Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘Floasatur’, characterized by its uniform, strong, upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; early flowering response; large inflorescences with dark red-colored flower bracts; and excellent post-production longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Yovanna’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plant habit; uniform and freely flowering habit; daisy-type inflorescences with white-colored ray florets; and natural season flowering about September 20th in the Northern Hemisphere.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of artichoke plant named ‘PS-MSG0417’, characterized by its numerous bud numbers, fleshiness of bracts, fleshiness of hearts, high fecundity rate and uniformity of head shapes.

Abstract: ‘SAVasleep’ is a new and distinct variety of rose plant primarily identified by its fully double and very fragrant blooms of a dark to medium salmon-pink color. The flowers last very well on the plant and, as cut flowers. It has proven to be easy to care for with its above average disease resistance.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of upright blackberry plant that in all characteristics looks similar to a wild blackberry but is distinct in that the fruit when fully ripened is the color of an almost translucent creamy white and not the reddish purple color of the wild blackberry. The new variety named “Nettleton Creamy White” is an upright plant, is a biennial, thorny, with five leaves per stem along the canes. The berries are produced on the 2nd year canes and are larger then the standard wild blackberry fruit. The creamy white fruit is medium in size and has a sweet taste to them. The cane and leaves are light to bright green and have the absence of the anthocyanin coloration.

Abstract: A new variety of orchid plant of the Oncidiinae Intergeneric group, Brassidium, named EXOTIC ORCHID ‘White Knight’, distinguished in part by a compact size, highly contrasted flower, and growing quickly from in-vitro culture to flowering.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety characterized by a green-colored, medium to large sized seedless grape that ripens during mid-July, approximately one week earlier than the Thompson Seedless Grape (unpatented) when grown in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. The grapes of this new variety are produced on strong woody branches and are well adapted to commercial handling.

Abstract: A new and distinct Schlumbergera plant named ‘Carneval Brazil’, particularly characterized by large upright to vertical flowers; flowers which have petals which are red-purple (RHS N74A) and a light purple throat (RHS 75D); large quantity of flowers per plant; moderately vigorous growth rate and freely branching growth habit; and mucronate to lanceolatoid buds red-purple (RHS 71B) in color.

Abstract: An object detection system is mounted at the rear of a vehicle the trailer receiver for the vehicle. The object detection system warns the driver of the vehicle of persons or objects behind the vehicle, when the vehicle is moving backwards. The system emits microwaves rearwardly of the vehicle and senses microwave reflected from objects behind the vehicle. The microwave transceiver is mounted in the trailer receiver in place of the trailer ball that is normally mounted in the receiver.

Abstract: The invention discloses a locator unit contained within footwear providing a method for GPS position determination and transmission of said location determination data to a central monitoring station which disseminates the data through the use of proprietary software, wireless communications, land based wire systems and the Internet.

Abstract: A virtual data input device to optically interface with an operator to detect the position of objects within an input zone, i.e., an area defined as a “virtual keyboard” in which the operator may interact to enter character or other data into computing equipment. The input device includes a source of optical sensor light illuminating the input zone that reflects off the objects in a direction generally toward the input device. The device also includes an optical detector arranged to receive reflected sensor light as a light pattern, representing the position of the objects within the input zone, and converts the reflected light pattern to an electrical signal. A microprocessor then receives the electrical signal and correlates the electrical signal to character or other data. An image generator may be used to project an optical image that represents, for example, an image of a keyboard.

Abstract: A rotational split adaptor for engaging with gold-plated contacts of a communication socket is introduced to comprise a common plug, a socket assembly and a rotational joint. The common plug further includes a plug end for engaging with the communication socket and an opposing first oblique surface. The socket assembly further includes a splitter and an opposing second oblique surface. The splitter has a plurality of parallel sockets electrically coupling with the communication socket, and the second oblique surface is used to pair with the first oblique surface. The rotational joint is constructed to pair the first oblique surface and the second oblique surface so as to provide angular sliding in between and thus to alter angling between the socket assemble and the common plug.

Abstract: The present invention can be used in pharmacology specifically in the preparation of interferon-containing compositions, which are capable of conserving their biological activity and can be administered intranasally, e.g. in the preparation of nasal drops. This invention essentially refers to an antiviral agent in the form of nasal drops that contains a genetically engineered alpha, beta or gamma interferon with a viscosity of (1.1?30.0)* 10 10?3 Pascal .second, a biocompatible polymer and a buffer mixture. The agent may further include an antioxidant, and the ingredients are contained in the following amounts per ml buffer mixture: 1,000 to 5,000 500,000 IU of genetically engineered interferon; 0.005 to 0.714 g of biocompatible polymer; and 0.0001 to 0.0008 g of an antioxidant. TRILON B® (disodium salt of EDTA) is used as the antioxidant, whereas polyvinylpyrrolidone and/or polyethylene oxide is (are) used as the biocompatible polymer(s) at polyvinylpyrrolidone/polyethylene oxide ratio of 1:1-50.

Abstract: A reconfigurable register file integrated in an instruction set architecture capable of extended precision operations, and also capable of parallel operation on lower precision data is described. A register file is composed of two separate files with each half containing half as many registers as the original. The halves are designated even or odd by virtue of the register addresses which they contain. Single width and double width operands are optimally supported without increasing the register file size and without increasing the number of register file ports. Separate extended registers are also employed to provide extended precision for operations such as multiply-accumulate operations.

Abstract: A preformed sheet is provided with at least two mono-layers, each mono-layer containing unidirectionally oriented fibers having a tensile strength of at least about 1.2 GPa and a tensile modulus of at least 40 GPa, and a binder, with a fiber direction in each mono-layer being rotated with respect to the fiber direction in an adjacent mono-layer. A separating film is provided on both outer surfaces, the separating film having a porosity of between 40 and 90%. Assemblies and articles with such preformed sheet offer a substantially higher ballistic protection level at a certain weight. An assembly of at least two such sheets and a flexible ballistic-resistant article which includes such an assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for protecting a person's arm comprises a forearm section, an upper arm section and a flexible connection between the forearm section and upper arm section. An elbow section is connected between the forearm and upper arm sections and covers the flexible connection. The sections of the protective sleeve each comprise a plurality of layers of cut resistant material enclosed within an outer covering. In one embodiment, a hand protector is either permanently connected or releasably connectable to the sleeve and comprises one or more layers of high tensile strength fabric.

Abstract: A flame resistant shirt is described that has a standard front half, but a back half which includes a cape portion with openings to provide ventilation across the wearer's back.

Abstract: A cycling hand glove includes a main glove element having a palm surface; and a palm pad provided on the palm surface and having at least one aeration aperture therein exposing at least one of the main glove element and the hand of the cyclist inserted into the hand glove.

Abstract: This double hinged/double spring loaded hat clip enables the wearer of a hat, to attach (and detach) with minimal effort or inconvenience, via the hat clips, a cloth or other type protective material for the purpose of providing additional protection from the weather elements, including, but not limited to, the sun, wind, rain, or cold.

Abstract: A garment protector suitable for covering the head while trying on wearing apparel to prevent staining or soiling of the wearing apparel from dirt, facial oils, makeup, or the like, wherein the garment protector is comprised of two sheets of tissue paper substantially secured together about their periphery, leaving an opening for insertion of the wearer's head therethrough. Tabs extend downward from the open portion of the periphery, wherein the tabs are removably insertable in the wearer's clothing/undergarments to secure the garment protector in place prior to trying on the wearing apparel.

Abstract: A pair of men s shorts, including under shorts, has a typical chassis with an abdomen opening, a right pant leg and a left pant leg. The user's genitals pass through an opening on the front of the chassis whenever the shorts are being worn. A hammock overlies the opening and is anchored to the chassis at two points on the right out seam, one point below the other, and two points on the left out seam, symmetrical with the right out seam attachment. The hammock is also attached to the chassis at the waist band and at the lower edge of the opening just above the left and right inseam joinder area. The hammock by being anchored at the out seams and being non-stretching in a transverse direction, acts as a sling in supporting the genitals of the user.

Abstract: A recessed incrementally rotating nozzle assembly is located in a wall or bottom surface of a swimming pool in fluid communication through a conduit with a source of water under pressure from a valve, which valve periodically releases water into the conduit. Each time water flows, a nozzle housing is raised to eject a stream of water. As the nozzle housing rises, it is incrementally rotated by a pin engaging a saw tooth member of a cam ring. Upon cessation of flow, the nozzle housing is retracted and during retraction the nozzle housing is further incrementally rotated by the pin engaging another saw tooth member of the cam ring. After a predetermined degree of angular rotation, a cam reverser slidably reorients protrusions guiding the pin into and out of the saw tooth members to cause the pin to be guided by the opposite side of the saw tooth members and thereby cause reversal of the direction of rotation of the nozzle housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a transfer and transport device and method for moving a patient from a bed to another location within a medical facility. The transport device includes an integral transfer mechanism for transferring a patient from a hospital bed to the device and back.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a patient transfer system with associated patient support frames, lift carts, lifts, carts, and other accessories for use therewith. The support frames of the present invention as depicted in the exemplary embodiments are designed to: (a) provide rigidity (exoskeleton) to the human body for positioning to provide stability for purposes of transferring, lifting and/or transporting the subject via a mobile device, such as a powered lift device; (b) a male/female coupling for coupling to a tine or other carriage mechanism of a lifting device thereto for the purpose of moving or lifting the subject; and/or (c) be used as a support or frame that will interact with the body as an exoskeleton to aid with the activities of daily living.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a body support pillow made and contoured to promote side lying to reduce snoring and negate the consequences of sleep apnea and symptoms. It consists of a body support pillow with integrated, semi-rigid yet flexible support for a person's head, back, and legs while lying on their side thereby encouraging either left or right side position sleeping.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including a pillow case having a top and a bottom, the top opposite from the bottom. The pillow case may include a first pocket attached to the top, and a second pocket attached to the bottom. The pillow case may have a main inner chamber located within the pillow case, such that a pillow cushion can be located within the pillow case. The first pocket may run substantially along an entire width of the pillow case, and the second pocket may run substantially along an entire length of the pillow case. The pillow case and cushion can be inserted into the first or second pockets. A variety of pillow configurations can be created from this apparatus.

Abstract: A neck supporting pillow apparatus that provides support for both the head and neck by way of adjustable inflation of the resting surface of the pillow is disclosed. An inflatable pillow structure has a head support section and a raised neck support section. The head support section includes a generally concave mid-portion bordered by generally planar side surfaces. The raised neck support includes a top surface that is generally convexly shaped to provide proper neck support. The pillow body defines an internal chamber with an openable cover to allow for insertion of a heat pack or cold pack. Independently inflatable firmness bladders allow for customization of support by increasing or decreasing the pressure in bladders.

Abstract: A spring cushion assembly for a one-sided mattress includes a plurality of spring coils. Each spring coil has a length of spring wire formed at opposite upper and lower ends in respective upper and lower end turns and in an intervening coil extent therebetween. The spring coils are characterized in that the lower end turns of each coil is closed by a knot formed between the lower wire end and the coil extent. The spring coils are further characterized in that the upper end turn of a first selected number of the spring coils is open with the upper wire end unknotted to the coil extent and the upper end turn of a second selected number of the spring coils is closed by a knot formed between the upper wire end and the coil extent.

Abstract: A method of treating fabrics, such as de-sized and/or previously bleached hydrophilic fabrics, having threads in a selected machine direction (a weft, or inversely, a warp) and formed of natural or artificial cellulose fibers. The fabric is impregnated with a metal peroxide while leaving the fabric free in the selected machine direction for a period of time necessary for swelling of the fibers of the threads in the selected machine direction and for modification of the cellulose. The fabric is then passed in air while leaving the fabric relaxed and without tension in the selected machine direction, during which the threads in the selected machine direction swell and assume the form of a spring, after shrinkage, followed by at least one rinsing, at least one washing, and at least one squeezing step. Also, the elastic fabrics obtained by the method, and the machine for implementing the method.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method for supplying water thereof are disclosed. The washing machine comprises a supply valve for supplying cold/warm water into a tub, a water level detection unit for detecting a water level in the tub, and a microcomputer for performing an intermittent water supply and a continuous water supply by controlling an amount of water supplied to the tub from the water supply valve via a detergent barrel, and for controlling water supply according to the water level in the tub detected by the water level detection unit. The intermittent and continuous water supply is performed in such a manner of supplying water and stopping the water supply, and water supply time is differently set for the primary and secondary intermittent water supply, so that the detergent can be smoothly supplied to the tub without remaining in the barrel.

Abstract: An automatic clothes washer has a wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving a clothes load and a clothes mover provided in the wash chamber for reciprocal rotation. The automatic clothes washer performs a laundering of a clothes load by wetting a portion of the clothes load to form a clothes load with both wetted and unwetted articles of clothes. The clothes load is then reoriented by moving at least some of the wetted articles of clothing into at least some of the unwetted articles of clothing.

Abstract: A robotic surface treating device that can perform carpet sweeping, hard-surface dry sweeping/wiping, and hard-surface sweeping/mopping is disclosed. The robotic surface treating device includes a sweeper brush, a dust bin for collecting debris from the brush, a reel-to-reel sheet of cleaning material, and a fluid delivery system for delivering fluid from a fluid reservoir onto the sheet of cleaning material and/or onto the surface to be treated. The dust bin, reel-to-reel sheet of cleaning material, and the fluid reservoir are separately installed from the top of the device, and may be separately removed for replacement.

Abstract: A foot and back washing apparatus includes a base section formed from rigid and non-corrosive material and oppositely faced planar top and bottom surfaces. The apparatus further includes a first plurality of rectilinear bristles directly anchored to the top surface of the base section, a pumice stone directly nested to the base section, and a second plurality of rectilinear bristles intercalated between selected ones of the first plurality of bristles and extending upwardly from the top surface of the base section. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for removably attaching the base section to a support surface such that the base section remains static while the first and second pluralities of bristles are repeatedly engaged by the user body. Such a removably attaching mechanism includes a plurality of suction cups.

Abstract: An assembly structured to be used primarily, but not exclusively, with a toothbrush and cooperatively structured therewith to selectively orient the bristles of bristle tufts of the brush between a neutral position, an angularly oriented forward position and/or a angularly oriented rearward direction. A position assembly is connected to the body of the toothbrush and reciprocally moveable along the length thereof in a manner which substantially maintains the longitudinal axises of both the body of the toothbrush and the positioning assembly in parallel relation to one another. The position assembly including a bristle engaging portion with may be mounted either exteriorly or interiorly of the head portion of the toothbrush body and cooperatively structured therewith to selectively orient the plurality of bristles in any of the above noted positions.

Abstract: The present invention features a fabric useful for applying a chemical composition, such as a finishing or polishing composition, onto a substrate surface. Typically the fabric contains between about 1% and 50% stiff fibers and between about 50% and 99% adsorbent or absorbent fibers, more typically between about 2% and 10% stiff fibers and between about 90% and 98% adsorbent or absorbent fibers. The fabric can be used to make applicator pads useful, for example, as mop heads for spreading a finishing or polishing composition on a floor surface.

Abstract: A trash container having a base disposed on a support surface. The base has an aperture adjacent the support surface. A receptacle is disposed above the base. The receptacle contains debris received from an opening in an upper end of the receptacle. A vacuum draws debris through the aperture into a channel adjacent to the base and toward the receptacle. A collection chamber is associated with the receptacle and is configured to receive and collect debris from the vacuum and direct debris into the receptacle. The trash container can also include a lid disposed on an upper end of the receptacle. A method of collecting debris for depositing in a trash container includes providing suction to an aperture in a base of the trash container to draw debris from a surface adjacent the container. The method also includes capturing the debris drawn through the aperture in a collection chamber.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hand-held cleaning device including an elongated nozzle base having opposed first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The second end is releasably connected to a hand-held suction wand of a vacuum source. The longitudinal axis of the elongated nozzle base is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the wand. A battery is located in the elongated nozzle base. A DC motor is located in the elongated nozzle base and is electrically connected to the battery. The motor has an axially rotated output drive shaft. A drive assembly is connected to the drive shaft for rotation therewith. A first brush is located at the first end of the elongated nozzle base and is connected to the drive assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a housing having a dirt chamber closable by a cover, into which a suction socket extends and in which a filter bag is insertable, with a inlet opening of the filter bag being connectable to the suction socket. In order to design the vacuum cleaner so that it allows simple and hygienic handling when removing the filter bag from the dirt chamber it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the suction socket be held on the housing so as to be displaceable back and forth between a position in which it extends into the inlet opening of the filter bag and a position in which it releases the inlet opening.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a dust collection unit for filtering foreign objects contained in air introduced from the main body, a mounting portion provided on the main body to mount the dust collection unit, an elastic press unit provided under or above the dust collection unit to bias the dust collection unit, and a hook unit biased by the elastic press unit and provided between the dust collection unit and the mounting portion.

Abstract: A device for providing multi-directional movement comprising a housing having at least one roller located at least partially within the housing, at least one bearing means for supporting a load and configured to couple the at least one roller with the housing whereby at least one roller is able to rotate relative to the housing and a braking means for providing resistance to rotation of the at least one roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door check mechanism providing infinite stable positions with applications more specifically in the area of motor vehicles, comprising on the one hand an articulated guiding arm (1), mounted to the vehicle body or to the door, and on the other hand a mechanism (9), mounted to the other part, either the door or the vehicle body, in such a way that guiding arm (1) penetrates through mechanism (9) with a relative displacement between these two parts, the wedging function resulting from a blocking of guiding arm (1) by mechanism (9). Mechanism (9) comprises a carriage device (2), including 2 braking-rollers (21) and (22), held against each other as well as against guiding arm (1), in order to ensure the wedging function.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a shaft (1), a cam follower (12), a cam (2), an antifriction member (3), a washer (4) and an elastic member (5). The cam follower is fixed relative to the shaft and has a cam follower surface. The cam has a cam surface (24) and a cam hole defined therein. The cam is rotatable relative to the cam follower. The shaft runs through the cam, the washer and the elastic member, in turn. The antifriction member has one end touching the cam and an opposite end touching the washer. The cam surface abuts against the cam follower surface due to the elastic force of the elastic member. As the friction coefficient between the antifriction member and washer is smaller than that between the cam and the washer, the hinge mechanism generates a smaller friction therebetween, so the waste of energy is very small.

Abstract: A hinge structure includes a knuckle having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface being punched to protrude outwardly thereby forming a working surface defining a working region and a locking surface defining a locking region in spatial communication with the working region. The knuckle further has a slot axially extending through the inner and outer surfaces at the working region to provide resiliency thereof. A pivot shaft extends into the working region, and has a locking section and a working section. A roller unit is disposed within the locking region in such a manner to contact the shaft. When the locking section is aligned with the roller unit, the shaft is locked to the knuckle due to biasing action of the locking surface. When the working section is aligned with the roller unit, the shaft possesses a torque due to biasing action of the knuckle.

Abstract: An angle-limiting hinge has a stationary leaf, a pivoting leaf, a pintle and a limiting element. The pintle is mounted statically in the stationary leaf and rotatably in the pivoting leaf, thereby allowing the leaves to rotate relative to each other and the pintle has a limit. The limit is C-shaped, formed diametrically around the pintle and comprises two ends being positive stops. The limiting element is mounted around the pintle and is secured to the pivoting leaf and has a limiting block mounted securely in the limiting element using riveting. The limiting block is disposed between the positive stops of the limit to limit relative rotational angles of the leaves. Accordingly, the angle-limiting hinge fastens and facilitates fabrication and is capable of limiting the rotational angle of the leaves.

Abstract: A roller for a fibre-processing machine, for example a spinning preparation machine such as a flat card, cleaner or the like, flock feeder, roller card, nonwoven-forming machine or the like, comprises a roller body. In order to make possible, by simple means, economical manufacture and adequate dimensional stability, for example a substantially constant carding nip, the roller body has at least one metal cylinder and at least one circular cylindrical sheath of fibre-reinforced plastics material surrounding the cylinder.

Abstract: A collar stay perforating device for perforating a portion of a collar stay and a collar stay storage device for storing the perforated collar stay are provided. The collar stay perforating device comprises a base member having a punch hole and a guide to receive an end of a collar stay. A first lever member pivotally attached to the base member has a punch member that cooperates with the punch hole. A second lever member pivotally attached to the base member bears on the first lever member to bring the punch member into cooperation with the punch hole thereby perforating the collar stay. The perforated collar stay may then be stored on a collar stay storage device comprising an openable ring member having releaseably engageable arms for forming a closed loop. The ring is openable permitting one of the arms to be inserted through the perforated collar stay thereby providing ordered and compact storage of collar stays.

Abstract: In an elevator installation, an apparatus and a method use a support end connection for fastening a support device to an elevator car, a counterweight and/or a building. The support device has at least one cable or cable strand enclosed by a cable casing and is held in a wedge pocket by a wedge. The cable casing is formed of thermoplastic material or an elastomer and the cable or the cable strand is glued to, fused together with or mechanically connected with the cable casing in the region of the support end connection. A friction force transmitted from the support end connection to the cable casing can then be directly passed on to the load-bearing core of the support device, to the cables or to the cable strands. The tolerable tension force in the support device is increased. The support device is preferably a multiple cable.

Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool for machining a workpiece by a relative movement between the workpiece and a tool, comprising a first receiving device for the workpiece or the tool, a compound slide system with a second receiving device for the tool or the workpiece and comprising a drive device for moving the second receiving device in relation to the first receiving device, which drive device acts at least two spaced-apart points of application by at least three drive struts extending parallel to at least two different directions and each with a pivot joint, and with which drive device the at least two points of application can be positioned by means of the at least three drive struts, in such a way that exact positioning of the second slide element can be achieved by structural measures, it is proposed that four drive struts of invariant length, each with a pivot joint, act on the slide element, each of which struts is pivotally connected to a guiding slide, which is guided in a linearly movable manner

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fixing a tool (10, 22, 64), especially a shaft tool, in a clamping chuck (8, 18, 60), whereby the tool (10, 22, 64) is introduced into the clamping chuck (8, 18, 60) and fixed therein (8, 18, 60) upon reaching an axial nominal position. According to the invention, the tool (10, 22, 64) is brought against an abutment (42, 70) and the position of a characteristic element of the tool (10, 22, 64) is measured. The tool (10, 22, 64) is positioned in the axial nominal position by moving the abutment (42, 70) along a positioning section (Z1) calculated from the measurement.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.