Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘Shaked’. ‘Shaked’ is primarily adapted to the climate and growing conditions of the Hod Hasharon, Sharon costal plain, Israel, and is primarily characterized by: 1. Excellent fruit flavor. 2. Conical fruit shape, dark red in color. 3. Firm juicy fruit. 4. Strong glossiness fruit. 5. Insertion of achenes above surface. 6. Production of many stolons. 7. Tolerance to anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum).

Abstract: A variety of Japanese Zelkova which combines unusually small leaves, short internodes, slow growth, and dense branching with a compact growth habit and semi-dwarf size.

Abstract: A holly tree (Ilex attenuata) named ‘IABOF’ having a compact, dense canopy, an increased caliper to height ratio, reduced berry weight load and also capable of being reproduced reliably from vegetative cuttings.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla named ‘Kompeito’ that is characterized by its re-blooming habit with inflorescences produced from early summer until fall with removal of spent blooms, its consistently well formed, large sized, lacecap type inflorescences with a mass of fertile flowers surrounded by large double flowers on long petioles and smaller double flowers with sepals having white margins and centers that are blue to pink in color depending on soil acidity and aluminum uptake, its compact growth habit, and its hardiness at least in U.S.D.A. Zones 5 to 9.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Dianthus plant named ‘STARDUST’ that is characterized by compact habit, grey-green foliage, and double flowers that are pale coral in color. In combination these traits set ‘STARDUST’ apart from all other existing varieties of Dianthus known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Zaprimma’, characterized by its upright, somewhat outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; vigorous growth habit; red-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: An Alstroemeria cultivar particularly distinguished by its bright red flower color, its white flower stems, and its variegated foliage that fades from yellow to white.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Carex oshimensis, ‘Everillo’, characterized its foliage that is uniformly yellow in color, its compact clump-forming growth habit, its ability to be readily propagated by rhizome division and basal cuttings, and its hardiness at least in U.S.D.A. Zones 6 to 9.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘COSEH 700’, characterized by its upright and mounded plant habit; medium green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; and large light green-colored flowers.

Abstract: Improved internal combustion engine, particularly, an improved two-stroke, diesel aircraft engine. A first improvement includes a wrist pin/connection rod assembly. A plurality of fasteners extend through a wall of a wrist pin and into a wrist pin insert to secure the wrist pin to a cradle-like portion of a connecting rod. A second improvement includes a fuel injection system which cools fuel injectors with overflow fuel from a fuel pump. The overflow fuel is warmed as it cools the fuel injectors, thereby preventing ice-build up on a fuel filter in cold weather as the overflow fuel is recirculated to the fuel pump. A third improvement includes a new cylinder head cooling arrangement. The cylinder head and a cooling cap define an annular cooling passageway. Cooling fluid flows through the annular cooling passageway to cool the cylinder head. The cooling cap includes an inlet port and an outlet port which are not diametrically opposed.

Abstract: A fabrication process for a semiconductor device including a plurality of semiconductor layers, the plurality of semiconductor layers including at least a nitrogen-containing alloy semiconductor AlaGabIn1-a-bNxPyAszSb1-x-y-z (0?a?1, 0?b?1, 0<x<1, 0?y<1, 0?z<1), and a method of making the semiconductor device and apparatus. For at least two semiconductor layers out of the plurality of semiconductor layers, a value of lattice strain of said at least two semiconductor layers is set at less than a critical strain at which misfit dislocations are generated at an interface between said two adjacent semiconductor layers.

Abstract: The entire data path of a synchronous integrated circuit device is initialized in a test mode upon power-up of the synchronous integrated circuit device. Upon power-up of the integrated circuit device in the test mode, a clock signal (either an external clock signal or an associated internal clock signal) is internally clocked. As the clock signal goes to a low logic state upon power-up of the device, a master latch (flip-flop) flip-flop element of the integrated circuit device is loaded with data and is allowed to conduct; a slave latch (flip-flop) flip-flop element of the integrated circuit device does not conduct. As the clock signal goes to a high logic state, the data in the master latch is latched. Also upon the high logic state of the clock, the slave latch element is loaded with data and is allowed to conduct.

Abstract: An optical scanner that may assemble the lens design for varying the focus and resolution, having a light source, a reflection compound mirror, a charge coupled device, a basic objective lens and a compound lens. The basic objective lens is designed by simulation software. According to the lens design theory, the compound lens is designed. By incorporating the basic objective lens and the compound lens, different resolutions such as 1200 dpi, 1600 dpi and 2400 dpi of the optical scanner are obtained without redesigning the lens device, the current specification of the optical scanner is also varied.

Abstract: Compositions comprising N-acetyl-aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and related N-acetyl compounds are useful to alleviate or improve various cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders, including changes or damage to skin, nail and hair associated with intrinsic aging and/or extrinsic aging, as well as changes or damage caused by extrinsic factors. N-acetyl-aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and related N-acetyl composition may further comprise a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or other topical agent to enhance or create synergetic effects.

Abstract: A lock in pinned photodiode photodetector includes a plurality of output ports which are sequentially enabled. Each time when the output port is enabled is considered to be a different bin of time. A specified pattern is sent, and the output bins are investigated to look for that pattern. The time when the pattern is received indicates the time of flight. A CMOS active pixel image sensor includes a plurality of pinned photodiode photodetectors that share buffer transistors. In one configuration, the charge from two or more pinned photodiodes may be binned together and applied to the gate of a shared buffer transistor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of lower aliphatic esters by reacting a lower olefin with a saturated lower aliphatic mono-carboxylic acid in the vapor phase in the presence of a heteropolyacid catalyst characterized in that an amount of water in the range from 1-10 mole % based on the total of the olefin, aliphatic monocarboxylic acid and water is added to the reaction mixture during the reaction. The presence of water enhances the yield of the desired ester. The reaction mixture may optionally contain a di-ether to minimize the by-products. The process is particularly suitable for producing ethyl acetate from ethylene and acetic acid in the presence of water.

Abstract: A modular coating thickness gauge includes a probe which generates a signal representative of coating thickness, a PCMCIA card connected to the probe for converting the signal into a standard PCMCIA output format, and a portable computing unit for receiving the signal via the PCMCIA card. The gauge allows the on-site user to alternately record coating thickness measurement data and descriptive textual or graphical data relating to each coating thickness measurement.

Abstract: Monitoring a converter (1) includes detecting whether a value of an input variable (2) for the converter (1) assumes a first prescribed input reference value (41) and checking whether an output variable (3) from the converter (1) likewise assumes a corresponding, second prescribed output reference value (61). This means that the operation of the converter is tested only at occasional instants, specifically only using individual, prescribed values. The fact that only prescribed values (41, 61) are compared with instantaneous values of the input and output variables (2, 3) means that the invention can be implemented using very simple means. The method is particularly suitable for monitoring the operation of a converter (1) in a control or protective device for an electrical switchgear assembly. In this context, when a malfunction in the converter (1) is detected, all protective functions which are dependent on the converter (1) are preferably turned off.

Abstract: A protective shield having an upper portion, which may be configured to provide ballistic protection to at least a head of a user, and a lower portion, which may be configured to provide ballistic protection to at least a torso of the user. The upper portion may have a width wider than the head of the user. The lower portion may have a width that is greater than the width of the upper portion, and therefore extends laterally beyond the upper portion (forming at least one weapon support region on the protective shield).

Abstract: A dining garment for a child's high chair or toddler's table or other similar furniture article, comprises a tray cover, a bib extension of the tray cover extending over the tray, and a bolster disposed around and extending upward from the perimeter of the tray cover, the combination forming a basin. The bolster has sufficient rigidity to maintain the basin form and sufficient flexibility to facilitate installation, removal, and cleaning, without requiring inflation of the bolster and without requiring a separate supporting frame. The dining garment includes a trough between the tray cover and the bib extension for accumulating spilled food materials. A drain may be provided in the trough for draining the spilled material. The drain may include a cap, stopper, or plug.

Abstract: A necktie is preformed with a knot or knot like section which is adapted to be attached to the collar of a shirt by a fastening means that can be separated from the necktie body and can be attached to the shirt collar to cause the necktie to be suspended. Such an entirely new type of necktie can be used by one irrespective of age and sex. Use of the fastening means makes fitting easy and makes nil the sense of oppression around the neck area. Only a minor change made to an ordinary necktie allows this new necktie to be manufactured inexpensively and to be washed while retaining its shape. A necktie is thus provided that can be returned easily to the state of an ordinary necktie and that is not different in appearance from an ordinary necktie.

Abstract: An glove that has one or more pads that insulate and resist moisture for holding beverage containers. The pad or pads are positioned at the surface of the glove that contacts a beverage container when a wearer of the glove grasps the container. The pads provide an enhanced grip and comfort for the wearer's hand when holding a beverage container.

Abstract: A protective undergarment is provided according to exemplary aspects of this invention. The undergarment includes a waist portion adapted to encircle the waist of a user. The undergarment also includes a crotch portion having an end segment extending from the waist portion, a central segment, and a terminal end segment attachable to the waist portion. The terminal end segment of the crotch portion extends substantially perpendicular to the waist portion.

Abstract: An improved women's undergarment includes a flexible, generally triangular front panel having a bottom corner and top left and top right corners and a rear waistband extending between and connecting the top left and top right corners of the front panel extending partially circumferentially rearwards therefrom. Finally, a pair of lower loop straps is included, one extending between and connecting the top left corner and bottom corner of the front panel and one extending between and connecting the top right corner and bottom corner of the front panel such that when the undergarment is being worn, the front panel being adapted to cover the female genitalia of a person wearing the undergarment with the rear waistband extending around the rear of the waist of a person wearing the undergarment and the left and right lower straps extending around and underneath the buttocks of a person.

Abstract: The present invention is a ski helmet that combines a visor and face shield. Adapted to the ski helmet is a suitably thick strip of resilient foam material positioned across the exterior front-facing surface of the helmet protecting the forehead area of the person wearing the helmet. The face shield can be rotated to various positions which will change the contact area of the face shield and foam strip and thus the amount of air flow between the face shield and user's face. When the face shield is in maximum contact with the foam strip, air flow is minimized.

Abstract: An athletic pants having a body joined to a waist band and legs. A cup pouch accommodating a jock cup is releasably connected to the waist band for adjusting the location of the cup pouch relative to the parts. Knee supports secured to the legs have cushions to protect a person's knees.

Abstract: The present invention provides a site assembled swimming pool comprising a plurality of upstanding staves arranged in side by side relation and held together by upper and lower L-shaped rails, a coping extending entirely around and in releasably secured relation to the rails that fasten the upper edges of the staves together, and a flexible liner and cover releasably secured to the coping. The wooden staves include opposing vertical edges one of which includes a modified tongue and the other of which includes a groove. When assembled, the tongue of one stave engages the groove of the adjacent stave, thereby interconnecting the two staves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sink access device which is utilized to facilitate a child or a diminutive person to wash their hands at a lavatory located at a public restroom. The sink access device includes a step support mount having a base and an upwardly extending arm. The step support mount is fixedly attached to a portion of a public restroom. A step is pivotally mounted to the upwardly extending arm of the step support mount. The step has a first position wherein the step is in a vertical position and a second position wherein the step is in a horizontal position providing a platform for a diminutive person to step onto. The step is positioned either at or behind a vertical plane defined by the front profile of a sink when the step is in the first position and the step breaks the plane when in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing a person from a lateral incumbent position to a sitting position and vice versa, comprising: engaging means for engaging on the person. The invention relates to a bed provided with such an apparatus. The invention further relates to a method for displacing a person from a lateral recumbent position to a sitting position using such an apparatus.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus. The patient transport apparatus of the present invention is articulated and sized to fit between the body and the open door of virtually all vehicles. Further, the patient transport apparatus uses a height-adjustable seat that is aligned with the vehicle seat to allow for simplified extraction of the patient from the vehicle. The height-adjustable seat lowers to just above ground height making the recovery of a fallen patient easier. A set of casters allows omni-directional travel of the patient transport apparatus for precise placement and a pair of primary motion wheels makes linear travel easier while providing a turning radius substantially approaching zero.

Abstract: A baby crib bumper pad formed from abutting tightly padded segments. Each segment provided with pairs of cooperating vertical flaps that extend around balusters of the baby crib and are tied together on the outside of the crib via short tie fasteners provided on the vertical flaps to secure the segments to the crib. A lower border on each segment is a continuously repeating series of u-shaped crescents that touch each other so that longer portions of the crescents rest on and support the segments above the crib mattress and shorter portions of the crescents form lower openings with the crib mattress. The lower openings permit air to flow between the inside and outside of the crib, thereby preventing the baby from being strangled or suffocated by the pad and helping to prevent SIDS.

Abstract: An adaptive positioning system embodiment comprises a plurality of longitudinal elements. At least one frame member has an adjustably fixed spatial relationship with a plurality of longitudinal elements, thus forming a conforming assembly capable of supporting a person. The conforming assembly is supported by support means comprising at least one bearing and facilitating rotation (by rotation means) of the conforming assembly (and a supported person) about a longitudinal axis. Control means generate at least one control signal for controlling the rotation means to adapt the positioning system to an individual person, at least one control signal encoding at least one set point and a function of weight distribution on the conforming assembly. The function of weight distribution may be nonlinear. At least one optional multiuse port and/or one or two multiuse optional lateral reverse-foldable longitudinal assemblies may be added to the conforming assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support structure supporting a patient support surface that comprises separately adjustable torso and hip support structures. Lifting mechanisms are provided to elevate the torso and hip support structures to substantially reduce pressure on the sacral area of a patient resting on the patient support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method position a patient for rapid and effective endotracheal intubation. The apparatus includes a pillow, which has a plurality of independently inflatable and deflatable sections which may be grouped together to position a patient so that a pinna of an ear of the patient and a sternum of the patient are aligned in the same horizontal plane. The plurality of inflatable and deflatable sections include at least a back support section and a base support section, which, when grouped together, can lift an upper body of the patient in order to facilitate the positioning of the patient. When the plurality of sections are grouped for the aforementioned positioning of the patient, the base section is located beneath the back support section. The plurality of inflatable and deflatable sections may further include a head rest section and a head tilt adjustment section.

Abstract: A device for supporting and positioning an infant, particularly a premature infant, in a tucked prone position. An elongated base layer extends lengthwise from a head end to a feet end, and includes, in order, a head support portion having a width at least sufficient to fully support the head of the infant, a torso support portion having a width sized to correspond to the width of the torso of the infant, and a pelvis support portion terminating in an upwardly extending rear support for the buttocks of the infant. Arm recesses are formed in the torso support portion, and pair of upwardly and rearwardly extending lateral supports extend lengthwise from the arm recesses to the feet end of the device. Leg recesses are defined between, on the one hand, the upwardly extending lateral supports, and, on the other hand, the pelvis support portion and the upwardly extending rear support.

Abstract: A combination mattress for putting babies to sleep without disturbing the babies and waking them up includes a platform piece and baby-carrying piece. When the baby-carrying piece is placed in the platform piece, the two form a complete sleeping surface for a baby. When the caregiver needs to put the baby to sleep, the caregiver removes the baby-carrying piece from the platform piece, puts the baby on top of the baby-carrying piece, and cuddles the baby to sleep. When the baby is asleep, the caregiver moves the baby-carrying piece with the baby lying on top of the baby-carrying piece into the platform piece, where the baby continues to sleep. By avoiding touching the baby or creating pressure points with the baby's body, the caregiver avoids waking up the baby while transporting the baby to the platform piece.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress is provided having a base layer, first and second longitudinally extending side walls, and a patient support layer positioned on the base layer and between the foam sidewalls. In one embodiment, the patient support layer has a plurality of separately zoned air cell sections, including a head zone adjacent a head end of the mattress, a foot zone adjacent a foot end of the mattress, and a seat zone between the head zone and the foot zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the gentle placement of a patient in a defined position. In order to provide a device for the placement of patients which both allows gentle positioning and at the same time holds the patient in a defined position, the device according to the invention comprises a mattress having a surface able to adopt a flexible state, as a result of being subjected to a first control signal, and a rigid state, as a result of being subjected to a second control signal, a cushion which is filled with a fluid, rests on the mattress and comprises a flexible wall in the region of the patient or the body part of the patient resting on the cushion, and a fluid pump which is connected via a valve to the fluid in the cushion and via which the internal pressure and/or the internal volume of the cushion may be adjusted to a predetermined value.

Abstract: Pliers for removing paint from a jig-eye hole, including a first plier having a first handle and first jaw. The first jaw includes a tooth extending from the end. A second plier is connected to the first plier and has a second handle and a second jaw including an invagination at the end. When the jig-eye hole is registered with the invagination, and the first handle and second handle are rotated closer together, the tooth is inserted into the jig-eye hole for paint removal. Preferably, the first handle section has a hollow handle and a retractable threader in the handle. The pliers may include a tool module. The tool module forms structure for removable connection with the invagination on the handle end. The tool module includes a retractable tool, such as a fishing line threader or hone so that the tool may be extended and used by the fisherman.

Abstract: A washing machine and suds removal method thereof. The suds removal method is designed to effectively remove suds at the earliest possible time using a small amount of water by adjusting an activity of suds when the generation of suds is sensed. The suds removal method includes sensing the generation of suds during a washing cycle, and removing the suds by adjusting the activity of suds when the generation of suds is sensed.

Abstract: A common toothbrush usable electronic toothbrush is provided. The common toothbrush usable electronic toothbrush includes: a toothbrush receiving part having a housing for receiving a toothbrush and a fixing member for fixing the toothbrush; and a driving part tightly attached to the toothbrush receiving part, for vibrating the whole toothbrush by transmitting a vibration generated from a driving of a motor to the toothbrush receiving part. Since the electronic toothbrush can receive common toothbrushes of various kinds instead of a dedicated electric toothbrush, it is possible to permanently use the electronic toothbrush by replacing common toothbrushes, thus increasing a user's satisfaction by allowing a usage of toothbrushes as the user wishes.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprises a housing, a driving mechanism and a plurality of cleaning elements. The driving mechanism is disposed in the housing. The cleaning elements are connected to the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism rotates the cleaning elements to clean the emitters.

Abstract: A debris sweeper has a powered rotary brush for sweeping debris, such as aerator cores, from a turf surface into a debris collecting hopper. The brush and hopper are carried on a wheeled tow frame. The hopper is pivotally supported on a pivotal lift frame that moves the hopper between a lower, debris collecting position and an upper, debris dumping position. The lift frame pivots on the tow frame behind an axis of a pair of wheels while the hopper pivots on the lift frame in front of the wheel axis. This ensures that positive weight is kept on the tongue of the tow frame at all times.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an exposed surface. The apparatus has an elongate support with a proximal region and a distal region. The proximal region is engagable by a user to controllably reposition the elongate support and thereby situate the distal region at an exposed surface to be treated. At least one elongate element is provided at the distal region of the elongate support. The at least one elongate element is moveable at the distal region to repeatedly contact an exposed surface at which the elongate element is situated to thereby separate matter from an exposed surface at which the elongate element is situated.

Abstract: A brush includes a handle and a head having an array of bristles and a paddle with a plurality of apertures formed therein. The paddle and bristles may be formed of silicone.

Abstract: A flat mop is used with a disposable wiper. The mop includes a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface. The base member has a projecting securing elements disposed on opposing sides of the upper surface. At least one resilient clip is associated with securing element. A pivot joint has a first receiving portion for mounting to the base member to define a first pivot axis. The pivot joint has a second receiving portion distinct from the first receiving portion and includes an engagement member received in the second receiving portion to defining a second pivot axis spaced from and perpendicular to the first pivot axis. The engagement member includes a coupling portion to mount to a handle. The pivot joint is mounted to the base member for pivoting the base member relative to the pivot joint about two axes. The associated wiper is secured to the base member, positioned on the lower surface of the base member, wrapped around the base member and over the securing elements.

Abstract: Dusting article structure including a duster body and a handle. The duster body includes layers of holding sheets, a fibrous-filament layer, and a cleaning base sheet. A lower layer of the holding sheets and the cleaning base sheet are symmetrically cut to form strip-like cleaning pieces. The filaments of the fibrous-filament layer include numerous tiny pores disposed thereon. The handle includes a grip portion and a connector portion. A coupling block is disposed on the grip portion and includes inserting posts and pivoting grooves to respectively engage with pivoting holes and a pivoting rod of the connector portion thereby. The grip portion is mounted pivotally onto the connector portion having retaining rods to be engaged with holding spaces of the thermo-fusion bonded duster body. The tiny pores disposed at the fibrous-filament layer absorb and trap small grains of dust. The grip portion of the handle may be bent for folding.

Abstract: A buffing ball is formed by compressing a stack of generally circular buffing pads along a central axis. The individual pads have a generally wave-like outer peripheral surface having valleys and mounds. When compressed together, the mounds form small knobs that are ideal for buffing or cleaning intricate surfaces.

Abstract: A wiper drive system and method for installation of a wiper pivot shaft through a structure whose opposite faces may not be parallel. A mounting body supports a bearing support tube and has a concave front side. A mounting ring surrounds the bearing support tube and has a convex rear side that rests adjustably against the concave front side of the mounting body.

Abstract: A wiper device for wiping a vehicle windscreen, including a drivable wiper arm and a flat wiper blade arranged on the wiper arm. The flat wiper blade includes a wiper blade rubber, a support for supporting the wiper blade rubber, and a connection for connecting a free end of the wiper arm. The support is in the form of band-like elongate spring blades. The connection includes a support element fixedly arranged on the support and a connecting element that partially pivots the support element. The connecting element is releasably connected to the free end of the wiper arm.