Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a hydraulic work machine for towing in response to a dead engine condition. The apparatus includes a source of hydraulic fluid, a standby pump system hydraulically connected to the source, a plurality of pilot controls adapted for electrical activation by the standby pump system, and a hydraulic brake system. The apparatus also includes a supply valve connected to the pilot controls, and at least one lift cylinder connected to the supply valve and adapted to lift an implement on the work machine. The hydraulic brake system and the lift cylinder are enabled for hydraulic control in response to activation of the standby pump system.

Abstract: A packaging system is provided for shipping optical media, such as compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), and compact disc recordables (CDRs), in an environmentally responsible and cost effective manner. The packaging system's construction uses primarily recyclable material and requires far less raw material than other shipping packaging options. The packaging system is also lightweight and suitably durable for passage through the normal shipping channels, such as the United States Postal Service. The packaging system may be easily configured to accommodate different numbers of optical media discs.

Abstract: Films, made of polyethylenes and fillers, and articles made therefrom greater WVTR than previously available films based on conventional Ziegler-Natta based polyethylenes. The polyethylenes are produced in a metallocene-catalyzed production process. The films may be made by a cast film process, and may be made in widely varying filler content, generally polyethylene to filler ratios of 30/70 to 70/30. The metallocene based polyethylenes when combined with filler also permit the extrusion of thinner films leading to lighter weight and softer films. The m-polyethylenes utilized for making such films typically have a Composition Distribution Breadth Index above 50%, a Mw/Mn below 3, and a Mz/Mw below 2.

Abstract: In a process for producing hydrogenated block copolymers of conjugated dienes and/or vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons which comprises anionically polymerizing the monomers in an inert hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an alkali metal initiator whereby a polymer cement is produced, contacting the cement with hydrogen under hydrogenation conditions in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, and then removing the hydrogenation catalyst residue by washing the polymer cement with water or an aqueous acid, the improvement which comprises reducing the viscosity of the polymer cement by polymerizing the block copolymer under conditions such that the vinyl content of the polymer produced in the polymerization step is in the range from 45 to 80 percent by weight.

Abstract: Free radical polymerizations are immediately terminated by adding a phenothiazine-containing solution whose solvent comprises at least 50% of its weight of an N-alkylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: An interactive data analysis system is disclosed that utilizes interactive graphic techniques to analyze ocean properties of a region of interest. The interactive system allows for a user to edit observed ocean data based on his/her a priori knowledge and insight so as to derive accurate ocean profile data.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Dimorphotheca plant named ‘Mauve’, characterized by its low, compact, mounding and outwardly spreading growth habit; numerous leaves; upright inflorescences on long peduncles; moderate growth rate; very freely branching habit; lavender mauve-colored ray florets contrasted with dark bluish purple anthers and styles; numerous inflorescences per plant; and tolerance to high temperatures.

Abstract: A new and distinct low-chill tetraploid highbush blueberry (Vacinnium) variety of complex ancestry, based largely on V. corymbosum L with some genes from V. darrowi Camp. Its novelty consists of the following unique combination of features: 1. Produces a bush that is upright but somewhat spreading. 2. Has a high resistance to cane canker (Botryosphaeria corticis), and moderate resistance to stem blight (Botryosphaeria dothidia), and to root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi). 3. Flowers and produces abundant new leaves in areas of central and north Florida where the mean temperature of the coldest month is 62 degrees F. or colder. 4. Ripens its fruit 60 days after flowering in central Florida (latitude 27.5N). 5. Ripens 80% of its fruit between April 10 and May 10 in central Florida. 6. Produces fruit that are large, firm, have a good picking scar, with sweet flavor and good texture. 7. Can be propagated asexually by softwood cuttings.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Empire Harmony’, characterized by its uniformly mounded plant habit; decorative-type inflorescences that are about 4.2 cm in diameter; attractive two-tone bronze ray florets; and numerous inflorescences per plant.

Abstract: The claimed cultivar brings a new color to the Trumpet series of Petunias and is characterized by a large deep pink colored flower accented in its center with a large and distinctive white circular center, over medium green foliage. As with all Trumpet Petunias, this cultivar exhibits early flowering with superior branching so that the plant may also be used in a hanging pot.

Abstract: A new variety of carnation plant producing medium pink flowers.

Abstract: A new variety of carnation plant producing burgundy flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of climbing rose plant is provided which forms in abundance on a substantially continuous basis attractive double blossoms that are bright medium red in coloration. The vegetation is vigorous and the growth habit is upright, bushy, and climbing. Attractive large ornamental foliage that is thick and satiny is formed. Good disease resistance is exhibited. Seed set occurs on a prolific basis. Winter hardiness is very good. Additionally, the new variety is particularly well suited for growing as distinctive ornamentation in the landscape.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Sutera plant named ‘Lavender Storm’, characterized by its compact, dense and prostrate or trailing plant habit; freely branching habit; numerous lavender-colored flowers; long and continuous flowering period; tolerance to high temperatures; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using certain hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) as low temperature heat transfer media in secondary loop refrigeration systems. These materials exhibit a low, somewhat linear Temperature Difference Factor over the temperature range of −15° C. to −65° C., making them ideal for use as low temperature heat transfer media. The HFEs of the present invention are nonflammable, nontoxic, environmentally benign, and have a high heat transfer capacity and low viscosity over the required operating temperatures. Furthermore, since these materials have high boiling points and low freezing points, they are not prone to phase changes over the required operating temperatures, and do not require pressurized systems.

Abstract: In a device for conveying parts delivered from a parts feeder by air ejection, a part detection sensor (22) is installed near an air nozzle (12) disposed in a send-out passage (5), and vibratory motion of the parts feeder is stopped while air is ejected from the air nozzle (12) in response to a part detection signal transmitted by the parts detection sensor (22), ensuring that an excessive number of parts are not accumulated for the conveying ability of the air ejection.

Abstract: In a walking floor reciprocating slat conveyor having a plurality of floor beams to support a load, and being longitudinally reciprocal to move the load longitudinally to an unloaded condition, and being supported by a transverse subfloor, having guides to control movement of the floor beams, and bearing/seal devices mounted to the subfloor and in bearing and sealing contact with the floor beams to prevent material that is part of the load supported by the floor beams from migrating below the floor beams.

Abstract: A process which provides electronic access to pre-paid funds for cash or payment for goods and services. A card is issued to a customer with a value selectable by the customer. The card has a magnetic stripe with an encoded card number including a bank identification number (BIN) and an account number. The central card processor establishes a zero balance database including the card numbers, but with blank fields for the customer data and the value of the account. When a customer purchases a card, the sales agent transmits to the central database computer which fills in the blanks in the database, activating the account, and transmits an acknowledgement signal back to the sales agent. The customer can immediately use the card in ATM or other remote terminals to acquire cash or purchase goods and services. The customer inputs a PIN number which is provided with the card, or a customer selected alternative PIN number.

Abstract: A restraint system for moving a vehicle seat and occupant toward the vehicle floor. A fluid cylinder pivotally mounted to the floor has an extendable piston rod connected to a linkage mounted to the vehicle seat. A three point belt assembly mounted to the seat is connected to the cylinder rod. Retraction of the cylinder rod pretensions or tightens the three point buckle assembly and subsequently moves the seat towards the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A ring oscillator having an odd number of single ended stages, each stage including two transistors connected as a current mirror. The stage provides for low-voltage performance and improved process tolerance characteristics.

Abstract: A universal demarcation point for managing the delivery of communications services to a subscriber that provides an interface between a utility distribution network and subscriber owned equipment. The universal demarcation point includes a utility accessible portion and a subscriber accessible portion. The utility accessible portion has an input port, an output port, a plurality of modular connectors, a power supply, and a plurality of service modules. The input port provides access to the universal demarcation point for delivery of communications service from the utility distribution network. The communications services are delivered through a hybrid cable. The hybrid cable has a plurality of fiber optic cables and a plurality of copper cables. The fiber optic cables are capable of transmitting light signals and the copper cables are capable of transmitting electric power.

Abstract: A multilevel cascade voltage source inverter having separate DC sources is described herein. This inverter is applicable to high voltage, high power applications such as flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) including static VAR generation (SVG), power line conditioning, series compensation, phase shifting and voltage balancing and fuel cell and photovoltaic utility interface systems. The M-level inverter consists of at least one phase wherein each phase has a plurality of full bridge inverters equipped with an independent DC source. This inverter develops a near sinusoidal approximation voltage waveform with only one switching per cycle as the number of levels, M, is increased. The inverter may have either single-phase or multi-phase embodiments connected in either wye or delta configurations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a teething bib having a front side, a back side, an upper portion, a bottom portion, an outer periphery having an outer peripheral edge and teething material operably associated with at least a portion of the outer periphery of the bib. The teething material preferably emanates from the outer peripheral edge of the bib, and may extend around the entire outer periphery. The teething material may also includes gaps. The bib includes an opening for an infant's head, and may also include a fastening member for folding the bottom of the bib into a pocket for the collection of food or liquid during feeding.

Abstract: The present invention is a washable bib for wearing over the torso of an individual when the individual is playing with pets. The bib is adjustable at the sides via hook and loop strips to fit most people. Padding is provided at the shoulders of the bib to protect the wearer from injury from a pet's claws. The front of the bib is provided with one set of top opening pockets that are located high on the chest of the wearer and another set of larger top opening pockets that are located at the bottom of the front of the bib. The front of the bib is also provided with interchangeable pet toys that removably secure to the bib under flaps provided on the front of the bib just below the highest set of pockets so that the toys may be removed from the bib when the bib is laundered.

Abstract: The present weighted exercise vest is comprised of right and left front panels connected to a back panel by elastic sides and webbing straps on top. A plurality of weights are removably but snugly received in elastic pockets arranged on the front panels and the back panel. The weights are securely retained by elastic flaps over the pockets. Each panel is preferably constructed of spandex inner and outer sheets for a snug fit, rubber padding sheets between the spandex inner and outer sheets for cushioning impact, and a strong webbing sheet between the rubber padding sheets for attaching the pockets and straps. The webbing sheet generally spans the entire area of each panel for maximum durability. Each weight includes a core comprised of 90% lead shot embedded in 10% silicone rubber for providing the necessary mass, but also enough flexibility to bend with the user's body. The core is surrounded by a silicone gel shell for cushioning impacts and further improving comfort.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multipurpose necktie (1) with an overall length consisting of a neck portion (2) of one width, a tie portion (3), and a front apron (4). The tie portion can be tied to a knot. The multipurpose necktie is made in one piece and variable in that at least one foldable portion of the front apron of a first length of at least 15 cm is constructed from at least two freely foldable flaps. An additional possibility of variation is provided by an adjustability of the overall length of the multipurpose necktie, the overall length being repeatedly variable, and/or by an adjustability of the width of neck portion (2), the width being repeatedly variable. Furthermore, a method is provided, which uses the multiple usability of the multipurpose necktie with advantage. The multipurpose necktie of the present invention is characterized by its variety for different occasions, be they of the formal or casual kind.

Abstract: A video game glove for protecting the index finger, thumb and palm of a video game player. The video game glove includes a panel having a top surface, a bottom surface, a palm portion, and a back portion. The panel is adapted to wrap around the edge of a person's hand such that the palm portion covers the palm of the person and the back portion covers the back of the palm of the person. A pair of finger stalls receive an index finger and a thumb. The finger stalls each have a front portion and a back portion, wherein each of the front portions are coupled to the palm portion of the panel and the back portions are coupled to the back portion. A tab portion extends from the palm portion such that the tab may be wrapped about an open edge of the hand. A securing means releasably secures the tab portion to the back portion of the panel.

Abstract: An athletic glove includes a back portion and a palm portion combined therewith to fit the human hand snugly. The respective portions are joined along edges in a substantially continuous manner. The palm portion provides an anti-slip function wherein the back portion includes a composite elastic material, which is a blend of synthetic fiber and spandex. The entire palm portion of the glove includes a single layer of leather having an exterior contact area for gripping.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a novelty cap with an open area includes a cap base, a first pivot cover, a second pivot cover, and a release latch. The first pivot cover is preferably pivotally attached to a front and rear of the cap base. The second pivot cover is pivotally attached to the front and rear of the cap base, adjacent the first pivot cover. The release latch is preferably mounted to one of the pivot covers. Pressing down on the release latch allows both pivot covers to pivot downward and reveal an opening in the top of the novelty cap with an open area. A novelty cap with openable areas includes a cap body, a first detachable flap, and a second detachable flap. Two openings are formed in a top of the cap body. One end of the first detachable flap is attached to a bottom side of a first opening and one end of the second detachable flap is attached to a bottom side of a second opening.

Abstract: A triangular bandanna is slotted with at least two collar slots proximate one edge of the triangle. The edge proximate these slots, including the slots, is folded over upon the rest of the triangle and sewn or stitched into place. An animal collar is passed through the collar slots. When secured to an animal, the collar is enhanced in appearance by the bandanna, and the bandanna is securely affixed to the animal by the collar.

Abstract: A pair of sock bands or covers to be used in conjunction with an ordinary pair of socks which are tubular-shaped and made of a woven elastic material which can be slid onto the top of a sock. The sock bands may include a fastener which is disposed around the inner surface of the sock band. The outer surface of each sock bands may contain indicia such as a logo or name of a team or organization.

Abstract: The male incontinence pouch allows the user to sealingly insert the penis through an openable opening into a cavity defined in the pouch device. The incontinence pouch has an outer liquid-proof polyethylene layer. A soft fibrous nonwoven material is attached to the polyethylene layer. An inner liquid-permeable material is applied to the nonwoven material. An absorption layer is disposed between the polyethylene layer and the liquid-permeable material to form a laminate. An edge portion of the liquid-permeable material is attached to another edge portion of the liquid-permeable material so that the cavity is formed therebetween at an upper side surface of the incontinence pouch. The laminate in folded inwardly along a cross-folding line so that a side wall is formed.

Abstract: Undergarments, such as panties and pantyhose, having a highly-ventilated crotch panel which has one or more apertures therein in order to provide adequate light and ventilation to prevent the conditions that are favorable to vaginitis or other infections. The openness of the crotch panel enhances air flow, allows for the dissipation of heat and moisture, and yet, is not so large as to cause binding, discomfort, or an uncomfortable feeling of exposure to the wearer. In some embodiments, moisture is further absorbed or dissipated around the aperture(s) by a surrounding trim, such as elasticized lace, which also provides the illusion of covering to the wearer. In other embodiments, the aperture(s) have a modesty panel which is a single layer of an open-weave knit mesh.

Abstract: A protective garment (10) adapted to be worn by personnel in high temperature or otherwise harmful environments. Tile garment comprises a torso section 11 and depending on the wearer's needs and desires, arms (14), head (13) and leg sections (15) and readily attachable complementary portions for covering the face, hands and feet extremities. The garment is equipped with a supply of precooled and dehumidified ventilating gas or other coolant medium to be flowed over various body parts of the wearer. The coolant supply comprises one or more storage containers (20) carried about the waist. The coolant is supplied therefrom through a valve (25) to an inlet (41) in the suit. From the inlet, the coolant medium is distributed through flexible conduits (50) which include component distribution systems (55A, 55B, 57A, 57B, 61A, 61B) leading to the various body parts.

Abstract: A device for protecting the body of an individual from impacts, comprises a first layer 10 of plastics material e.g. polypropylene which acts to protect from impacts the body of an individual wearing the device. To layer 10 is bonded a second layer 12 is of cross-linked polyethylene foam which acts to cushion the body of the individual The outer margin of layer 12 extends beyond the outer margin of layer 10 by between 5 and 20 mm, preferably 15 mm. A third textile fabric, e.g. terry towelling, layer 14 is attached to the second layer 12 and is generally coincident therewith. The layers 10, 12 and 14 are adhesively bonded together. Means for holding the device around the torso of an individual comprises a strip of textile fabric 22 comprising of or supporting hook-and-eye material for co-operation with a patch of hook-and-eye material 26, the strip of fabric material 22 and the patch 26 of book and eye material adhesively bonded to the surface of layer 10 at opposite ends 20, 38 of layer 10.

Abstract: A ventilation device for a toilet including a duct having an open upper end and an open lower end. The open lower end is positioned below a toilet seat of a toilet and directed towards an interior of a toilet bowl of the toilet. The open upper end is positioned on an upper end a tank of the toilet. A ventilation system is secured to the upper end of the tank of the toilet. The ventilation system includes a container having an open lower end in communication with the open upper end of the duct. The container has an open upper end. The open upper end of the container has an ornamental plant disposed therein. The container has a motorized fan disposed therein.

Abstract: A system for attaching accessories to a base structure that is disposed underwater in pools, spas, hot tubs and the like is described as including an upright pedestal support assembly that is detachably-attachable with respect to the base by a twist-lock “bayonet” type of a mounting system. This permits the pedestal support assembly to be attached to the base and removed therefrom as desired. The base structure remains permanently attached to the surrounding structures that are disposed underwater at the bottom or sides thereof. The surrounding structures are often formed of gunite. The base includes methods of anchoring it in place and of reinforcing it to the surrounding structures. Various devices are described that attach to the pedestal support assembly and include tables, umbrellas, stools, benches, basketball hoops and backboards, thermometers, and the like.

Abstract: A buoyant water massage device for use in a swimming pool, the device having a body support structure capable of supporting a person's body at the surface of the water, where the body support structure has an opening through which pressurized fluid streams are directed against the back of the user reclining on the device by a fluid dispersal structure. The fluid dispersal structure is connected to a pressurized water source and an air entrainment apparatus and the fluid dispersal structure is disposed a distance below the body support structure such that the fluid dispersal structure does not contact the user's body. Preferably the fluid dispersal structure is adjustable longitudinally relative to the body support structure.

Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool assembly includes an inflatable swimming pool with a peripheral wall that has a top surface, a first half and a second half. A sun shield has a flexible sunshade portion with two opposite sides, which are formed respectively with a curved first inflatable tube and a curved second inflatable tube. The first inflatable tube has two ends that are respectively in fluid communication with two ends of the second inflatable tube at two intersections.

Abstract: A sun shade pool typically used by small children in an above-the-ground environment for use in the out-of-doors and method therefore is disclosed which is directed to an inflatable pool and a removable sun shade canopy mounted upon the inflatable pool for blocking direct sun light. The inflatable pool can be multiple-tiered in height and include a bottom wall. The removable sun shade canopy is attachable to and detachable from a top surface of the inflatable pool by a plurality of hook and loop fasteners. The sun shade pool can be fashioned from polyvinylchloride sheeting, include a plurality of inflation air valves for inflating the pool and canopy, and a drain plug for rapidly draining water from the pool. In its most fundamental embodiment, the sun shade pool exhibits a construction including an inflatable pool having a sidewall sealed to a bottom wall for containing a fluid. A removable sun shade canopy for covering a top surface of the inflatable pool is also included.

Abstract: A liner for swimming pools and, more particularly, a flexible plastic liner for above-ground swimming pools that is attached to the upper edge of the swimming pool wall. The pool liner of this invention has a plastic “beading” around its circumference, or border, which has a removable J-hook portion in connection with a bead portion. This beading arrangement allows the liner to be attached to pool walls that have “bead receivers” for attachment of beaded liners and to pool walls that have no bead receivers. The beading has perforations provided therein to facilitate the removal of the J-hook portion from the bead portion to convert the beading from a J-hook type liner to a bead type liner for insertion into a bead receiver.

Abstract: In the case of a health-and-fitness-brush shower installation with a brush-roller element which is arranged in the region of a wall of a sanitary unit or the like, is assigned rotatably to a drive head and, if appropriate, can have water acting on it. A drive device of the drive head is designed for rechargeable battery operation.

Abstract: A quick-install mounting nut assembly for connecting a shank of a faucet to a deck with the shank having an enlarged upper portion disposed above the deck and a smaller diameter lower portion extending through an opening of the deck. A strap of the assembly is loosely disposed on the lower portion of the shank to be axially raised thereon. The strap has a pair of ears formed thereon with apertures therein. A pair of clips are connected to the ears of the strap and each has an aperture therein aligned with the apertures of the ears of the strap. Each of the clips has a clamping portion biased downwardly into engagement with the lower portion of the shank. A pair of fastener members are separately disposed through the apertures of the strap and the clips and are in threaded engagement with the clips. A pair of nuts are separately disposed upon the ears of the strap to be threadedly engaged by the fastener members.

Abstract: A multiple-stage positioner includes a stationary first part, a second part connected pivotally to the stationary first part, a holding pin projecting from the first part, a positioning piece having a lower edge formed with a plurality of first grooves, a spring urging the positioning piece against the holding pin, and a guiding piece having a bottom edge substantially flush with the lower edge of the positioning piece. The bottom edge has a plurality of second grooves and groove-free parts between adjacent ones of the second grooves. The guiding piece is slidable between a first position, in which the second grooves are aligned respectively with the first grooves to receive the holding pin, and a second position, in which the groove-free parts are aligned respectively with the first grooves to prevent the holding pin from entering into the first grooves.

Abstract: An adjustable cross bar for bed rails and frames with at least two relatively movable cross bar members and a clamp positioned over the inboard ends of the cross bar members and entrapping their edges in tracks. The clamp has depending lances formed in a horizontal surface aligned with and engagable with openings formed in one of the cross bar members to lock the clamp and cross bar together.

Abstract: The present invention is a pillow case pad having a plurality of disposable pillow sheets to receive a pillow. The disposable pillow sheets attached together to form the pillow case pad. Each disposable pillow sheet being attached such that a top sheet can be removed and disposed of after use. Each of the disposable pillow sheets include a front face and a rear face attached together to form a pocket for the pillow, whereby the front face faces outward from the pillow case pad and the rear face lays against the next disposable pillow sheet below. Each of the disposable pillow sheets include a flapped opening to receive the pillow into a pocket.

Abstract: The bed frame includes a base frame and an articulating upper frame. The base frame includes a head end, a foot end, and oppositely disposed, longitudinally extending sides. The articulating upper frame comprises an upper body section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a lower leg section. The articulating upper frame is mounted on the base frame for longitudinal shifting of the articulating upper frame relative to the base frame. A first drive assembly for raising and lowering the upper body section includes linkage connected to the upper body section such that, tilting movement of the upper body section shifts the articulating upper frame longitudinally relative to the base frame. A second drive assembly for raising and lowering the thigh section includes linkage connected to the lower leg section such that, when the thigh section tilts upwardly, the lower leg section tilts downwardly.