician. The invention therefore provides a necktie in which the narrow portion, which would otherwise be hidden from view and not used effectively, assists in creating an overall design for the necktie.

Abstract: A simple and effective apparatus for anchoring a tie to a wearer's shirt, which presents the best possible appearance at all times while keeping the tie clean, safe and out of harms way. In addition, the apparatus may be easily mounted on virtually any tie with minimal time and expense. The apparatus has two parallel rails attached to the back of a tie, which provide support for a horizonal collar with a slot. The horizonal collar is configured to travel along the vertical rails. An elongated member is adapted for vertical movement inside the slot of the horizonal collar. The elongated member may have button holes suitable for connection to a wearer's shirt.

Abstract: A long-sleeved garment having a sleeve with a cuff attached thereto along an annular seam. A pocket connected to an inner side of the sleeve and cuff along a portion of the annular seam accommodates all fingers of a hand except for the thumb. A thumb compartment extends from the sleeve above the cuff for accommodating the thumb of the hand. Both the pocket and thumb compartment are retractable inside the sleeve such that they are unnoticeable when not in use.

Abstract: A batting glove is designed for players that hold the bat with one or two fingers over or under the knob. The glove includes a knob receptacle that will act as a pivot point for the knob in the palm of the glove. A surface pad is fixed proximally along the surface of the palm of the glove. A piece of foam is mounted proximally perpendicularly to the surface pad approximating the shape of the letter "J". A cover is then placed over both foam pads to protect the pads against wear.

Abstract: A glove, designed for use by bicyclists, has a front panel of wear-resistant material, a somewhat thinner panel of wear-resistant material, and a rear panel of open weave net material. Elongated finger sections of the second panel have sinuous side edges that promote flexibility of the glove finger sections. Resilient pads on rear surfaces of the finger sections provide protection against cuts and bruises. A circular cushion on the palm area of the glove body absorbs and distributes pressures that are transmitted to the hand surface when the wearer exerts a gripping force on a bicycle handlebar during normal bicycle riding activity. The glove has an advantageous combination of features, including good flexibility, wear resistance, ventilation, and abrasion protection.

Abstract: A new cleaning glove for cleaning and/or treating various surfaces, such as on vehicles. The inventive device includes a flexible hand covering member defining a pocket for receiving the hand of a user therein. The flexible hand covering member includes a plurality of finger portions, preferably five finger portions, for covering the fingers on the hand. The hand covering member also includes separate pile areas formed on a front surface thereof, while the back surface is substantially free of pile. The hand covering member is made from an inner cloth layer, a middle liquid-resistant layer, and an exterior cloth layer, and has a cut formed in the back side thereof in order to accommodate different hand sizes.

Abstract: A novelty hat in the form of a ball cap having a visor defining an opening in which a miniature basketball net is mounted. The miniature net is held in position in the opening by a rim of molded plastic including respective flanges circumscribing the opening, on both the top and the bottom of the visor. A miniature basketball fits through the rim, but the opening in the bottom of the net is small enough to keep the ball from passing all the way down through the net. A keeper mounted on the rim is selectively movable to a position extending above a portion of the ball to hold the ball in the net and thus prevent the ball from being lost when the hat is not being worn.

Abstract: An earmuff incorporating elevated sound attenuation. The earmuff comprises an outer cup (10') which connects with a sealing part. Arranged within the earmuff are a plurality of separating partitioning walls (14) which extend from the bottom wall (16) of the cup towards the sealing part. The partitioning walls (14) may be integral with the cup (10') or formed separately therefrom and loosely fitted thereinto.

Abstract: A fastener for removably attaching pockets and other accessories to garments which includes slidably interlocking male and female members. The male member also includes a locking tab which cooperates with a locking post on the female member for securing the fastener in a closed position. The male member and the female member may be attached to the pocket and the garment respectively by sewing them in position.

Abstract: A pivoting pocket utilizes a triple strength triangular stitching attachment to an article of clothing. The pocket is enabled to pivot about a horizontal stitch at the base of the triangle. Stitches along the other two sides of the triangle provide extra strength and facilitate easy attachment to the clothing. The pocket is self contained having both a front and a back.

Abstract: A pocket billfold removably securable within a front pocket includes a pair of panels forming a container for holding bills, currency, credit cards, and the like. The pocket billfold has a notched corner portion at the top of the container. The pocket has a rivet on its top line adjacent the side seam of the pocket. When the billfold is inserted into the pocket, the notched corner portion of the container engages the underside of the riveted portion of the pocket and the side thereof, preventing the billfold from unintended removal from the pocket. A clip secured to one of the panels of the billfold grips the material of the front of the pocket and provides additional protection of the billfold within the pocket.

Abstract: An impact resistant helmet assembly having a first material layer coupled to a second material layer so as to define a gas chamber therebetween which contains a quantity that provides impact dampening upon an impact force being applied to the helmet assembly. The helmet assembly further includes a containment layer disposed over the second material layer and structured to define a fluid chamber in which a quantity of fluid is disposed. The fluid includes a generally viscous gel structured to provide some resistance against disbursement from an impacted region of the fluid chamber to non-impacted regions of the fluid chamber, thereby further enhance the impact distribution and dampening of the impact force provided by the helmet assembly.

Abstract: A batter's protective helmet includes a relatively rigid helmet or shell defined by a crown, front, rear and opposite side portions; and padding within the helmet for protecting the head of a user. The padding includes crown, front, opposite side and rear protective pad portions. A strap is provided for adjusting the overall size of the padding. The strap had end portions which project through openings in the rear portion of the helmet with each end portion carrying fasteners for fastening to a fastener carried by the helmet between the openings.

Abstract: An impact resistant face shield that includes a single formed arcuate lens portion that, in a first orientation, has a first curvature extending in a horizontal direction and a second curvature extending in a vertical direction. The lens portion has a top portion and a bottom portion that extends relatively inwardly towards the face of the wearer relative to an intermediate portion disposed between the top and bottom portions. Each curvature of the lens defines an arc of a circle having a substantially uniform radius to produce nominal levels of distortion, thereby reducing the prism effects created by the lens, and providing an optically corrected viewing window.

Abstract: A sunglass equipped facemask construction 10 including an air permeable woven facemask member 20 dimensioned to closely conform to a user's head 100 and neck 101 and having a mouth opening 23 and a pair of eye openings 22 each provided with an independent sunglass lens 30 operatively engaged by inner and outer reinforcing rings connected to the facemask.

Abstract: A toilet bowl cleansing apparatus is positioned in a toilet tank between the toilet bowl refill tube and overflow protection pipe. The apparatus comprises a sealed container having an inlet connected to the refill tube and an outlet communicating with the overflow pipe. The interior of the container is divided into two chambers by a partition having screens at each end. One chamber houses a block of cleansing agent and the other chamber allows ingress of water into the container. As water from the refill tube enters ingress chamber, it flows through one of the screens in the partition and mixes with part of the cleansing agent block to form a cleansing solution. Compression of the air in the container permits only a portion of the block to erode at a time since the internal pressure forces the solution to exit the container before the block is completely covered by water.

Abstract: A urinating splash shield for use with conventional toilets which includes a splash shield and radial attachment ring. The splash shield is flipped up for use and down for nonuse. The attachment ring enables the splash shield to seat within the toilet bowl mouth. The device isolates the toilet seat from the urine stream thereby negating any additional need to clean the toilet seat.

Abstract: A flush toilet, for example, for use in a recreational vehicle comprises two main plastic mouldings, one of which includes the toilet bowl and the other of which forms a "shell" or outer housing in which the bowl is supported so that the bowl outlet is located in an internal space defined by the shell. In accordance with the invention, the toilet is provided with a flushing mechanism that includes a bowl rinse nozzle adjacent the rim of the bowl and an internal rinse nozzle for rinsing the walls of the internal space and flushing mechanism within the outer shell. This reduces the risk of odours developing from contamination of the shell and also means that the shell is relatively clean inside in the event that servicing of the toilet is required.

Abstract: An above-the-ground pool construction having a catastrophic failure-proof wall of comparatively low weight which is fabricated from a laminate of polypropylene and a woven polypropylene mesh reinforcement. The new wall is stronger and safer than existing walls; it is lighter weight; and it provides ease of pool wall decoration through the use of woven designs in the reinforcing mesh or by printing the mesh before it is laminated.

Abstract: A spa pool containing water within which humans can sit comfortably, which is portable, and which can be assembled and disassembled and stored sectionally. The water is recirculated through a externally connected pump and filtered heat system with a separately connected air induction pipe. Through this pipe air is forced through the water circulating within the contained and the water within the walls of the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sink cover designed primarily for double sinks comprising a planar, substantially rectangular cover member having four peripheral edges, a bottom surface, a top surface and a plurality of recesses on the top and bottom surfaces. The recesses on one side receive conductive thawing plates while the other recesses receive microwaveable gel packs which engage the thawing plates. Frozen foods may then be placed onto the heated thawing plates to facilitate thawing. The cover member also has an aperture for receiving a hose which may be removably attached to a faucet so that water leaking therefrom will drip directly into the sink bypassing the cover member. A rubber gasket is disposed on the bottom surface of the cover member proximal its peripheral edges to provide a water tight seal when the device is placed over a sink.

Abstract: A soft pliable mat includes a central rectangular base for covering the floor of a sink or basin. Four rectangular flaps extend from each side of the base to cover the sink or basin sidewalls as well as the upper surrounding edges and adjoining counter tops, as well as any rear splash board or front cabinet face. The liner may be formed from a planar stamping and formed into a generally closed-bottomed, open-topped receptacle through the use of fasteners such as hook and loop type fabric fasteners.

Abstract: A sofa-bed (1) is disclosed which comprises a fixed carrying structure (2), at least three movable frames (6, 7, 8) in engagement with each other in a consecutive rotatable manner and shiftable between a closed position and an open position, a kinematic driving mechanism (10) operatively interposed at least between each movable frame and the consecutive one of each said movable frame and synchronization means adapted to move all the movable frames (6, 7, 8) by a single operation from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.

Abstract: The futon includes a back deck guided for movement between horizontal and forwardly-inclined positions by rollers engaging in slots of the side frames of the futon. The seat deck is pivotally secured to the forward end of side extensions of the back deck by inter-engaging slots and pins. To convert from a bed position, the seat deck is initially pulled forwardly to locate the rollers in positions in the guide slots for movement of the back deck from the horizontal position to the inclined position. By pivoting the seat deck upwardly and permitting it to slide downwardly relative to the pins, the seat deck is positioned to leverage the back deck into the inclined position upon pivoting the seat deck back towards its horizontal position. The back deck is thus inclined and locked in the inclined position by the engagement of the rollers in extreme ends of guide slots. The seat deck rests on a futon cross piece and is supported along its rear edge by the slot and pin connection with the back deck.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for lifting a bedridden person using a lift strap device. The lift strap includes a main support member, a hook receiving member and a mechanism for securing the main support member to a portion of the person desired to be lifted. The mechanism for securing the person to the main support member includes a first strap member secured to one end of the main support member and a loop member fixed to an opposite end of the main support member. The main support member is secured to at least one leg of the person while the person is lying down on his/her back and is utilized to raise only the lower portion of the person from a support surface while permitting contact of the upper portion of the person with the support surface thereby permitting a care-giver to clean or change the person.

Abstract: The invention is a telescoping bed slat easily assembled for beds of various widths and heights. In particular, the invention includes a telescoping slat, one or more telescoping supports and securable mounts at terminal ends of the slat for anchoring the slat to respective bed rail cleats. Each slat includes two telescopically joined tubular sections. Preferably, the tubular sections are rectangular and include coinciding, longitudinally extending slots. The supports include a mounting head portion adapted to slideably engage the coinciding slots and extend downward from the slat toward a floor. The supports may include two telescoping tubular sections. An upper section attaches to the mounting head portion which slideably engages and extends within the slat via the longitudinally extending slot. A lower section attaches to a threadably mounted fine adjustment that permits fine adjustments in the height of the support.

Abstract: A system for retaining a fitted or flat sheet to a mattress utilizing first and second, generally "T" configured straps having first, second, and third gripping ends configured to engage the ends and lower sheet situated about and directly engaging the mattress, the system contemplating the straps being juxtaposed the box spring and mattress, retaining the lower sheet firmly in place. The present system is particularly suitable for holding the lower sheet in place where the sheet might otherwise become dislodged, such as, for example, utilization in conjunction with bedding utilized by bed ridden persons, invalids, and children.

Abstract: A portable orthopedic bed for the correct orthopedic support of a patient has a longitudinally adjacent array of laterally extending air inflatable chambers wherein the array has a first set of chambers and a second set of chambers. A set of chambers has a lower back supporting chamber adjacent a midpoint between the first and second sets of chambers, the lower back chamber also adjacent an upper back supporting chamber on an opposed side of the lower back supporting chamber from the midpoint, an upper foundation chamber adjacent the upper back supporting chamber on an opposed side of the upper back supporting chamber opposed to the lower back supporting chamber, wherein the upper foundation chamber is generally triangular in longitudinal cross section to thereby provide a buttressing foundation for the upper back supporting chamber.

Abstract: A lateral slumber support member includes a longitudinally extending wedge shaped pillow, for supporting a user, such as a pregnant woman, in a lateral slumber support, while lying down on either the left side or the right side, with the longitudinally extending wedge shaped pillow providing compressible, but firm support for the spine and pelvic region of the user. The longitudinally extending wedge shaped pillow has a triangular cross section, and has an interior body made of a firm, compressible elastic material, such as foam, which can provide support, but which easily conforms to the spinal and pelvic regions of the user. The wedge-shaped pillow includes a fabric cover which is permanently sewn to a bed sheet along an imaginary line dividing the sheet in half so it can be used by the user lying on either the left or right side.

Abstract: An air pressurization and control system for a low air loss air floatation mattress or cushion is disclosed. The control system controls air supplied to the air floatation mattress within a range of pressures and flowrates so as to inflate all of the cells of the mattress and to maintain a flow of air to all of the cells over an extended period of time while maintaining all of the cells at a desired level of inflation for the air floatation support of the patient without any of the cells exerting decubitus pressures above the maximum desired decubitus pressure and so as to prevent collapse of any of the cells. A sensor is provided for sensing the pressure of the air within the common supply.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a plurality of mattress structure components are arranged for selective assembly to provide a customized mattress structure at the point of sale to accommodate the musculoskeletal condition and interface pressure preference of the user. The mattress structure components include a perimetrical frame having a central opening and a plurality of cores which are provided in a variety of firmness and support characteristics such that various combinations of firmness and support can be selectively provided. The frame is preferably made from a relatively firm foam rubber such as a high resiliency, high density urethane foam and the plurality of cores includes air bladders, "zone foam" elements, "sculptured foam" shaped from foam blocks, and combinations thereof for filling the central opening of the perimetral frame. The mattress is also suitable for use with an articulating deck having longitudinally spaced head, seat, thighs and foot sections.