Abstract: A new cultivar of Guzmania named ‘GUZ 224 ’ characterized by having rich red-purple floral bracts, longitudinally variegated leaves and a compact arrangement of scape and floral bracts.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Guzmania plant named ‘Bolero’ characterized by the combined features of a plant form that is funnel-form rosette; plant height of approximately 45 cm when flowering; linear-lanceolate leaves measuring 30-42 cm in length and 3-4 cm in width; leaf color upperside and underside of RHS 147A; primary bract color of RHS 158A and scape bract color of 158A with apices having a color of RHS 147A.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Guzmania named ‘Guz 222’ characterized by a plant form that is vase shaped; plant height of about 22-24 inches and leaves measuring 16¾ inches in length and 2½ inches in width.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Guzmania named ‘GUZ 201’ characterized by a plant form that is vase shaped; plant height of about 20-22 inches, and leaves measuring 21 inches in length a 1½ inches in width.

Abstract: A new plant variety of Chrysanthemum producing yellow decorative-type flowers.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Anthurium plant named ‘Red Flare’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely clumping growth habit; strong roots; large and durable dark green leaves that are elongated cordate in shape; spathes that are positioned upright and beyond the foliage on strong and erect scapes; large, durable, glossy bright red spathes; year-round continuous flowering; good flowering performance under low light condition; resistance to Xanthomonas and Colletotrichum; tolerance to low and high temperatures; and good post-production longevity.

Abstract: A universal handle for household and other hand-held implements, the handle being adapted to ergonomically render the implement to which it is applied useable by individuals who have difficulty in firmly grasping a conventional handle. The universal handle, which is fabricated of elastomeric material having good thermal insulation and cushioning properties, includes an internal cavity to socket the core shank of the implement. The handle has an elliptical cross section, the opposing sides of the handle adjacent its upper end each having a concave depression, in each of which an array of spaced, flexible fins is anchored to define a depressible grip site. When the fingers of a user's hand are clenched about the handle, the internal region of the resultant fist conforms to the form of the handle to provide a good grip thereon, the thumb and forefinger pressing into the grip sites to enhance the user's grip on the handle.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a resin is added to crude copper phthalocyanine comprising an &agr;-form and a &bgr;-form crystals in combination and dry-milling is performed in a deoxygenated atmosphere, to provide copper phthalocyanine pigment composition of superior quality which reduces considerable expenditure of time and labor associated with the pigmentation process of crude copper phthalocyanine and the printing ink production process of a pigment, and printing ink comprising &bgr;-form copper phthalocyanine pigment superior quality.

Abstract: A deformable and replaceable energy absorbing structure mounted between the furnace floor tubes and floor tube support truss to absorb impact from falling slag and prevent tube damage. A beam, such as an I-beam extends from the supporting structure and is adapted to hold a deformable structure. A tie bar attached to the floor tube panel extends across the panel and rests upon the deformable structure. This arrangement is provided at as many contact points between the floor tube panel and support structure as necessary to support the dead weight of the tubes while still providing suitable energy absorption characteristics.

Abstract: A low power parking meter to control two or four parking bays. A display, either by a flag-wheel or a digital display will normally indicate the status of each bay. When funds are deposited without indicating the bay to be credited, the meter will escrow the amount until a bay is chosen. The meter normally operates in an idle loop unless an individual bay is being checked or vended.

Abstract: A high throughput chemical synthesis system utilizing cylindrical reaction vessels is disclosed. Reaction vessels are utilized which include a tubular member adapted for placement of electronically readable identifying indicia thereon. The identifying indicia are representative of reaction conditions within the tubular member and of one or more reagents utilized in a reaction within the tubular members. A method of performing chemical synthesis on solid phase reactive material within a plurality of reaction vessels using a plurality of reaction stages resulting in final products and employing identifying indicia representing the reaction stages is also disclosed. The method includes reading the identifying indicia located on the reaction vessels, reacting one or more reagents within the reaction vessels under particular reaction conditions which may be determined by reading the identifying indicia, thereby synthesizing chemical compounds within the reaction vessels.

Abstract: A programmable switch for a field programmable gate array (FPGA) allows a user to reconfigure or partly reconfigure the FPGA from within the FPGA, allows an addressable configuration memory to be addressed through a set of pins for configuration and through user logic for reconfiguration. The same pins can be used for both configuration and user logic. Also signals such as chip enable and other control signals can be modified by user logic before performing their function so that chips external to the FPGA can be eliminated. Upon power-up of the chip, each programmable switch connects its pad to the programming logic which programs configuration memory, so that the programming logic can receive instructions from an external source and control programming of the core logic of the chip. The configuration memory programs not only the internal circuitry accessed by the user but also the programmable switch itself.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining a prescription for contact lenses, comprising in cooperative combination a refractometer and a keratometer, both hooked up to a computer, comprising a program for processing the results obtained from said meters in any desired sequence, optionally supplemented with personal data and the results of a tono-meter and/or vertexmeter in optional sequence. The apparatus and method are also suitable for detecting any requirement for readjustment of the lenses after a period of time of use, comparing the new data with the data stored in the memory of the computer, and providing any readjustment required.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for regenerating a sheet-like recording medium comprising a means for feeding a printed sheet-like recording medium, a regenerating treatment means having a step for eliminating image formed on said recording medium, a means for discriminating and separating the recording medium whether the treated recording medium is reusable or not and a means for storing the separated reusable recording medium.

Abstract: A process for preparing a stable and anhydrous solid dispersion, containing from 20 to 95 weight percent of a fatty body, constituted of 10 to 50 weight percent of at least one wax having a melting point greater than 55° C., and from 4 to 50 weight percent of a polyhydric alcohol, involves heating the fatty body and the polyhydric alcohol to a temperature between 65° and 95° C. and mixing the heated components in a turbine rotating at a speed greater than 1500 rpm. The resulting dispersion is employed in the production of cosmetics in stick form.

Abstract: The nonvolatile semiconductor memory of this invention includes: a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of memory cells formed in a matrix on the semiconductor substrate, each of the memory cells including a first insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate, a floating gate formed on the first insulating film, and a control gate formed on the floating gate via a second insulating film sandwiched therebetween, a source diffusion region, and a drain diffusion region; a diffusion layer formed in a portion of the semiconductor substrate located between two of the memory cells adjacent in a first direction, the diffusion layer including the drain diffusion region for one of the two memory cells and the source diffusion region for the other memory cell; a word line formed by connecting the control gates of the memory cells lined in the first direction; and a bit line formed by connecting the diffusion layers lined in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the memory

Abstract: A thermoplastic polycarbonate molding composition free from organo phosphorus compounds and having an improved resistance to discoloration caused by exposure to High Intensity Discharge (HID) light and heat is disclosed. Accordingly, the molding composition contains (co)polycarbonate resin, a dimeric benzotriazole and an ester of a 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamic acid. In a preferred embodiment, a sheet made of (co)polycarbonate resin is rendered improved resistance to discoloration by having applied to at least one of its surfaces an adherent protective film prepared from the polycarbonate composition of the invention.

Abstract: An eye shield assembly useful for selective attachment to the visor of a baseball cap for providing lateral shielding from direct or reflected glare includes, in its first preferred implementation, an elongate planar shielding surface defined by a forward and rearward end and an upper and lower edge. A front and rear attachment extends from the upper edge for selective engagement to the visor edge and the cap, with the shielding alignment further determined by a planar projection extending beyond the upper edge, intermediate the front and rear attachments, conformed for captured receipt between the cap and the skull of the wearer. The attachments may take the form of tined structures flexibly secured to the shielding surface to effect attachment along either side of the cap, or may take the form of convolved strips conformed for selective receipt of the cap edges in selected convolutions.

Abstract: A thumb shielding device for protecting a user's thumbs from nicks and cuts when the user is preparing foods with sharp kitchen utensils. The thumb shielding device includes a substantially cut-proof planar member. The planar member has a ridged central portion and a pair of malleable flaps. Each flap extends outward from an associated side of the central portion. The flaps are designed to bend around a thumb of a user thereby securing the planar member around the user's thumb. In addition, the thumb shielding device may comprise a generally cylindrical substantially cut-proof sheath that is designed to snugly cover a thumb of a user. The sheath has an open end, a closed end, and an interior. A lining is coupled to the interior of the sheath for facilitating engagement of the sheath to the thumb of the user.

Abstract: A lower leg protection means for preventing injury to a person's lower leg. The lower leg protection means includes a pair of thin, laterally curved rigid members which are enclosed with foam material such as polyfoam and which are essentially made of carbon fiber graphite. Each of the thin, laterally curved rigid members is fastened about a particular region of a person's lower leg with fasteners which includes a three first strips of hook and loop fasteners, a pair of elongate elastic members, and a pair of second strips of hook and loop fasteners attached to the elongate elastic members. One of the thin, laterally curved, padded rigid members is adapted to fit about and protect a person's shin, and the other of the thin, laterally curved, padded rigid members is adapted to fit about and protect a person's Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A disposable bib for catching food and liquids while feeding an infant or toddler. The disposable bib includes a panel. The panel has a bottom edge, a top edge, and a pair of side edges. The panel has a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer. The top layer comprises a relatively porous material, the middle layer comprises a relatively absorbent material, and the bottom layer comprises a relatively non-porous material. The panel has an opening therein positioned generally adjacent to the top edge.

Abstract: A warm-up garment for maintaining warmth in a single arm and shoulder area of a wearer, comprising a single sleeve having an upper end with an opening for receiving the wearer's hand and arm therethrough, and a lower end having a lower opening for receiving the wearer's hand therethrough. A body portion is attached to the sleeve adjacent the upper end opening and includes front and back panels joined across a top and a side edge adjacent the sleeve and extending diagonally across the torso of the wearer from the upper end of the sleeve to an area under the wearer's arm opposite the sleeve. The warm-up garment also includes an attachment panel having a first end attached to the back panel and a second end adapted for being extended from the back panel around the area under the wearer's arm opposite the sleeve to the front panel and for releasably securing the front and back panels around the body of the wearer without encircling the neck of the wearer.

Abstract: A garment is provided having at least one pocket that is attached to the garment and accessible via a zipper or other fastener that provides access to an interior compartment formed by the pocket as well as a method for providing a garment with a waterproof compartment. The fastener is preferably a waterproof zipper that is attachable via a process requiring the pocket and the zipper to be attached by gluing, stitching and/or heat-sealing the same. As a result, a completely watertight and waterproof pocket is formed allowing the user of the garment to carry items therein that typically may not be exposed to water.

Abstract: A garment primarily for use as a hospital gown having three adjacent panels with the central panel being sandwiched between the outer panels. Two of the panels are unitary, while the third panel is split into two sections along a more or less vertical line and held together by a fastening means. The garment may be worn with the human torso disposed between the split or openable panel and the central unitary panel, or between the central panel and outer unitary panel. The gown provides added dignity to the wearer as well warmth and protection from cold drafts, while still allowing the wearer's body to be easily and quickly accessed through the gap between the side seams of the middle and third panels.

Abstract: A compartmental hair cap for providing heat or cold to a user's head. The compartmental hair cap includes a cap member comprising an interior layer and an exterior layer. The interior layer of the cap member forming a head cavity. The cap member comprises a lower edge. The cap member comprises an upper edge extending between opposite ends of the lower edge. The interior layer is coupled to the exterior layer along the lower edge of the cap member. The interior layer is coupled to the exterior layer along a plurality of connection lines for coupling the interior layer to the exterior layer to form a plurality of pockets between the interior layer and the exterior layer. Each of the pockets comprises an associated interior space. An elongate flexible strap member extends from the cap member. The flexible strap member comprises a distal end couplable to the cap member. A plurality of flexible containers each being positionable in an associated one of the pockets.

Abstract: A light reflective hat includes a crown contoured for covering a part of a user's head when the hat is worn and having a rear side with an interior edge of a substantially inverted U-shaped configuration defining a gap allowing the crown to be expanded and contracted, a rear light reflective strip attached to and extending along the interior edge of the rear side of the crown in a substantially inverted U-shaped configuration about the gap, a visor attached at a rear peripheral edge to a lower edge of and along a front side of the crown such that the visor extends outwardly from the front side of the crown, and a front reflective strip attached to and extending along the front peripheral edge of the visor.

Abstract: An adjustable visor (40) having the means for adjustment built into the visor (40) enabling the wearer of the cap (44) to change the angle of the visor (40) to a multitude of positions by means of a hinge (20) without requiring detaching the visor (40) from the cap (44).

Abstract: The present invention involves two heat resistant ear caps attached to a continuous flat woven cord. The caps are designed to protect the ears from burns during the treatment of hair with heated cosmetology curling irons, hot rollers, and dryers. The heat resistant ear caps are uniquely constructed to hook over the auricle (top) of the ears into a defined depth of the caps. The caps comprise an outer heat resistant fabric, an inner webbing and cotton denim fabric fused together. The unique construction is created by simultaneously stretching and sewing elastic between two defined points located on the fused fabrics thus creating a semi-circle opening with a defined depth which hooks over the ears. The outer edges of the semi-circle opening with a defined depth are covered and enclosed by a cotton lycra strip. The two caps are attached to a flat woven cord which adjusts underneath the chin by use of a manufactured cord lock.

Abstract: A clip assembly for joining two matching socks to prevent the matching socks from being separated when laundered or stored includes a pair of panels each of which are attached to the exterior surface of a sock. The panels include mating tongues and grooves allowing the panels to be quickly and conveniently joined by sliding the tongues on each panel into the grooves on the other. The assembly also includes an ornament display panel having tongues and grooves on an inwardly facing side for interengaging the tongues and grooves on either panel allowing a user to display ornaments on the socks while the socks are being worn.

Abstract: A baseball cap having mounting structure formed on its crown for securely supporting eye wear thereby preventing loss of the eye wear and rendering the eye wear easily accessible. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting structure takes on the form of pairs of aligned buttonholes on either side of the cap crown.

Abstract: Trousers belt (20) for a cook who works near heat sources, comprising one or several materials that make it stretchy and capable of absorbing the user's sweat for several hours. It is made up of either a stretchy and absorbent material, or a first stretchy part (22) inserted into a second sleeve-shaped part (24) made of a sweat absorbent material. The belt further comprises a self-fixing fastening made up of a soft part (28) located on the outer face of a belt end (26) and a prickly part (34) located on the inner face of the other belt end (30).

Abstract: A compound protective helmet, allowing firm and stable restriction when a restriction hook provided in the restriction lever is hooked into the restriction trough of the bubble, which is comprised of a bubble, a chin protector, and a visor which is pivoted in the bubble to allow two-stage lift; within, a restriction device is fixed to the chin protector, the restriction device is comprised of a fixing base, a leading block provided in the fixing base, a restriction lever, and positioning pieces fixed inside the chin protector; the fixing base and two slope positioning blocks form an integral part to increase strength and prevent the positioning blocks from breaking; a positioning arc is provided at the outside of the restriction lever, the top and the bottom of the positioning arc is riveted to the positioning base and tightened to the positioning piece respectively, so as to prevent the restriction lever from disengaging from the fixing base and to secure the restriction lever firmly at the inside of the chi

Abstract: A cover for a helmet includes a covering portion having side portions, a top portion, a lower elastic edge, and means for attaching the covering portion to the helmet. A covered helmet assembly includes a beanie-type motorcycle helmet with a removable, mating covering portion. The covering portion includes side portions and a top portion, and a lower, elastic edge. The covering portion further includes three female snap fastener portions on a front, interior surface thereof, spaced and adapted to mate with three similarly-positioned male snap fastener portions on a front, exterior surface of the motorcycle helmet. The covering portion also includes a selectively-releasable, mating hook and loop fabric patch pair wherein the loop portion is located on the covering portion's rear, interior surface and the hook portion is located on the helmet's rear, exterior surface. A visored, covered helmet assembly includes a helmet, a covering portion and a visor.

Abstract: An improved system for ventilating air around a toilet where air is drawn through holes in a covered groove in the toilet seat and pulled by suction through a channel and hose to an output end of the fan housing. Alternatively, the air may be filtered and recycled or placed in a vent.