Abstract: A new and distinct sweet bay magnolia named ‘Jim Wilson’ characterized by its distinct upright growth habit, semi-evergreen foliage, fragrant, lemon-scented flowers, and its ability to withstand much lower winter temperatures than trees of the species known to me.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Heuchera plant named ‘Silver Scrolls’, characterized by its proporational plants with respect to quantity of flowers to foliage density; unique leaf coloration: silvery-metallic with tracings of dark veins; numerous showy white flowers on erect cylindrical-shaped panicles; and excellent garden performance.

Abstract: ‘Schwartze’ is characterized by fruit which is large, firm, easily capped and very late seasoned. The fruit is high in yield, has excellent flesh flavor, and very low levels of preharvest fruit rot.

Abstract: A new and distinct Liriope gigantea plant found as an openly pollinated seedling. The new variety is distinct with its dark foliage, increased vigor and increased raceme length.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) characterized by leaflets that are narrower and longer than is typical for the species, and a unique, vibrant seasonal foliage coloration. In the spring, the ‘Monum’ foliage is deep purplish-red turning to dark green in the summer and reddish purple in the winter.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Phlox plant named ‘Goldmine’, characterized by its unique green and light yellow variegated foliage; upright plant habit; numerous bright purple flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Ilex plant named ‘Theo’, characterized by its semi-dwarf and upright plant habit; dark green rounded leaves; short lateral branches with short internodes; freely branching habit; red-colored drupes; tolerance to freezing temperatures; and high rooting percentage.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the hybrid tea class, characterized particularly by its red-purple color; vigorous, upright, well-branched growth; strong, damask rose like fragrance; dark green, glossy foliage; and good disease resistance.

Abstract: A rose plant of the floribunda class having compact growth habit; large, bright orange, pink and yellow flowers having strong fragrance; glossy, dark green, healthy foliage; and good disease resistance.

Abstract: Our new and distinct variety of interspecific tree [Prunus salincina×(Prunus salicina×(Prunus salicina×Prunus armeniaca))×(Prunus salicina×Prunus armeniaca(], which has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. These 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 large size fruit. 2. Fruit maintaining firm flesh with a good balance between sugar and acid. 3. Fruit with excellent eating quality. 4. Fruit with good handling and shipping quality. 5. Flavor of the fruit being excellent with a blend between plum and apricot. 6.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Aechmea plant named ‘Harvey'Pride’, characterized by its upright and outwardly arching growth habit; unique yellow and green variegated foliage with yellow margins and green central longitudinal stripes; inflorescences held upright and above foliage on strong red scapes; tightly branched inflorescences with bright yellow and red flower bracts; and long-lasting inflorescences.

Abstract: The invention provides a coupling assembly and method 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 link structure for pivotally coupling to the dipperstick. A latch member is movable between an engaged position for engaging the tool and a disengaged position for disengaging from the tool. A spring is arranged to provide a spring force to urge the latch member to the engaged position. A hydraulic motor has a part that is stationary relative to the coupler body and a movable part that can be extended relative to the stationary part when hydraulic pressure is applied to one end of the hydraulic motor. The movable part is coupled to the latch member such that extension of the movable part urges the latch member to the retracted position in opposition to the spring force.

Abstract: A solderless twist on wire connector and a method of making a solderless twist on wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector by securing a prior art twist on wire connector in a shell to produce a wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector that can in one operation permit the user to twist the connector to simultaneously compress the junction ends of electrical wires into low resistance electrical contact while encapsulating the junction ends of the electrical wires in a solderless substance. The process includes the method making a twist on wire connector by encapsulating a prior art twist on wire connector in a shell to produce a wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector having a chamber for an encapsulating material. In one embodiment the twist on wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector includes a puncturable seal and in another embodiment a second compartment for holding a mixable encapsulating materials.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device used in the process of manufacturing an automobile pane 1 equipped with a polymer frame 52 placed on the edge of the pane 1. The frame 52 is extruded onto the pane 1 which can be moved by means of a suitable support in such a way that the edge of the pane travels through a recess in an extrusion head 25 and 40. The recess of the extrusion head 40 preferably includes a U-shaped jaw 41 straddling the edge of the pane. At the front extremity of the two half-jaws of the U-shaped jaw 41 there are disposed sealing ledges or shoes 42 and 43 which are movable perpendicularly to the surfaces of the pane and which, during extrusion, bear upon the surfaces of the pane. Alternatively, the extrusion head can include a fixed jaw where the sealing ledges or shoes slideably and sealingly contact the plate.

Abstract: An audio/video production system is implemented on a PC-based platform, preferably utilizing various forms of removable magnetic, optical, or magneto-optical storage media. Specially modified cameras or other sources provide digitally data-compressed audio and video program materials in two formats, a first format having a higher data-compression ratio and intended for use in off-line systems to develop edit decision lists, and a second format having a lower data-compression ratio and intended for use in on-line editing and to produce the final representations of the programs. Off-line editing decisions may thus be developed on a PC using removable storage media, and final representations of the programs may be produced on-line in accordance with stationary-head or rotary-head digital-tape-based formats, such as DAT, 6-mm or 8-mm tapes. In an alternative embodiment, automatic and unattended editing, or extended program playback of more than 40 hours duration of digital video, is available.

Abstract: A yeast &agr;-factor expression system is provided comprised of a truncated leader sequence, containing the &agr;-factor signal peptide and one glycosylation site, linked by a processing site to a non-yeast protein-encoding sequence.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I wherein R1 is C1-C8alkyl, phenyl or phenyl which is substituted by 1 to 3 C1-C4alkyl or C1-C4alkoxy groups; R2 and R3 are identical and are C1-C12alkyl, C5-C12cycloalkyl or C1-C4alkyl- or C1-C4alkoxy-substituted C5-C12cycloalkyl, or phenyl which is substituted by one to three identical or different members selected from the group consisting of C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy, —SiR4R5R6, halogen, —SO3M, —CO2M, —PO3M, —NR7R8 and —[⊕NR7R8R9]X⊖; or R2 and R3 are different and are C1-C12alkyl, C5-C12cycloalkyl, C1-C4alkyl- or C1-C4-alkoxy-substituted C5-C12cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl which is substituted by one to three identical or different members selected from the group consisting of C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy, —SiR4R5R6, halogen, —SO3M, —CO2M, —PO3M2, —NR7R8 and —[⊕NR7R8R9]X⊖; or the group —PR2R3 is a radical of formula II and R4, R5 and R

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective aid for protecting the hands and wrists of skaters, which comprises a first protective element to be arranged on that region of the hand palm situated near the wrist. The protective aid comprises moreover a second protective element which can be arranged on the inside portion of the wrist and which is connected to the first protective plate via a connecting element. The protective aid is provided with engagement means for engaging the hand and/or wrist of the user, in order to firmly connect the protective aid to the user's hand, during use.

Abstract: A joint protector used for protecting an extremity of a person. The protector is predominantly used as a knee and elbow protector. The protector comprises a generally cylindrical elastic member having an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper opening and a lower opening. The elastic member is of a size such that when the extremity is slipped through the upper and lower openings the elastic member snugly encloses the extremity and joint and is held firmly in place thereon. A pocket enclosure is provided that is located intermediate the outer surface and the inner surface at a location in the elastic member that overlies the joint when the elastic member is slipped over the extremity. A cushioning assembly is provided for cushioning the joint upon impact. The cushioning assembly is located and secured in the pocket enclosure, the pocket enclosure substantially conforming to the shape of the cushioning assembly.

Abstract: Garments and apparel that animate subsurface muscles, joints and tendons. The garments can include athletic wear such as leggings that conform to both the thigh and calf of a user and arm coverings that conform over the arm, and even over the torso of the body. Other applications can include dancewear, theatrical costuming, medical and therapeutic products. The garment can include seams about slits, each slit being parallel to one another running down the exterior sides of the leggings and arm coverings. Sewn to the edges of the slits, beneath the slits can be a sublayer elastic material having a different color and/or texture than the surface color and/or texture of the garment. Alternatively, instead of seams, the material can be formed from a chemically or another technically produced fabric that has designated stretch and non-stretch areas engineered at selected locations.

Abstract: A safety protection garment which enables a user to comfortably wear it during travel, and in which the garment can be rapidly prepared for an emergency for resisting impact forces or for providing buoyancy to keep the user afloat in water. The garment has an inner lining and outer shell which are joined together to form a chamber which contains a compressible layer. The compressible layer is formed of an elastic material which resiliently expands and contracts between memory and compressed shapes. A valve device enables the user to open and close air flow into the chamber. For normal wearing, the layer is in its compressed state with air substantially evacuated from the chamber and the valve closed. To prepare for an emergency, the valve is opened so that air enters the chamber sufficient to equalize the chamber pressure with atmospheric pressure. The layer then expands to its memory shape where it resiliently resists impact forces and also provide buoyancy to keep the user afloat in water.

Abstract: A pair of gloves with integral weights on the back of the hand and on the back of the fingers is provided to provide muscle strengthening for specific tasks, such as in practicing a musical instrument. Such use gives the user the perception of lighter hands resulting in quicker hand movement and increased dexterity.

Abstract: A pair of interlocking batting gloves which may be worn by a batter during practice and during play in which each glove has a portion of hook and loop material attached to the outer peripheral edge of the index finer and a cooperating portion of hook and loop material attached to the outer peripheral edge of the little finger. When the batter grips a bat in the proper manner, the hook and loop material on the index finger of one hand releasably connects to the cooperating portion of hook and loop material on the little finger of the other hand. Thus, when wearing the gloves, the batter is prevented from rotating his hands while gripping the bat and the proper alignment of the batter's knuckles is maintained throughout the entire swing.

Abstract: A glove formed of a thick heat-resisting sheet or a waterproof sheet is provided with a sack portion for thumb and a sack portion for forefinger and, in addition, with a common sack portion formed in a one-piece unit for putting in the third finger, fourth finger, and fifth finger, together, and, in the meanwhile, the angles &agr; and &bgr; formed between the center lines of the sack portions are set 40-50° and 25-35° so that the sack portions are rendered conformable to the shapes of the fingers that are naturally opened and hence the glove can be easily put on the hand.

Abstract: A glove having a pinky finger, ring finger, middle finger, index finger and thumb receiving portion in communication with a hand receiving portion is provided. The pinky finger, ring finger, middle finger and index finger receiving portions each have a top panel and a bottom panel, which are connected to form each of the finger receiving portions. Each finger receiving portion includes a distal region, an intermediate region, and a proximal region, the proximal region connected to the hand receiving portion, the distal region surrounding the fingertips and the intermediate region residing about the middle knuckle (proximal interphalangeal joint) of the hand. The intermediate region of each finger receiving portion includes a right and left insert, the insert being generally of a triangular shape and provided on the bottom panel. The inserts are sewn in the bottom panel after the bottom panel has been rotated to approximate the bending of the middle knuckle (proximal interphalangeal joint) of the finger.

Abstract: An article of apparel for a human head in the nature of a cap having a button permanently attached thereto with a three-dimensional plush animal adapted to be removably attached to the cap. The three-dimensional plush animal having a strip of cloth attached to the belly portion of the three-dimensional plush animal. The strip of cloth has an opening adapted to snugly receive the button. The button is removably inserted through the opening thereby removably attaching the three-dimensional plush animal to the cap.

Abstract: A wrap for conditioning the interface between a part of an article and a user's body and a method of making and using the wrap. The wrap provides a flexible, resiliently compressible, elastic pad that is flexed into a tubular configuration for tightly wrapping around the part being wrapped so that the inside surface of the end segment at one end of the pad overlaps the outside surface of the end segment at the other end of the pad; an adjustable fastening strip interposed the overlapping ends that allows the pad to be wrapped about parts of various perimeters and provides stability at the interface being conditioned; and attaching members on the opposed surfaces of the pad and the fastening strip that releasably engage each other and tightly hold the pad in wrapped condition around the part being wrapped.

Abstract: A sock sorting and storage device comprising two clamping elements: the first having identifying indicia on its base and a plurality of solid posts extending therefrom, and the second having a corresponding plurality of internally hollow posts extending from a common base and each ending into sharp closed pointed ends. The interiors of the hollow posts comprise locking channels that are open at the base, extending through said base, and sealed at the closed pointed ends. In use, the solid posts are received and permanently and fixedly secured in their corresponding locking channels using fastening means provided on the lateral surfaces of the solid posts and the lateral interior surfaces of the internally hollow posts.

Abstract: A label for a garment including an electronic display such as a liquid crystal display for displaying label information. The label information may include a company name or logo that identifies the source of the garment, product information such as the material content of the garment or care instructions, and manufacturer information. The label information can be contained in multiple screen images which can be stepped through by pressing a button or touch-sensitive area of the display. The display can also be programmed to display a series of related images in sequence to produce an animated logo.

Abstract: Ornamental jewelry supports for garments, particularly for upper torso garments worn by women such as bras, bikini tops, halters, strapless dresses, and the like. The garment supports are adjustable along their length with adjusting mechanisms that do not result in unsightly overlap of the ornamental lengths of jewelry of the present garment supports. The adjustable ornamental garment supports can be readily moved from one garment to another and do not require puncturing the garment.

Abstract: A fitting assembly for a helmet having an interiorly located forehead dome and side sections. A crown pad provided with adjusting straps engages retention clips on the side sections to set the vertical position of the helmet. A nape panel provided with adjusting straps engages additional retention clips on the side sections to set the fore and aft position of the helmet. A pouch is fitted into the gap created between the dome and the forehead. A liquid foam is introduced into the pouch which expands and solidifies thereby creating a mold of the wearer's forehead. The pouch, nape panel and chip strap or breathing mask serve to lock the helmet in position on the wearer's head.

Abstract: A toilet ventilation device includes a housing that defines an air inlet aperture and an air outlet aperture. Within the housing are an air movement apparatus for drawing air into the device, a filter for removing malodorous elements in the air, and a radar sensor for activating the air movement apparatus in response to the presence of a user and, optionally, deactivating the air movement apparatus when the user leaves. The toilet ventilation device is configured and arranged to draw air, using the air movement apparatus, from the toilet, through the air inlet aperture, into contact with the filter, and out the air outlet aperture. In one embodiment, the toilet ventilation device is disposed over the overflow conduit of the toilet to draw air from the bowl of the toilet, through the overflow conduit, and into the toilet ventilation device. The entire toilet ventilation device is preferably disposed within a tank of a toilet.

Abstract: A device for flushing, cleaning and servicing sanitary fixtures including an apparatus capable of heating and draining under control a pressurized fluid containing deterging, disinfecting, deodorizing substances and agents for dissolving calcareous deposits mixed with a suitable fluid which is conveyed to the sanitary fixture through pipes ending in spray nozzles which are placed around the upper edge of the sanitary fixture so as to direct the flush of the cleansing fluid to the inner surface thereof.

Abstract: An overflow preventer comprising a plug receivable in a drain hole and provided with a valve movable between a first closed position and a second open position, the valve being resiliently biased to the first position while the pressure on the valve is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A low volume high-pressure toilet. When the user sits on the toilet seat, a hydraulic piston pressurizes the water tank, which optimally holds 1.7 liters of water. Water is released at high pressure through the toilet interior rim and a lower waterjet, forcing the wastewater down a waste pipe. To minimize velocity pressures losses that would be caused by a p-trap, the waste is released straight down a pipe. Sewer gases are prevented from traveling back up the pipe by a sealing valve that occludes the cross sectional area of the waste cavity in the bottom of the toilet.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing standing water from the hydraulic plumbing system that circulates water in a whirlpool bath. The apparatus includes a pneumatic pump fluidically coupled to the whirlpool hydraulic plumbing system of a whirlpool bathtub, such that air pressure from the pneumatic pump can be used to flush standing water out of the hydraulic plumbing after each use of the whirlpool bathtub. The pneumatic plumbing connecting the air pump to the hydraulic plumbing system is positioned substantially above the maximum water level allowed in the tub and also substantially above the hydraulic plumbing system. The pneumatic plumbing is connected in fluidic communication with different portions of the hydraulic plumbing, such that activation of the pneumatic pump (after the tub has been substantially drained) forces residual water from the whirlpool hydraulic plumbing system into the bathtub, where it can be conventionally drained.

Abstract: A bathing chair gives a user maximum comfort and versatility while using the device. The bathing chair has a rotatable seat with a reclining back member and a reclining leg member attached thereto. A roller assembly attachable to a hand rail prevents the bathing chair from tipping over. Conduits disposed within the seat member and the back member allow warm water to be channeled therethrough in order to provide heating for the user. A waste pan and a cart are removably attachable to the bathing chair.

Abstract: A control circuit for flow control of liquid into a scrub sink wherein a differential amplifier is provided with an adjustable input signal based on the ambient condition and an input signal from a photocell which is mounted on the exterior of the edge of the scrub sink. An electrically responsive valve is in the flow line.

Abstract: The combination of plural photoluminescent panels and a commode and a method of illuminating the commode are described. The commode has a bowl including a top surface and an arcuate inner wall portion contiguous with the top surface. The commode may also include a seat pivotally connected to the bowl for selective disposition on the top surface of the bowl, and a cover pivotally connected to the bowl for selective disposition on the seat. Each photoluminescent panel is a generally planar, flexible member of generally rectangular shape having rounded corners. Each panel has an exterior surface and an interior surface, with its exterior surface being arranged to be activated by exposure to ambient light to produce photoluminescent illumination when the ambient light decreases to a threshold level. The interior surface of each panel includes an adhesive, e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive, thereon covered by a peel-off liner.