Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Azalea plant named ‘Amulet’, characterized by its very dark green glossy leaves that do not abscise during the cooling and forcing periods; large plant size; dense and outwardly spreading plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; uniform flowering response; numerous, very large, and showy dark purple-colored flowers; semi-double to double flower form; and excellent postproduction longevity with plants maintaining good flower substance for more than four weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hybrid Guzmania obtained from crossing G. ‘Memoria’ and G. ‘Insignis’, which possesses a distinctive brilliant yellow inflorescence rising above the red and green foliage on a scape bearing leaf-like bracts red and green in color, which inflorescence retains conspicuous coloration for up to four months.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Azalea plant named ‘Honesty’, characterized by its dark green glossy leaves that do not abscise during the cooling and forcing periods; dense and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching habit; uniform flowering response; freely flowering habit; large, showy, double white-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity with plants maintaining good flower substance for more than four weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: A shrub rose plant having repeat flowering of five petaled, dark pink flowers of strong fragrance; an upright, well-branched habit of growth; and excellent disease resistance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Azalea plant named ‘Jewel Box’, characterized by its dark green, glossy and broad leaves that do not abscise during the cooling and forcing periods; dense, upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching habit; uniform flowering response; numerous and showy dark pink and white bicolored flowers; hose-in-hose flower form; and excellent postproduction longevity with plants maintaining good flower substance for more than four weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: Our new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var. nucipersica), its novelty consists of the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. The features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Hanford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., and with standard commercial cultural fruit growing practices, such as, pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization: 1. Heavy and regular production of early maturing, large size fruit. 2. Fruit with a high degree of attractive red skin color. 3. Fruit with firm flesh, good handling and shipping quality. 4. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 5. Having a low winter chilling requirement of approximately 350 hours below 45° F. 6. Relatively uniform size fruit throughout the tree. 7. Vigorous upright growth.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Honey Yogilroy’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and uniformly mounded plant habit; compact growth habit; strong, dark green foliage; uniform flowering; early flowering; eight-week response time; large decorative-type inflorescences that are about 10 cm in diameter; light honey bronze-colored ray florets that may be more golden yellow under high temperatures; and good postproduction longevity with inflorescences and leaves maintaining good substance and color for about three weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Yellow Spokane’, characterized by its large decorative quilled-type inflorescences that are about 8.3 cm in diameter; attractive yellow ray florets; freely flowering; early flowering, response time is about 52 days; dark green foliage; strong stems; and good postproduction longevity with inflorescences maintaining good substance and color for about three weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: A new and distinct Ilex variety is provided having multi-colored foliage which originated through the discovery of a branch mutation of unknown causation of the Ilex×meserveae ‘Mesid’ variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,685). The new variety exhibits attractive variegated dark green glossy foliage that is irregularly bordered with yellow and cream coloration. The plant is generally smaller than the ‘Mesid’ variety. The growth habit is dense, compact, well-branched, and vigorous. Semi-glossy red berries are formed. Good winter hardiness is exhibited.

Abstract: An improved tribrach device for attaching an optical sighting instrument to a support such as a tripod. The tribrach device includes a pivotable locking ring for securing the legs of the sighting instrument to the tribrach. The locking ring is biased towards its locked position and is easily unlocked when desired. A laser beam is projected upwardly and downwardly along a vertical axis.

Abstract: An improved boot for snowboarding. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a generally resilient upper boot portion mounted to a generally rigid lower boot portion. The lower boot portion extends substantially upwardly from the sole, over the foot, and ends proximate to the tarsal bone of the lower ankle. A calf support member is mounted at the heel of the boot and relatively perpendicular thereto. A lip extends from the toe and heel of the boot lower portion. Upon cooperation of the lip with plate bindings on a snowboard, the boot is releasably secured thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides a coupling assembly for coupling a tool to a dipperstick, or arm, on an apparatus which has a hydraulic system for moving the tool. The coupling assembly includes a coupler body having a frame that defines a central cavity, and also having link structure for pivotally coupling to the dipperstick. An actuator assembly positioned within the central cavity includes a latch pin that can slide between an engaged position and a retracted position. In the engaged position, an end of the latch pin projects out from a rear end of the frame for engaging a receptacle defined by the tool. In the retracted position, the end of the latch pin does not project out from the frame. A bias structure normally urges the latch pin toward the engaged position with a bias force. A hydraulic latch cylinder has a fixed part and a movable part rigidly coupled to the latch pin such that, when the movable part is extended from the fixed part, the latch pin is urged to the retracted position.

Abstract: A system for preparing baked applies (12) and other edible fruits and vegetables which comprises a component for coring through a top of an apple (16) and into a core (18) thereof to remove the core (18) with its seeds, so as to form a hole (20) therein. A facility (22) is for removing some pulp (24) of the apple (16) from within the hole (20), so as to form an expanded chamber (26) therein with a top inlet port (28). A prepared sweet food mass filler (30) can be inserted past the top inlet port (28) and into the expanded chamber (26), a food topping (32) placed thereon and the apple (16) baked.

Abstract: A two-piece check valve device comprising a rubber sealing element and a plastic carrier member. A through bore in the plastic carrier member receives the sealing element, which is formed with an annular groove in which the carrier member is removably secured. The through bore and annular groove may be correspondingly tapered to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the check valve device.

Abstract: A method for punching an insulating film is composed of using plural divided punches having a clearance between each two of the divided punches. The clearance absorbs thermal expansion of the divided punches caused by receiving a heat from a heater. A punched insulating film is stuck to a lead frame by being pressed between the divided punches and the heater.

Abstract: A method of making a disposable tubular device comprising extruding a first material through a first die to form the tube and moving the tube through the second die while extruding a second material through the second die to form the tube-support structure. The second material has a surface hardness which is greater than the surface hardness of the first material.

Abstract: A slice orientation selection arrangement for magnetic resonance imaging in planes oblique to the normal cartesian coordinates. The coordinates are rotated to applying gradient signals using Euler computations.

Abstract: An HDTV receiver is disclosed including a tuning portion for selecting one of a plurality of RF signals received, and converting a selected RF signal into an intermediate frequency signal; a demodulator/FPLL for demodulating the intermediate frequency signal output from the tuning portion into a baseband signal in which the frequency and phase are locked, and outputting an AFC signal; a first local oscillator for forming a frequency signal which can be varied from a reference frequency to a specific frequency, and outputting the thus-formed frequency signal to the demodulator/FPLL; and a VSB filter for VSB-filtering the baseband signal output from the demodulator/FPLL.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reproducing MPEG-compressed video data and compressed audio data from an optical disk having a diameter less than 140 mm and, a thickness of 1.2 mm±0.1 mm, with a plurality of record tracks having data recorded thereon as embossed pits representing information and exhibiting a track pitch in the range between 0.646 &mgr;m and 1.05 &mgr;m; with the tracks being divided into a lead-in area, a program area and a lead-out area. The data includes table of contents (TOC) information recorded in a plurality of sectors in at least one TOC track and user information recorded in a plurality of sectors in user tracks. The user information is comprised of MPEG-compressed video data, which may exhibit any one of difference MPEG formats, and compressed audio data, which likewise may exhibit an MPEG format, a PCM format or the like.

Abstract: A glass product having high visible transmittance, low infrared transmittance, and, optionally, reduced ultraviolet transmittance is produced in a manner compatible with continuous, commercial manufacture of flat glass by employing a moderate amount of iron in the glass composition and controlling reducing conditions to maintain a relatively large portion of the iron in the ferrous state.

Abstract: A ruthenium-based hydrogenation catalyst, particularly but not exclusively for hydrogenolysis under pressure of higher polyhydric alcohols, comprises ruthenium supported on granular activated carbon, and has: a specific surface area of from 600 to 1000 m2/g; a total pore volume of from 0.5 to 1.2 cm3/g; an apparent specific weight (bulk density) of from 0.45 to 0.55 g/cm3; an actual specific weight of from 1.9 to 2.3 g/cm3; a total volume of micropores having a radius smaller than 75 A of from 0.4 to 0.55 cm3/g; and an ash content of from 2 to 5% by weight. The catalyst is used in a method for the continuous production of lower polyhydric alcohols in a fixed bed reactor, by means of hydrogenolysis under pressure of higher polyhydric alcohols.

Abstract: Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in cases of secondary failure is treated with a combination of glibenclamide and metformin.

Abstract: A comparative dual-control strategy actuates forward and aft control devices simultaneously to significantly improve a missile's maneuverability/dynamic capability. A substantial, and measurable, operational effect of the inventive control strategy is a dramatic improvement in a missile's divert capability. To effect a maneuver in accordance with the inventive strategy, a missile's aft fins are initially deflected to generate a force OPPOSITE that conventionally used (pushing the missile's tail in the direction of the commanded maneuver) which simultaneously actuating forward thrusters to also push the missile's nose in the direction of the commanded maneuver but at a faster rate than the tail section. This causes the missile body to simultaneously rotate and translate in the direction of the commanded maneuver.

Abstract: An extensible leg pad including an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion comprises a rigid knee shield and a first rigid shin, and the lower portion comprises a second rigid shin shield. These shields comprise overlapping surfaces that allow adjustment of the overall length of the pad. The pad also comprises a belt which secures together the upper and lower portions and which is responsive to tension for pressing the overlapping surfaces together at a contacting area.

Abstract: A bunting which attaches to a seat and a bunting that protects a child from the elements is disclosed. The bunting may be used on the seat of a stroller but not limited thereto. The bunting, fabricated from a material blank for wrapping about the child, has a draft shield attached to a first edge on a front of the material blank, a hood attached to a top edge of the material blank, a back having disposed thereon slots for receiving straps attached to the seat therethrough and means for fastening the first edge and a second edge of the material blank for closing the material blank about the child, such as a zipper.

Abstract: A method provided for manufacturing a waterproof and gas permeable jacket includes the following steps: (a) providing a lining, a gas permeable layer including a first side and a second side, a waterproof film, and an outer cover; (b) forming a plurality of vent holes through the gas permeable layer; (c) bonding the waterproof film onto the first side of the gas permeable layer; (d) bonding the outer cover to the water-proof film; (e) bonding the lining to the second side of the gas permeable layer to form a laminated layer including the lining, the gas permeable layer, the waterproof film, and the outer cover; (f) cutting the laminated layer so as to form a plurality of cut edges; (g) bonding the cut edges of the laminated layer together; (h) sewing up the bonded cut edges of the laminated layer to form a semi-finished jacket; and (i) attaching a zipper to the semi-finished jacket to form a finished jacket.

Abstract: A patient's examination clothing for allowing the patient to be examined while being appropriately covered. The patient's examination clothing includes a gown having a front, a back, an upper portion, and a lower portion; and also includes a bib member being attached to the front and the upper portion of the gown; and further includes an apron member being attached to the back and to the lower portion of the gown; and also includes a plurality of fastening members being attached to the gown and the bib member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a golf glove having a guide line drawn diagonally at an angle of 20-30 degrees from a horizontal line across the upper surface of the golf glove, the guide line passing through the crook between the roots of the middle finger and the ring finger. The guide line on the golf glove is used in combination with the indicium on the grip handle of the golf club for proper grip and positioning prior to swing.

Abstract: A puncture proof surgical glove and methods for producing the puncture proof glove are provided. The puncture proof glove provides flexibility and elasticity and protects against dangerous puncture wounds from needles and scalpels. The puncture proof surgical glove includes a first glove and second glove that each include a first pattern cut from a first material in a shape, a first layered stack of a plurality of patterned sheets, each of the plurality of patterned sheets cut from a second material in the first shape and having multiple line cuts through the second material, a second pattern cut from the first material in the first shape, and a third pattern cut in the first shape. The first pattern is layered on top of the first layered stack and the second pattern is layered on the bottom of the first layered stack and the first pattern and second pattern are bonded along their edges.

Abstract: A fluorescent orange, elongated, tubular, thin-walled device, and method of manufacture, that is substantially rectangular in appearance when laying flat and fully extended, having an open end and an opposing end closed with a small hole adapted for insertion of a hand or foot, which when deployed over a human limb substantially covers it. The selected thickness of the plastic material used allows the device to be flexible, stretch without tearing, and have sufficient rigidity for use without straps or ties. Surface markings can provide cutting lines to shorten the device for children, advertising indicia, and/or aesthetic design. A pocket and small perforations to enhance user comfort in warm weather are also optional. Applications can include, but are not limited to, use by stranded motorists, law enforcement officers, airport personnel, school crossing guards, cyclists, hikers, downhill and cross-country skiers, hunters, people stranded at sea, and private pilots in downed airplanes.

Abstract: The combination of a crown having an internal surface for engaging a wearer's head and an external surface with information thereon relating to a first subject, a first visor surface having information thereon relating to the first subject, and a second visor surface having information thereon relating to the first subject that is different than the information on the first visor surface. The first and second visor surfaces are selectively interchangeably mountable to the crown so as to project angularly away from the external surface of the crown.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes a mask member with a head member joined together to define an opening that registers with the eyes. The mask member is formed of neoprene with a fleece material laminated to the interior thereof. The head member is formed of a fleece material and has a scarf portion extending below the head to surround the neck area of the user.

Abstract: A sleeve is held in a gathered postion with an elongated strap having an elastic loop on one end and a fastener on the other end. The fastener is passed through the loop and then folded back against itself to hold the fastener to the loop. The sleeve holder may also have one or two labels to add decorative graphics to the device.

Abstract: An improved protective headgear apparatus for usage in connection with sporting activities, such as football, hockey, cycling, and the like, and other activities requiring the usage of protective head gear. The protective headgear apparatus is specifically designed to improve the absorption and dissipation of primary forces directly into the shell of the helmet. The assembly comprises a plurality of pre-formed protective pads removably affixed to critical areas of the exterior of the helmet shell for the purpose of decreasing trauma and concussion to users thereof. Such critical or vulnerable locations are: (1) each side of the helmet, at the ear and above the ear; (2) the front of the helmet, between and above the eyes; (3) the rear or occipital area; and (4) the crown of the dome.

Abstract: A dive mask comprising a rigid frame (1) for supporting transparent glasses (3), and a flexible seal (5) extending from the contour of the frame (1) and fit to be secured on the diver's face by means of an adjustable strap. The glasses (3) are supported by the frame (1) so as to have a downward inclination with respect to the orthogonal plane of the visual axis (X) of the diver when the mask is put on. In the dive mask, the ratio between the height of the glasses (3), measured orthogonally to the axis of view (X) when the mask is put on, and the maximum distance between the axis of symmetry of the frame (1) and the edge of each glass (3) is greater than or equal to 0.75. The view of the upper chest portion of the diver is made possible.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge garment is formed from material having a grid of conductors for conducting static electricity. The conductors are overlapped at the seams of the garment and interconnected with conductive flat ribbons that extend throughout the garment. The garment also has external grounding fasteners which are joined to the grid and ribbons. A hole is formed in the garment at the site of each fastener. Each hole extends through the fabric, grid, and ribbons. An epoxy applicator injects a small amount of conductive epoxy adjacent to the hole and saturates the various elements. The fastener is then installed while the epoxy is still wet. After the epoxy cures, a flexible but resilient joint is formed between it, the fastener, the grid, and the ribbon.

Abstract: A collapsible dome includes two or more arches of larger radius than half of the diameter of the pool which are therefore lower and provide a consequently lower structure, preferably of arcuated shape. Arches are pivotably attached on one end to the first support base, mounted to the pool's edge, and on the other to the second support base. Second support base is slidably hung upon a support guide bar which is mounted on the pool's edge with one end opposite the first support base and a membrane cover attached to each arch and tensioned after set up to the pool's edge. While the membrane is not fastened to the pool's edge, one side of the collapsible dome can easily be shifted along the support guide bar. Before collapsing the dome, the second support base should be shifted along the support guide bar in the appropriate direction to decrease the circumference between the first and second support bases.

Abstract: A frame for portable above-ground swimming pools and, more particularly, a frame for above-ground swimming pools having a top rail, formed in sections, that is pivotally attached to the frame vertical supports. Each top rail section is installed at the top of the vertical supports in a vertical position that is about 90° from a horizontal axis, allowing access to the interior area of the pool frame for installation and attachment of the sheet metal swimming pool wall. Once the top rails sections are assembled, the frame is free-standing and the pool wall may be installed and attached to the frame without partial disassembly of the frame or removal and replacement of the top rail sections. Once the swimming pool wall and liner are installed, the top rail sections are rotated 90° along the horizontal axis, securing the wall and liner, and are locked into place. The invention further provides a method for installing an above-ground swimming pool in the sequential steps described above.

Abstract: A lie-down personal sauna comprises a base plate having a substantially middle portion, a first cover having a front edge and a bottom edge, a second cover having a lower edge, a rear edge and a cutout, a hingedly attaching member, and a heating member. The bottom edge is attached to the base plate so that the first cover partially covers the base plate. The hingedly attaching member attaches the second cover to either the first cover or the substantially middle portion of the base plate so that the second cover can be moved from an open position to a closed position through the hingedly attaching member. The base plate, the first cover and the second cover form a substantially enclosed cavity when the second cover is at the closed position, and the user is received into the cavity at the open position of the second cover and maintained within the personal sauna under the closed position of the second cover.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a method and means for modifying an existing bathtub to facilitate access by creating a generally U-shaped opening in an external sidewall of the tub and positioning in said opening a generally U-shaped insert having a step saddle with an elongated step-plate and a pair of generally parallel end plates extending from the ends of the step-plate; and a pair of a generally rectangular housings attached to the bottom of the step-plate and extending to rest directly on the floor, thus supporting said step saddle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a bathtub overflow drain to bypass potential leakage zones, i.e. between a bathtub liner and between connections of fittings through inserting a throat member from the innermost surface of the bathtub, which may be the innermost surface of a bathtub liner, to the interior of the standing portion of a drainpipe.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a base having a pair of end rails, a pair of side rails and a plurality of intermediate rails. A plurality of intermediate wooden slats are spaced above the intermediate rails of the base by a plurality of spacers which may be sinuous springs, other types of springs or structures. A plurality of modular springs are secured to the intermediate slats and extend upwardly therefrom. An upper wire grid is secured to coplanar upper portions of the modular springs.

Abstract: A fitted mattress cover is provided with a flat top panel and a knitted or woven fabric skirt attached to and depending from the periphery of the top panel. The lower edge of the skirt contains a band of longitudinally extending elastic yarns that were integrally incorporated into the edge during fabrication of the skirt fabric. The yarns of the elastic band provide sufficient tension to pull some of the skirt fabric under the mattress and provide a secure fit when the cover is installed on a mattress.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunction bed that has a simple structure to allow its size to be reduced and that can be automatically changed between a bed form and a wheelchair form using very simple operations. This multifunction bed comprises a fixed U-shaped bed 1 having a U-shaped cut-out section 6 and a movable auxiliary bed 2 that is detachably fitted in the U-shaped cut-out section of the fixed U-shaped bed. The movable auxiliary bed can travel on underlying wheels 14 and 16 and can be changed between a bed form for a horizontal position and a wheelchair form having a backrest section 19, a seat section 20, and a leg-rest section 21.

Abstract: A knee support pillow is configured with a main body disposed between a pair of end members configured to have an elliptical cam-shape cross-section that allows for variable height and support by rotating or adjusting the unit to provide any number of heights to comfortably support a user's knees and legs. The cam-shape is configured to provide handles built into the end members act as handgrips to facilitate easy gripping to rotate the unit forward and back to obtain an optimal comfort setting for the user. The user can position and adjust the support pillow while remaining in a seated or reclining position, and can re-adjust the support as needed to accommodate changing tasks or activities. An easily removable and replaceable fabric outer cover extends over the usable region of the main body.

Abstract: A portable diaper changing board for changing a child's diaper on a comfortable and safe surface. The portable diaper changing board includes four support members two of which are end members and two of which are intermediate member which are hingedly attached end-to-end to one another and to the end members with each of the support members having a concave to side and a flat bottom side; and also includes a plurality of fastening members for securing the support members in a folded position; and further includes a restraining member being removeably attachable to the top side of one of the intermediate members for restraining a child thereon; and also includes a handle member securely attached to one of the ends of one of the intermediate members.

Abstract: A bed frame for invalids for alleviating and preventing bedsores. The bed frame for invalids includes a frame. The frame includes a perimeter portion having a first side bar, a second side bar, a first end bar and a second end bar. The bars are integrally coupled together such that the perimeter portion generally has a rectangular shape. The perimeter portion comprises a plastic material. Each of a plurality of leg members is integrally coupled to and extends downwardly from one of the side bars. Each of the leg members has a free end adapted for positioning on one of the parallel support members of a first bed frame. A supporting means supports a body on the frame. The supporting means extends transversely across and is securely attached to the perimeter portion.

Abstract: A pocketed coil spring assembly for use in the manufacture of mattresses or cushions or the like comprising a plurality of strips of integrally connected closed fabric pockets each containing one helically coiled wire compression spring having its axis disposed transversely of the strip, and wherein each of the strips contains a single band of interconnected springs formed from a single length of wire into a plurality of interconnected helical coil springs. The springs of the bands may contain inserts such as foam cylinders or pocketed coil springs to impart differing degrees of firmness to different strips. Adjacent coil springs may be separated by multiple transverse lines of attachment in order to posturize the product.

Abstract: A support pad includes a low density layer of an air and water permeable three-dimensional matrix composed of a mat of polymeric material. The layer preferably has a smooth and planar contour on the top face, and a “peak and valley” contour on the bottom face. A pad may be maintained over the top face of the low density layer. Sheeting may be placed over at least the top face of the low density layer and the pad to provide a more comfortable surface for an individual to rest upon.

Abstract: A mason's scraper kit that has an extension rod and a scraper that can be easily engaged with or disengaged from an end of the extension rod. The scraper includes a handle with a receptacle. The receptacle includes a first threaded section in an inner end thereof and a second threaded section in an outer end thereof. The end of the extension rod includes a first outer threading for engaging with the first threaded section of the receptacle of the scraper handle. The end of the extension rod further includes a second outer threading for engaging with the second threaded section of the receptacle of the scraper handle. An end block is removably mounted in a handle thereof for carrying at least one tool bit. The end block includes a tool-engaging hole for releasably engaging with a tool bit, thereby providing an additional function.