Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct winter-planted short-day-type variety of strawberry designated `PS-1269`. This new variety is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the central coast of California with the ability to remain in fruit production from April through November. It is particularly characterized by its early fruit production, large-sized berries and fruit and flowers visible above the canopy of the plant much of the year. The fruit is very attractive and glossy when just picked with a tendency to become dull after cold storage. The plant is strong and moderately vigorous when provided with optimum chilling and cold storage prior to planting but may become small and compact when chilling and/or cold storage is lacking. The foliage has a strong tendency to cup upward at the margins. This cupping action may in part be due to its susceptibility to powdery mildew although the foliage will still cup when powdery mildew is not present.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of azalea found as a seedling in a planned cross between the female azalea `Carror` 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 semi-double pink flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of azalea found as a seedling in a planned cross between the female azalea `White Jade` 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 lavender flowers.

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

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Heliopsis plant named `Loraine Sunshine,` characterized by its unique green and white variegated foliage; relatively compact growth habit; freely branching plant habit; large golden yellow daisy-type inflorescences that flower throughout the summer; numerous inflorescences per plant; and good container and garden performance.

Abstract: Chrysanthemum plant named `Bronze Cantata` particularly characterized by its flat capitulum form; daisy capitulum type; light orange-bronze ray floret color; diameter across face of capitulum of 76 to 89 mm when fully opened, when grown as a single stem spray cut mum; flowering response in Salinas under normal temperatures is 48 to 54 days after start of short days. Flowering response in Bogota, Colombia is 64 to 67 days after start of short days; plant height is 74 to 86 cm when grown in Salinas with 11 long days prior to start of short days; height is 102 to 112 cm when grown in Bogota with 14 to 15 long days prior to start of short days; peduncle length of the first and the fourth lateral at flowering after removing the apical bud without growth regulator applications is 5 to 15 cm and 8 to 20 cm when grown in Salinas, Calif., and 13 to 20 cm and 20 to 23 cm when grown in Bogota, Colombia; recommended as a spray cut mum; and uniform flowering in year round flowerings in both Salinas, Calif.

Abstract: A new variety of hybrid lily plant bearing semi-upright flowers of excellent form and long persistence, both on the plant and as a cutflower. The flowers of the new plant are particularly characterized by their multiple coloration; yellow base, soft yellow and white center, and pink tips with dark spots at the base. This combination is completely new in the Asiatic hybrid divisions of lilies suited to forcing and to mas commercial cultivation. The variety shows tolerance against fusarium. The bulbs may be precooled and forced for cutflower production. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.

Abstract: A new variety of a hybrid lily plant bearing semi-upright flowers of excellent form and long persistence, both on the plant and as cut-flowers. The flowers of the new plant are particularly characterized by buds which show their actual color, and their spotless deep yellow coloration all over the flower surrounding a small dark brown ray extending from the nectary furrows. This combination is completely new in the Asiatic hybrid divisions of lilies suited to forcing and to mass commercial cultivation. The variety is highly resistant to botrytis disease and shows high tolerance to virus. The bulbs may be precooled and forced for cut-flower production. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.

Abstract: A new variety of hybrid lily plant bearing large flowers of excellent form and long persistence, both on the plant and as cut-flowers. The flowers of the new plant are particularly characterized by their white coloration with a soft yellow flame extending from the nectary furrows and red purple tepal spottings at the base of each tepal.This combination is completely new in the Oriental hybrid divisions of lilies suited to forcing and to mass commercial cultivation. The variety is highly resistant to fusarium and botrytis disease. The bulbs may be precooled and forced for cut-flow production. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium pratense plant named `Summer Skies`, characterized by its double violet blue blossoms that have a hint of white, flowering which continues from mid-June to early August, compact bushy clumps, dull green foliage, and its use in borders or containers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for coating a zinc surface comprising treating said surface with an aqueous, acidic solution containing:(a) about 0.5 to about 4 percent phosphate ion;(b) an ion selected from the group consisting of zinc ions, manganese ions, and mixtures thereof, said ions being present at a level sufficient to form dihydrogen phosphate with substantially all of said phosphate ions; and(c) about 0.01 to about 1 percent complex fluoride ions; wherein the weight:weight ratio of complex fluoride ions:chloride ions in said solution is at a value of about 8:1 or greater.It is preferred that the ratio complex of fluoride ion to chloride ion (F.sup.- :Cl.sup.-) in said solution to be maintained at a value of greater than about 8:1, preferably greater than about 10:1, and more preferably greater than about 14:1.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatic assembling of a differential gear device, wherein a pair of pinions are introduced by a pinion support device into the chamber of a differential case through respective openings formed through the case, and the pinions are rotatably held between a pair of side gears disposed within the chamber, at respective symmetrical positions which are symmetrical with each other with respect to an axis of rotation of the side gears, so that the pinions are brought into meshing engagement with the side gears by a gear meshing device while one of the side gears is rotated about its axis by a rotating device and while the pinions are held at the respective symmetrical positions.

Abstract: An articulated connector for flexibly connecting the adjacent ends of a pair of rail car platforms which are supported on a common truck bolster, the connector comprising a spherical bearing formed integrally with a conventional center plate bearing of one car platform, and spherical elements carried by the other car platform for cooperable engagement with the spherical bearing to transmit vertical, lateral and longitudinal train forces between the adjacent platforms solely through engagement of the mating spherical bearing elements.

Abstract: An optical waveguide laser arrangement includes a solid optical waveguide having a waveguiding portion that extends along an axis between two spaced regions of the optical waveguide and is of a material capable of emitting stimulated light upon excitation by pumping light that is launched into the optical waveguide for axial propagation through the axially spaced regions of the optical waveguide. Two reflectors are provided, each being disposed at one of the axially spaced regions of the optical waveguide to delimit a laser resonator. At least one of the reflectors is constituted by a Bragg grating consisting of a multitude of axially consecutive periodic perturbations in the refractive index of the respective one of the axially spaced regions that cumulatively reflect the stimulated light at a reflectivity that decreases for adjacent longitudinal modes of the stimulated light with increasing deviation from a central wavelength.

Abstract: An automatic focusing camera is equipped with an automatic subject distance detecting device for detecting which of a plurality of predetermined distances is nearest to that at which the subject lies. A lens positioning member adjusts an objective lens to a suitable focusing position in which the objective lens has a depth of field straddling that nearest predetermined distance detected by the automatic subject distance detecting device. Another lens positioning member adjusts the objective lens to a focusing position in which the objective lens will be focused on a subject, such as a landscape, at infinity, independently of the distances detected by the automatic subject distance detecting device. The latter objective lens positioning member is externally operable when it is intended to photograph a subject at infinity, before depressing the shutter button.

Abstract: A process and feed composition for supplying fatty acids to ruminant animals which comprises feeding saturated fatty acids in the form of triglycerides to the animals. These highly saturated triglycerides may be added in an amount preferably between 2-5% of the total dry matter of the ratio. The highly saturated fatty acids according to the present invention have an iodine value of less than 25.

Abstract: Flexible hip protectors (1) of an approximately domed shape are located and fixed in positions confronting the neck of either femur in so-called usual pants (21) so as to cover corresponding portions of the necks of the femurs. Therefore, if a person wears the pants (21), the hip protectors (1) are always located at exact positions so as to protect the necks of the femurs. Accordingly, the pants (2) with the protectors (1) are effective for wearing the protectors (1).

Abstract: A method and system for reducing drag on the movement of the human body through air or other fluid mediums and improving heat transfer including a placement of trip mechanisms at predisposed locations on the human body with the mechanisms constituting elongated protrusions adapted to intercept the laminar flow of fluid across the body and prematurely trip the laminar flow into turbulence whereby the downstream pressure on the body is increased allowing the body to move more freely through the fluid medium.

Abstract: A corsage mounting device including a small wire element having two ends. Each end having buttons with holes wherein the wire ends are inserted therein in order to attach the corsage to a wearer's garment.

Abstract: A necktie which includes a neckband adapted for putting over the user's neck, a plurality of magnetic elements fixedly mounted on the neckband at an inner side and equally spaced from one another and adapted to produce magnetic field for acting with the magnetic field of the body of the user, a coupling box coupled to the neckband, an apron unit, and a connector adapted to connect the apron unit to the coupling box.

Abstract: A sock having a neck featuring an internal pocket, wherein the sock is completely normal in appearance and requires no unusual manipulations. A generally conventional sock body is composed of a neck portion and a foot portion, wherein the neck portion is preferably composed of a stretchable fabric for elastically engaging the wearer's leg. An inner neck member is connected with the neck portion by a sewing seam, preferably at the demarcation between the neck and foot portions of the sock body, thereby forming an annular pocket. The inner neck member is preferably composed of the same material and has the same appearance as that of the neck portion. The neck portion terminates remote from the foot portion at am outer mouth. The inner neck member terminates remote from its connection to the neck portion at an inner mouth, wherein the inner mouth is located within the neck portion. One or more articles may be inserted into the annular pocket anywhere around the circumference of the neck portion.

Abstract: The disclosure herein deals with a series of devices for moving an invalid or handicapped person from a poolside into a pool, and back to the poolside, wherein the invalid or handicapped person may be responsible for the total movement without the aid of a second person. The devices have a novel feature, which is the fact that they can be moved and controlled by the occupant of the lift chair during that movement without the use of direct electrical power.

Abstract: A flexible chain and cord-and-return mechanism used in flushing a toilet. A handle is removably attached to the end of the chain. Various handles are designed in a multitude of shapes including objects relating to a decorating theme, a special occasion or event, or a hobby or interest. The chain passes into the toilet housing through a smooth opening with minimal friction and, within the housing, is connected to a line that passes through a pair of tubes that are slidably connected, the line ending at the tank valve. A spring is fixed to each of the two tubes to return the chain-and-line tank valve actuator to its initial, actuation position after each flushing.

Abstract: A versatile liquid level control apparatus that includes a horizontal base, a vertical support both of hollow construction to accept a ballast, and a stanchion with adjustment holes. Mounted to the stanchion is a liquid control valve assembly with a float arm and a float that responds to the liquid level in a reservoir. A conduit for liquid that is connected to a liquid supply source on one end and to the control valve on the other. The apparatus can be set on the deck of a reservoir with the vertical support, stanchion, control valve assembly which includes the float arm and float, in cantilever fashion over the reservoir. The apparatus can be used in above ground reservoirs by straddling the outside of the reservoir. The apparatus filled with ballast can be submerged and set on the steps, seat, or bottom of a pond and fill the reservoir in the submerged fashion.

Abstract: A detachable and interchangeable decorative trim strip for comforters, quilts, and the like includes a decorative non-linearly patterned edge. The trim strip is removably fastened to the underside of the comforter and folded over the comforter's edge so that a decorative portion of the trim strip overlies the top side of the comforter. In a bedding arrangement, the comforter has an edge portion which substantially overlies an edge of the top surface of a bed, and the trim strip substantially completely covers the edge portion of the comforter. In an interior design system, the trim strip includes a rod pocket, and the trim strip may either be fastened to the comforter by means of removable fasteners or slipped over a horizontal rod to effect window treatment, wall treatment, or shower enclosure treatment.

Abstract: A support device comprising, a ring having inner and outer surfaces which, when fitted around a part of the body, lifts that part of the body clear of the surface on which the outer surface of the ring rests, and which permits the said part of the body to move. In a preferred embodiment the support device is U-shaped, is adapted to elevate the head of a user, and is removably attachable to the head of the user with the aid of a slider strap.

Abstract: A positioning cushion prevents a sitting infirm patient from sliding forward. The cushion comprises a base portion, and gel bladder filled with a gelatinous mixture of resin and water, and a top cover. The base portion defines thigh supporting recesses and a trough receiving the gel bladder. The base portion and top cover are constructed of a rigid urethane foam and an ergonomic urethane foam respectively. The aforementioned three parts may be then covered with a fabric cover.

Abstract: An orthopedic trapeze for a hospital bed for use with an overhead frame bar. The orthopedic trapeze includes an upper base assembly mounted on the overhead frame bar, a lower base assembly attached to the upper base assembly. The upper base assembly can slide linearly upon the overhead frame bar, the lower base assembly can rotate 360 degrees in a horizontal plane with respect to the upper base assembly, and the trapeze bar can slide linearly within the lower base assembly, giving the trapeze handle the ability to be positioned anywhere over the hospital bed, including the ability to be positioned past the edges of the bed. In the absence of any external weight on the trapeze handle the lower base assembly and trapeze bar and trapeze handle will rotate freely, while a weight placed on the trapeze handle will lock the lower base assembly in position. A patient can therefore position the trapeze handle at any desired location.

Abstract: An integrated matrix bedding system includes an air/foam mattress matrix assembly which comprises an airtight structure assembled within a restraining member. The airtight structure has a base with a plurality of compressible and expandable members extending upwardly from the base and arranged in a matrix arrangement. A plurality of connecting tubes are connected to the base and interconnected to two adjacent compressible and expandable members for distributing air between the plurality of compressible and expandable members. The restraining member has a plurality of interior cavities arranged in a matrix arrangement which corresponds and aligns with the compressible and expandable members. The plurality of compressible and expandable members are respectively inserted within the interior cavities of the restraining member.

Abstract: A curb crossing apparatus having a pivot member and a ramp member for preventing damage to a curb and equipment upon the equipment's transport between a street and elevated subgrade.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy bridge deck construction is disclosed with a wearing surface applied thereto. The surface of the welded-together extrusions of the bridge deck is treated so that a tight bond is formed between the wearing surface and the extrusion surface. When splicing bridge deck segments together, the joint extrusions forming part of the bridge deck include a wearing surface dam on an upper surface thereof. The wearing surface dam acts as a separator between a wearing surface previously applied to the bridge deck surface prior to its splicing and a surface which receives the wearing surface after the joint is made in the field.

Abstract: In a dental cleaning device (1) including a grip member (2) and at least one elongate extension member (5) which projects from the grip member (2) in the direction of a longitudinal axis (4), the free end portion (13) of the extension member carrying a brush holder (14), from which bristles (10) project in the direction of the pivotal axis (15) and which is drivable so as to pivot to and fro along a circularly arcuate path about a pivotal axis (15) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (4), and an interdental brush holder (16), from which interdental bristles (12) extend also in the direction of dte pivotal axis (15) and which is coupled to a drive member (69) which is drivable so as to pivot to and fro about a further pivotal axis (17), the further pivotal axis (17) also extends transversely to the longitudal axis (4) of the extension member (5), and the free ends of the bristles (10) and the interdental bristles (12) perform a movement whose main component is oriented parallel to a plane which exte

Abstract: A device for cleaning the tips of optical fibers which have been installed in a connector, such as a plug or a receptacle. The device includes a tool body having cleaning media therein, such as a strip of adhesive tape, and a latch for releasably attaching the connector to the tool body. The adhesive tape may be in the form of a roll on a supply spool. In the embodiment designed for a plug, the tool body has an appropriately shaped opening for receiving the plug, and push rods are provided with the tool body which contact the fibers and urge them towards a cleaning position. In the embodiment designed for a receptacle, the receptacle is modified by having a tilt arm which can move the fibers to the cleaning position, and the tool body includes features to actuate the tilt arm as the tool body is inserted into the receptacle. Alternate designs are presented in which the cleaning media is not located in the tool body, but is manually applied to the fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing hair from a drain for facilitating the maintenance of drains by permitting convenient periodic debris removal and cleaning of a drain. The apparatus includes an elongate shaft with a plurality of hook members for picking up hair and debris located at the proximal end of the shaft and a handle located at the distal end.

Abstract: Improvement in a toothbrush (301), especially for the combined brushing of teeth and massaging of gums, comprising a plurality of toothbrush bristles attached at their one end to the head (302) of the toothbrush and having their other end extending freely from said head, the improvement comprising one or more inner rows or groups of bristles (303a, 303b) of ordinary cleaning quality in combination with adjacent outer rows or groups of bristles (304n, 305n) of smaller height than said inner rows of bristles, said outer bristles provided with free rounded end portions (306).

Abstract: This invention relates to a soft/abrasive sponge, and more specifically to a sponge of the type that is used for cleaning any class of articles such as dishes, bathrooms, tiles etc., which combines in one body of any geometric shape one section of a soft surface, on the opposite section an extremely abrasive surface and on its peripheral sides a plurality of projecting salients which make up the rounded tips which provide the possibility to scrub places which only are penetrated with great difficulty by any other type of sponge when cleaning those areas.

Abstract: A shower back cleaner easily repositionable to optimally interface with the backs of each respective user of the shower, is composed generally, of a mounting rail, a mounting member for connecting the mounting rail to a shower wall, a base, a cleaning member (preferably in the form of a brush or sponge) which is connected with the base, and a cam means for connecting the base to the mounting rail wherein the base is slidable along the mounting rail and is affixable at any selected location along the mounting rail by a simple turn of the base in relation to the mounting rail The cam means is composed of a flanged slot formed in the mounting rail and a cam connected with the base. The cam is trappingly situated in the flanged slot.

Abstract: A toothbrush that provides for improved cleaning after use by enhanced flow through the design. Brush bristles are positioned in spaced groups which are surrounded by open flow through areas that allows for a low surface area to opening ratio to ensure that each bristle group is thoroughly flushed with water during cleaning to dislodge used toothpaste.

Abstract: A broom having a handle with a threaded end and a broom head connected to the handle which includes a generally cylindrical sleeve made of plastic having a first end which defines an open surface extending axially therethrough and a second end which defines a forward threaded open surface extending axially therethrough in communication with the open surface of the first end, wherein the open surfaces are configured to receive the threaded end of the handle and wherein the sleeve is employed in a method for winding a broom head which includes mating the sleeve to a forward threaded shaft, fixing the position of the sleeve to the shaft, disposing broom corn about the sleeve, securing an end from a winding wire through the broom corn to the sleeve, clockwise rotating the shaft such that the winding wire wraps about the broom corn in a manner to secure the broom corn to the sleeve and connecting another end of the wire to the sleeve.

Abstract: An eraser is disclosed for use in conjunction with dry erase boards. The eraser includes a rigid support member having a layer of non-abrasive material attached to the bottom surface thereof and a strip of magnetic material attached to the top surface thereof. The non-abrasive material is used to remove the ink from the dry erase board, while the magnetic material allows the eraser to be conveniently positioned in relation to the dry erase board. The eraser is designed for use with any dry erase board.

Abstract: A collapsible mop pad holder including a body member, at least first and second wing parts each pivotally connected to the body member so as to be pivotable between an operative position in which the body member and the wing part define a surface for supporting a mop pad, and an inoperative position in which the wing part depends from the body part, first and second locking means for locking the first and second wing parts, respectively, in relation to the body member in the operative positions of the wing parts, each of said first and second locking means comprising a first latch member moveable between a locking position, in which it is in locking engagement with the respective wing part in its operative position, and a releasing position, a locking element having the first latch members arranged thereon being moveably mounted on the body member so as to be moveable in relation thereto, and first actuating means for moving the locking element so as to move the first latch members between their locking and r

Abstract: This invention concerns a building trade tool for smoothing flat surfaces coated with varnish, glue or other fluid materials, consisting of a handle fitted with a spatula at the end, rotating to the left or to the right with respect to the axis of the handle.

Abstract: An ice scraper having a handle with a representational element mounted at its lower extremity, said representational element having a scraper blade incorporated in its lower extremity. The handle incorporates reinforcing means which extend downwardly into the representational element to rigidify the same.

Abstract: A modular support frame for a windshield wiper drive having integrally formed mounting brackets for securing the frame to a vehicle body, and integrally formed pivot bosses for pivot drive shafts connected to windshield wiper arms. A motor carrier for supporting a motor drive coupled to a linkage for rotating the wipers is integrated into the frame. The motor carrier has an end plate integrally formed with the frame which is transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the motor shaft and which is apertured for receiving the motor shaft. An integrally formed splash cover extends outwardly on one side of the end plate, so as to partly cover a housing for the motor drive, the splash cover defining a longitudinally-extending opening adapted to axially receive the motor drive for assembly into the support frame. The arrangement facilitate assembly of the motor drive directly into the support frame where it can easily be accessed for servicing.

Abstract: A paint tray includes a bottom, front wall, back wall, sidewalls, and a mounting bracket connected to the side walls. The mounting bracket has parallel legs, each leg including a foot at one end and a hook at the other end. The feet extend outward of the legs and are pivoted at the tops of opposite sidewalls of the tray for movement of the bracket from a storage position within the tray to an operating position behind the tray. A crossbar connects the hook ends of the legs. The hooks engage the top step of a step ladder, with the legs overlying the top step and the tray hanging from the top step in a substantially vertical attitude.

Abstract: A surface cleaner and collector system includes: a chamber having an opening for receiving a surface to be cleaned; at least one pressurized air delivery system proximate the surface for establishing an air flow for loosening and entraining contaminants on the surface; a sealing system for sealing the chamber and creating a positive pressure therein; and a collector for trapping the entrained contaminants and passing the air flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wet/dry carpet cleaner having a large tank assembly for fluids. A bladder containing fresh or cleaning water is positioned in the large tank. Nozzles for dispensing the cleaning water to a brush, a vacuum nozzle for vacuuming and returning soiled fluid to the recovery tank portion of the tank assembly is also provided. The present invention includes the method of securing a brush head assembly pivotably to the chassis assembly and includes the driving motor, rotating brush, and spray mechanism. The pivotal securement results in the weight of the brush head assembly applying a constant force on the brush throughout the entire cleaning cycle, independent of the amount of fluid contained in the recovery tank or the bladder. Also, the method is addressed to configuring and proportioning the bladder to insure a relatively constant load on the nozzle.

Abstract: A water extraction cleaner comprises a system for delivering clean solution to a surface to be cleaned, a system for extracting dirty solution and air from such a surface, and a housing supporting the delivery system and the extraction system. The housing defines a recess for receiving a pair of tanks, an upright front surface of the recess being complementary to upright rear surfaces of the tanks. The housing is also provided with a pivot surface spaced from the upright surface of the recess and engageable by lower end portions, the pivot surface being formed and disposed to hold the upright surfaces of the tanks in snug engagement with the upright recess surface. Each of the tanks may be mounted on the housing by tilting the tank to insert the lower end portion thereof into the recess and then rotating the tank to an upright position about the pivot surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body section having a first recess, and a second recess. The vacuum cleaner further has a first connector section, a second connector section, a suction pipe section and a brush section. First and second arc-shaped slots are provided in order for first and second protrusions of the first connector section to be slidably inserted in the slots and to be placed on the first recess. The second connector section is fixedly inserted in the second recess. The first connector section is connected to the second connector section. When the vacuum cleaner is used in the upright mode, the brush section is detachably connected to the first connector section and the suction pipe section is detachably connected to the second connector section, to thereby provide an air passageway from the brush section, the first connector section, the second connector section, and the suction pipe section, up to the cleaner body section.

Abstract: The larger of the two flanges in a grommet contains a tip portion that extends back toward the other tapered flange and overlies the circumferential slot between the two flanges to define a grommet having application to panels of a variety of thicknesses. The tip portion elastically bends, upon installing the grommet in a panel, responsive to force exerted by a side wall of the panel. It exerts an elastic reaction force pressing on a side of the panel. Concurrently it pulls the other tapered flange into contact with the opposed surface of the panel through elastic force exerted through the grommets midsection. This seals the flanges against the panel's sides, notwithstanding a circumferential slot width greater than the panel's thickness and notwithstanding a panel mounting hole having a greater diameter than the bottom surface of that slot. A fire resistant layer is integrally formed or applied in that outer surface of the grommet containing the larger flange.