Abstract: A new and distinct selection of Silver Flower which shall be referred hereinafter as Argyanthemum frutescens cultivar `Carmella`. Argyanthemum frutescenscultivar Carmella differs distinctively from other Argyanthemum frutescens plants by its unique combination of consistent and uniform pink colored flowers varying only slightly with age and foliage which has a more grey hue.

Abstract: A new and distinct selection of Silver Flower which shall be referred hereinafter as Argyranthemum frutescens cultivar `Primrose Petite`. Argyranthemum frutescens cultivar `Primrose Petite` differs distinctively from other Argyranthemum frutescens plants by its unique combination of dense, low uniform growth habit with short grey foliage and lemon yellow bloom color.

Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum plant having a cymose cluster inflorescence form producing reddish bronze flowers of the decorative type in the shape of an irregular circle.

Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum plant producing flowers with cream outer petals and a dark eye.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Echinodorus plant named `Red Flame`, characterized by its relatively compact plant habit; moderate vigor and moderate growth rate; and attractive dark green leaves with numerous dark brownish red spots and blotches.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Echinodorus plant named `Indian Red`, characterized by its relatively compact plant habit; moderate vigor and moderate growth rate; and attractive brownish red leaves that are elliptic to ovate and undulating with upturned leaf apices.

Abstract: A method of conditioning soil and an organic soil conditioner particularly useful in treating athletic fields derived by drying and grinding plants from the Plantago family. The soil conditioner is applied to the surface of tilled soil and thereafter worked into the soil, deep-watered, allowed to dry and packed. Time-released fertilizer may be included in the soil conditioner if desired.

Abstract: A waste disposal system (10) which provides for the destruction of solid and liquid waste materials, through a controlled and monitored flow, from the loading of the material to be processed to the expulsion of clean nontoxic and sterile air and inert solid residue. The system includes; a waste loading module (30), a shredding module (33), an injection module (34), a fist combustion chamber (40), a second combustion chamber (50), a first cooling module (60), an electrostatic module (701), a reducing catalyst module (70), an oxidizing catalyst module (80), a liquid filtering module (90), a neutralization module (100) and second cooling module (101).

Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thermoplastic film which comprises a copolymer or copolymer-polymer mixture selected from the group consisting of ethylenevinylacetate (EVA) copolymer, an EVA copolymer and polyethylene, an EVA copolymer and polypropylene, and an EVA copolymer and polyethylene and polypropylene, with the proviso that the concentration of vinylacetate in said film is from about 12 to about 28% by weight, said method comprising the steps of:pressing said at least two layers of said thermoplastic film;applying a high frequency current to said pressed layers in order to weld said layers together; andrecovering said welded layers.

Abstract: A reader for contactless data cards includes a printed circuit, contacts for establishing contact with a contact-type data card, and at least one drive coil for transmitting in contactless manner energy and data between the printed circuit and a data medium on the data card. The at least one drive coil forms a component of the printed circuit and the printed circuit in turn includes a flexible portion which establishes an electrical connection to outside the reader for both the contacts and the drive coil, thereby reducing the height of the reader. A variety of carriage configurations may be provided to bring the drive coils and/of contacts into proximity with the card, or for bringing the card into proximity with the drive coils and/or contacts in order to avoid wear on the contacts and ensure a good electromagnetic coupling between the drive coils and the card when the card is of the contactless type.

Abstract: A support assembly for attachment to a skating shoe includes a frame having two fastening brackets with openings through which connection members extending away from the sole plate of the skating shoe can extend and either a skate blade or at least three freely rotatable wheels attached to the frame. When the support assembly includes at least three wheels, they are attached to the frame such that each group of at least two wheels has an underlying tangent which extends outside each remaining wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronic ballast device for the control of gas discharge lamps. The device is comprised of a housing unit with electronic circuitry and related components. The device accepts a.c. power and rectifies it into various low d.c. voltages to power the electronic circuitry, and to one or more high d.c. voltages to supply power for the lamps. Both the low d.c. voltages and the high d.c. voltages can be supplied directly, eliminating the need to rectify a.c. power. The device switches a d.c. voltage such that a high frequency signal is generated. Because of the choice of output transformers matched to the high frequency (about 38 kHz) and the ability to change frequency slightly to achieve proper current, the device can accept various lamp sizes without modification. The ballast can also dim the lamps by increasing the frequency. The device can be remotely controlled.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint has a bell-shaped outer joint part which is open at one end. The outer joint part includes longitudinally extending circumferentially distributed outer ball tracks. An inner joint part with longitudinally extending circumferentially distributed inner ball tracks is positioned within the outer part such that the outer and inner tracks are arranged radially opposite one another to form pairs. A torque transmitting ball is received in each track pair. A cage is arranged between the outer joint part and the inner joint part and holds the balls in a common plane in circumferentially distributed cage windows. The cage guides the balls on to the angle bisecting plane when the axes of the outer and inner joint part are articulated relative to one another. The outer joint part is produced, especially by extrusion, forging or deep-drawing. The forming provides outer ball tracks which, if viewed from the open end, are axially undercut-free.

Abstract: A continuous duty press monitoring system includes a linear variable displacement transducer mounted to a press frame as to acquire data related to stresses and strains in the press housing due to completion of a press operation. First and second oppose, spaced apart ends of a rod member are secured to the press housing or frame. The first send is secured to so as to cause axial movement of the rod in accordance with the frame movement at that point. The second portion is secured to the housing so as to allow the second end to be slidable in relation thereto. A linear variable displacement transducer is secured at the slidably affixed end of the rod. A magnetic flux generated by application of current to a coil of the transducer is affected by relative positioning of the rod thereto. Press operation thereby provides an indication, due to stresses or strains resultant on the press housing, as to the characteristics of a particular press operation.

Abstract: A nursing cape which covers the infant and the torso of the mother to provide privacy. Viewing ports made of netting are provided to allow eye contact between mother and infant, while also providing ventilation. The viewing ports include covering flaps for additional privacy. A flexible, conventional head band becomes a neck-band by being is sewn into the collar of the cape, and grasps the mother's neck to hold the cape in place. The neck-band allows the cape to be put on using only one hand, thereby allowing the mother to hold the infant in her other arm. A split front panel is provided in the front of the cape forming two flaps. These flaps naturally overlap one another, to conceal both the infant and the torso of the wearer.

Abstract: To provide, selectively, protection for the thumb of a user, especially during sporting events, such as skiing or snowboarding, or release of the thumb from the protection, the glove is formed with a strap (15) passing at least in part across the palm surface of the glove and having a loose or raised portion to define, with the palm of the hand, a loop (13) through which the thumb of the glove can be passed for protection, or withdrawal. The strap (15) is attached laterally from the root of the second or index finger of the glove on one side and, at the other side of the loop, in the region of the third and/or fourth finger of the glove. Preferably, one of the attachment members (15a) is releasable and reconnectable, for example formed by a hook and loop connection.

Abstract: A pressure assist toilet includes a gravity flow bowl, a gravity flow tank, and a thin walled pressure tank. The thin walled pressure tank is selectively configured to have a rectanguloid shape for insertion into the gravity flow tank and having strengthened areas to enable said thin walled pressure tank to be pressurized to about 20 PSI. The thin walled pressure tank is charged with a predetermined volume of water at about 20 PSI, and the charge is released from the thin walled pressure tank to the gravity flow bowl.

Abstract: A flush valve is connectable to a vertical wall of a toilet tank. An overflow tubular member is in fluid communication with the flush valve housing and there are clip members mounted on the overflow member for connection with a flapper valve. In a preferred manner, the clip members are mounted on the back side of the overflow member whereby the overflow member acts as a guide, as well as a stop for the flapper valve.

Abstract: An automobile urinal having a portable elevated flushing solution container, a portable bowl, (which when in use is positioned in the seat) and a portable disposable collecting bladder. The flushing solution container and the disposable collecting bladder are separately connected to the bowl by valved tubing.

Abstract: An articulated jet structure which is mountable on the wall of a tub or spa, and which can be moved into a variety of positions to deliver a pulsed air/water stream to a desired location. More specifically, the hydrotherapy jet which extends from the wall of the hydrotherapy spa can be directed to any number of desired positions and will maintain the desired position while the pulsed air/water stream is delivered to the spa occupant. The hydrotherapy jet comprises a housing and an articulated or flexible section. The mixing of water and air occurs in the housing forming an air/water stream which is delivered to the articulated section of the jet. The articulated section of the jet preferably comprises a plurality of articulating elements interconnected to provide a wide range of motion and which hold their position when released. These elements form a water tight conduit and deliver the air/water stream from the housing to a discharge nozzle on the end of the articulated section.

Abstract: A bathtub that has a contoured head support and a contoured neck support formed in the lower portions of the tub. The tub comes in a standard length (in which the knees are drawn up) and a full length size (84 inches long) in which the user lies flat. In both cases, the head is not only supported above the water so drowning is prevented, the head and neck are supported at the proper angle so that all four spinal curves are in proper alignment.

Abstract: A shower door assembly is disclosed that has a connector vertically slidably attached to a lower door corner block. The connector corrects for out of plumb conditions when linked to a curb rail. The connector also cleans a track in the rail as the door is moved.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a toilet seat. Such a toilet seat enables the elderly and disabled to more easily use toilets. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a toilet seat which is pivotally secured to the remaining toilet bowl. To the rearward extent of the toilet seat a pair of opposing drive cylinders are secured. Each of the drive cylinders is further threadably interconnected to a drive shaft. Each of these drive shafts is further interconnected to a horizontal drive shaft via a beveled gear assembly. A transverse drive shaft serves to drive the entire assembly and is interconnected to both of the horizontal drive shafts. A motor is interconnected to the transverse drive shaft for use in powering the entire assembly.

Abstract: A pillow that does not promote facial wrinkling or earaches including a solid foam body. The body is sculptured to have hollows or cutouts positioned and specifically shaped on its longitudinal axis for receiving the facial tissue of a user so as to prevent wrinkles to the facial tissue.

Abstract: A slide lock device is provided for releasably locking a patient positioning mold to a base for accurate and repeatable radiation therapy. The slide lock device includes a rail secured to the base and a tab slidably mounted on the rail for overlapping engagement with the frame of the patient positioning mold. The tab locks the mold against vertical and lateral movement relative to the base in a quick and easy manner. A plurality of holes in the rail allow adjustable positioning of the mold through the use of indexing pins.

Abstract: An airbed having multi-zone air mattress is provided having a control that can identify the configuration of any of a plurality of hand control units connected thereto and can interpret control functions differently based on the identified unit configuration. A plurality of normally closed valves seal pressures in each of the zones when power to an air pump is off while mattress zone pressures are constantly monitored and the measurements sent by the control through a communications port for monitoring of the motion or care of a user of the bed and for analysis and diagnosis. When pump power is on, the pressure in the zones is regulated at predetermined pressure settings ideal for the user. Deviations from ideal pressure cause a programmed controller to calculate inflation or deflation times for the respective zones that would be required to inflate or exhaust the zones to the desired pressures.

Abstract: A headband (22) for a mop head assembly (10) includes four scrubbing surfaces (40, 42, 44, and 46) that allow a user to scrub a surface with the headband (22). The scrubbing surfaces (40, 42, 44 and 46) include a plurality of interstices (34) and scrubbing sections (36) that are formed by coating a knitted polyester base material (30) with an adhesive and abrasive coating (32). The coating (32) provides strength, durability, and abrasiveness to the base material (30). In addition to the ability to scrub, the headband (22) allows the yarn (20) beneath the headband (22) to dry thus preventing mildew.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the surface of a backing roll in a coater or a calender roll, wherein the roll is cleaned by spraying water on it and then scraping the water away from the surface or the roll with a doctor blade. Splashing of the water accumulating in front of the doctor blade is prevented by a rubber sheet extending down close to the tip of the blade, or alternatively, using a guide blade mounted in front of the doctor blade. The rubber sheet preceding the doctor blade isolates the water pond formed in front of the doctor blade from the surface of the roll, so that the rotational movement of the roll cannot induce turbulence and splashes.

Abstract: A grip contains a profiled membrane (1) made of flexible material with two lips (1c) (1d) forming an interior collar, leaving the passage for the introduction of a tool shaft with any cross section free and which, when used and handled, allows the collars to fulfil the function of sealing lips and in that the profiled membrane forms at least one air chamber (1a) on the inside, and when the grip is handled by the user the membrane is deformed and creates a vacuum in the interior chambers (1a) (1b), forming suction pads on the tool shaft.

Abstract: A strapping system using a novel buckle wherein one end portion of the buckle is attached to one end of a flat non-metallic strap, and the other end of the strap is threaded though the buckle in such a manner that the strap is held securely in place, and wherein the buckle is of a unitary structure comprising the attaching end portion and the threaded end portion in which are located two outer parallel legs and a center leg with two slots respectively therebetween, and with the walls of the slot closest to the attaching end being generally parallel to each other and positioned at an angle of between 45.degree. and up to less than 90.degree. as measured from the top or bottom surface of the buckle depending on the orientation of the walls of the slot.

Abstract: In an auto-lock slide fastener slider composed of four members, i.e., a slider body, a pull tab, a locking member and a cover, the slider body has front and rear resilient cover-attachment projections extending from an upper wing and terminating respectively in outwardly directed hooks while the cover is made of thermoplastic resin and has on respective inner edges of front and rear end walls corresponding inwardly directed hook portions resiliently engaged with the hooks of the cover-attachment projections. The cover can be attached to the slider body simply in a single snap action. Since all parts of the attaching mechanism are concealed by the cover, the resulting slider is neat in appearance.

Abstract: Locking device for a connector for cooperation with a recess of a member with which the connector is to be connected, said locking device being made of spring elastic material and comprising two shanks which are movable towards and away from each other. At least one of the shanks has, at its end opposite the connector, on its side facing away from the other shank, a protruding hooking means. The shanks are tapered in the direction towards the end opposite the connector and pass over into resilient portions, which have substantially even thickness, have thinner walls than the shanks and project towards each other, said resilient portions being connected by a connecting portion. At the ends facing the connector the shanks form a functionally common base portion.

Abstract: After purchase of a footwear article of manufacture, such as a sneaker, boot or the like, the substitution for the traditional lacing-up of the article of studs and closed loops of elastomeric construction material to facilitate the fitting on and removal of the article from a user's foot. The application of the studs and loops uses to advantage the original equipment manufacture (OEM) structural features to contribute to use on a wide range of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a reconfigurable gantry tool and a reconfigurable tool system. The reconfigurable tool includes a platform, a reconfigurable holding mechanism, a gantry frame, a multi-axis numerically controlled robotic tool, a multi-movement control device coupled to the mobile multi-axis tool, and a rotatable and translatable sine plate. The reconfigurable gantry tool system comprises a plurality of reconfigurable gantry tools strategically coupled to one another to form a non-matrix assembly line. Other tooling systems can be coupled to and/or within the reconfigurable gantry tool system for performing additional operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing an end board from a pallet are disclosed which use a surface for supporting a pallet, a plurality of arms pivotally secured to the surface, a restraining bar pivotally secured to the surface and a power source operatively connected to the arms and restraining bar for rotating the arms and restraining bar from a first position for receiving an end board of a pallet to a second position for prying the end board from the pallet. The surface will typically be a table, and the arms and restraining bar may be pivotally secured to the table by one or more sides that are pivotally secured to the table, so that the arms and restraining bar rotate about the same axis relative to the table. This axis of rotation of the arms and restraining bar may be disposed between front and rear ends of the table and above the table surface, so that the arms may extend substantially horizontally between the front end of the table and the axis.

Abstract: The improved bearing puller is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, will facilitate the easy and rapid removal of blind press fit bearings with little or no resultant damage to the bearing housing. It is principally intended for use in the extraction of automotive clutch press fit pilot bearings from blind press fit bearing housings.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical machine includes a rotor having a rotor stop axially affixed with respect to a shaft of the rotor. The rotor stop has a surface which is machined after assembly of the rotor. The rotor is then assembled into the electrical machine, with the machined rotor stop surface accurately locating the rotor axially within the electrical machine. The rotor stop surface includes at least one groove to prevent the formation of long, continuous machining chips during the machining operation.

Abstract: An insulating film 3 is provided with an opening 4 whose size is substantially equivalent to or slightly smaller than the outer configuration of electronic component 5. A conductive pattern 2 is formed on insulating substrate 1. After forcibly inserting the main body of electronic component 5 into said opening 4, terminals 6 are put between insulating film 3 and insulating substrate 1 and disposed in such a manner that terminals 6 are brought into contact with conductive pattern 2. Then, insulating film 3 is connected with insulating substrate 1 by fusing them in a region surrounding terminals 6, thereby firmly fixing terminals 6 of electronic component 5 on conductive pattern 2.

Abstract: A method and tool (15) for securing V-shaped, open connector elements (14) o belt ends (1) in a manual operation use staples (8) that are driven by hammer blows applied to a punch held by the tool. Each connector element (14) has at least two shanks (11, 12) and at least one eye loop (13) interconnecting the shanks. The staples (8) are initially held in place for the driving by one shank (11) of the connector elements (14). The securing elements (8) first penetrate holes in one shank (11), then the belt end (1), and then holes in the shank (12), whereupon the free end pieces (53, 54) of the staples (8) are bent over in the tool provided with a die (29) for this purpose. The connecting elements (14) have downwardly projecting shanks (12) which extend initially away from the belt end. These shanks (12) are first pressed against the belt end (1) with a manually produced force increased with the aid of a tool mechanism providing a mechanical advantage.

Abstract: An automated clinching apparatus for securing a decorative cover to a reaction plate, forming an air bag module, the reaction plate including a plurality of tabs received by the decorative cover and clinched to secure the decorative cover to the reaction plate. The automated clinching apparatus includes a clamp assembly configured to engage and hold the air bag module, and a tab clinch assembly positioned adjacent the clamp assembly for automatically clinching the tabs of the reaction plate.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a probe includes the steps of: (1) forming a structure wherein a contact part formed on one side of an insulating flexible substrate and a conductor formed on either side or the inside of the flexible substrate are electrically continued, and (2) joining the flexible substrate and a rigid frame substrate capable of supporting the tension in the planar direction of the flexible substrate at the outer periphery thereof, by bonding them by lamination pressing after heating, or by heating after lamination pressing, thereby applying a planar tension to the flexible substrate enclosed by the rigid substrate.

Abstract: A microelectronic assembly (10) is formed by bonding an integrated circuit component (20) to a substrate (12). The substrate (12) includes a via (22) and a metal contact (24) closing the via (22). A bonding agent (14), such as a solder paste or a conductive epoxy, is dispensed into the via (22) adjacent the metal contact (24). A carrier tape (16) that includes partially-cured films (18) is placed onto the substrate (12) such that the film (18) covers the via (22) and forms a gap (28) between the substrate (12) and the film (18). The integrated circuit component (20) is superposed onto the substrate (12) such that conductive bumps (26) on the integrated circuit component (20) perforate and extend through the film (18) and contact the bonding agent (14) in the via (22). Portions (44) displaced during perforation are received in the gap (28). The film (18) is thus interposed between the substrate (12) and the integrated circuit component (20).

Abstract: Semiconductor chip assemblies are fabricated by providing a wafer having a plurality of semiconductor chips and providing a sheet separate from the wafer having a plurality of dielectric elements. Each chip has a plurality of contacts and each dielectric element has a plurality of terminal formed thereon. The sheet and the wafer are then assembled so that the terminals on the dielectric elements face away from the wafer and so that each chip is associated with a dielectric element. The contacts on each chip are connected to the terminals on a dielectric element associated with the chip. The individual dialectic elements are then severed from the sheet and the individual chips are severed from the wafer after the assembling and connecting step to provide subassemblies, each subassembly including a chip and the dielectric element associated with the chip. In another embodiment, a plurality of individual dielectric elements separate from one another and separate from a wafer are provided.

Abstract: A method of forming metallic current conducting lugs on an accumulator electrode plate wherein at least the region where the current conducting lug has to be formed comprises a plastic net structure which is preferably provided with a metallization which conducts electricity well, in particular of copper, which is in turn provided with a tin or lead/tin coating and/or a lead coating or a lead alloy coating. Metal strips of an alloy which melts at low temperature are applied to the two oppositely disposed surfaces of the plastic net structure in the region of the current conducting lug which is to be formed. The strips cover over at least the upper region of the current conducting lug which is to be formed.

Abstract: A vehicle frame having a side/cross member joint, including a pair of side members each having at least one opening therethrough, the openings having a plurality of generally straight edge portions. A cross member is connected to the side members, wherein the one cross member is disposed in the openings in the side members. The cross member is deformed radially outwardly such that an outer surface of the cross member is formed with a pair of grooves having radially extending walls on opposite sides of each of the openings in the side member. A plurality of flat and semi-circular portions are formed in the cross member corresponding with the straight edge portions and the semi-circular edge portions of the openings.

Abstract: An impact actuated bakery grid device 10 for producing uniform portions of baked goods wherein the grid device 10 includes a force generating unit 13 operatively associated with a handle member 30 which is connected at widely spaced locations on a grid member 20 for forcibly ejecting the portions of baked goods from within the confines of a plurality of compartments 24 within the grid member 20.

Abstract: A hand-held windshield wiper reconditioning device that has a body shaped and sized to be operated by a hand of a user. In an embodiment of the reconditioning device, a pair of opposing guide surfaces extends between a front face and a rear face of the body. The guide surfaces are shaped to define a channel through the body with a cross-sectional profile that substantially corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of a wiper blade. A cutting blade is mounted across an upper portion of the channel at an acute angle with respect to the cutting path. In operation, the channel positions the wiper blade to maintain a constant spatial relationship between the wiper blade and the body. As the body moves along the wiper blade, the cutting blade cleanly slices material from the tip of the wiper at a substantially constant depth along the whole length of the wiper.

Abstract: A portable circular saw is disclosed which includes a mechanism for simply and efficiently adjusting parallelism of the saw blade to the base. Two connecting members positioned at the front and rear of the saw connect the base of the saw to the saw cover, and the mechanism for adjusting parallelism is part of the front connecting member.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw blade comprises an elongated substantially flat body having a tang end and a distal tip end, a back edge and a spaced apart cutting edge. The cutting edge is formed of first and second pluralities of alternately and oppositely facing slicing teeth which define gullets formed therebetween. The first plurality of the slicing teeth extends from the one end and merges into the second plurality of the slicing teeth which extends to the other end. Each slicing tooth includes a slicing face facing one end, a planing face facing the other end, and a tip including an uppermost planar surface. The tips of the second plurality of teeth are substantially tangent to a first tooth tip tangent line. Each tip surface of the second plurality of teeth lies at a greater angle to the first tip tangent line than the tip surface of the first plurality of teeth. A method of making a reciprocating saw blade in accordance with the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A saw blade clamping arrangement particularly for power reciprocating saws and similar tools having a reciprocating drive shaft connected to a cutting member such as a saw blade includes a clamping member movable relative to the drive shaft between a clamped position and a release position. A threaded fastener passes through an aperture formed in a portion of the clamping member and functions to move the clamping member to its clamped position upon selective rotation. A sleeve surrounds the threaded fastener for rotation therewith. When the sleeve is biased against the clamping member through the force of a biasing member, opposing surfaces prevent rotation of the sleeve.