Abstract: A particulate filter is provided for passing through select permeate particles in a fluid medium from inflow to outflow regions while restraining reticulate particles. The filter includes a coarse-grain ceramic porous substrate, an intermediate-grain porous ceramic layer, a fine-grain ceramic porous membrane, and a channel there-through. The substrate opens into the outflow region as an outflow cavity. The intermediate-grain porous ceramic layer is disposed on the substrate. The fine-grain ceramic porous membrane is disposed on the layer and opens into the inflow region containing the medium as an inflow cavity. The channel directionally expands and connects the inflow and outflow cavities together by a substantially funnel-shape passage. The inflow cavity permits the permeate particles and the medium but obstructs the reticulate particles.

Abstract: A new ‘Gala’-type apple variety named ‘CH 101.’ The new variety is distinguished by its large orange-red fruit, high fruit sugar content, and resistance to scab.

Abstract: A new and distinct Petunia cultivar named ‘DLITT259’ is disclosed, characterized by a compact plant habit. The new variety has a distinctive, small, red-purple flowers with darker veins. The new variety is a Petunia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Petunia cultivar named ‘DLITT258’ is disclosed, characterized by a compact plant habit. The new variety has a distinctive, small, purple flowers with darker veins. The new variety is a Petunia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Petunia cultivar named ‘DLITT262’ is disclosed, characterized by a compact plant habit and small foliage. The new variety has a distinctive, small, pink/light pink with distinctive deeply lobed petals The new variety is a Petunia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Petunia cultivar named ‘DRAY263’ is disclosed, characterized by a trailing/mounding plant habit. The new variety has a distinctive round flower shape, and red/purple flower color. The new variety is a Petunia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echinacea plant named ‘Quills and Thrills’ characterized by large inflorescences with quilled ray florets of purple pink, a compact, multicrown habit, a long bloom time, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Gaillardia cultivar named ‘DGAL901’ is disclosed, characterized by a somewhat compact plant habit, good branching and abundant flowering. The new variety begins blooming early in the season and flowers over a long period of time. The new variety is a Gaillardia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Portulaca cultivar named ‘DPAZ15’ is disclosed, characterized by abundant flowering and an intense orange/red flower color. The new variety has a compact, semi trailing growth habit and forms a low, spreading plant. The new variety is a Portulaca, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Portulaca cultivar named ‘DPAZ16’ is disclosed, characterized by large yellow flowers. The new variety has a compact, semi trailing growth habit and forms a dense plant. The new variety is a Portulaca, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Portulaca cultivar named ‘DPAZ17’ is disclosed, characterized by large white flowers. The new variety has a compact, semi trailing growth habit and forms a dense plant. Flowers distinctively open early in the morning, and remain open into the evening hours. The new variety is a Portulaca, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A substrate supporting apparatus includes a plate member of an aluminum alloy having a flat upper surface, bottomed pits formed in the plate member, and spacer members held in the pits, individually. The spacer members are sapphire spheres. The diameter of each spacer member is a little smaller than that of each pit. The upper end of each spacer member projects from the upper surface of the plate member. A spot facing is formed in a region that includes the open edge portion of the pit. A bending portion which is obtained by plastically deforming the open edge portion of the pit toward the spacer member is formed on a bottom surface of the spot facing. A V-shaped groove is formed behind the bending portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for isolating constituents from organic material, comprising the following process steps: a) freeze-drying of the organic material; b) extracting the constituents with a polar solvent or solvent mixture (A) and an organic solvent or solvent mixture (B), it being possible for the extracts of the extraction with (A) and (B) to form one phase; c) combining the extracts (A) and (B) to give one phase; and d) carrying out an esterification/transesterification in the unpolar phase with an alcohol, the esterification/transesterification being carried out in the presence of a volatile acid; the process being a high-throughput process.

Abstract: A baking tray includes an outer shell and a bottom plate positioned within the outer shell for supporting a food item. The bottom plate is removable from the outer shell to separate the food item from the outer shell. The baking tray also includes a divider assembly positionable within the outer shell adjacent to the bottom plate. The divider assembly is configured to divide the food item supported on the bottom plate into a plurality of pieces.

Abstract: A silicon carbide (SiC) substrate is provided with an off-oriented {0001} surface whose off-axis direction is <11-20>. A trench is formed on the SiC to have a stripe structure extending toward a <11-20> direction. An SiC epitaxial layer is formed on an inside surface of the trench.

Abstract: A photosensitive area 11, such as a photolithographic sheet, in an images plane is notionally subdivided in both dimensions to form contiguous (tiled) sub-areas. Variable illumination means 1,4 provides a selected pixellated light pattern, which is directed 8, 9, 10 to fill a selected one of the sub-areas so that pixels of said pattern are, at least 15 microns across at the sub-area, and control means are responsive to an input signal representative of an image conjointly to control the production and direction of the pixellated patterns so that an entire image is produced over all of the said sub-areas. As shown, the variable illumination means comprises a light source 2 with digital micro-mirror array deflector device 4, and the sub-area is selected by lens array 8 with a shutter 10 and polariser array 11 10. The latter may be replaced by a two-axis steering mirror and lens array.

Abstract: A panoramic lens includes an aspherical convex surface and an aspherical concave surface. The convex surface includes a transparent portion and an internally reflective portion, and the concave surface also includes a transparent portion and an internally reflective portion. Light from a 360-degree surrounding scene enters the panoramic lens through the transparent portion of the convex surface, is reflected by the internally reflective portion of the concave surface, is reflected by the internally reflective portion of the convex surface, and exits the panoramic lens through the transparent portion of the concave surface as a narrow column of light beams. Light beams containing image data can be provided to the transparent portion of the concave surface, and those beams will follow this same optical path through the panoramic lens in reverse to project a panoramic image out from the transparent region of the convex surface.

Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided for the multicasting of streaming digital content to a plurality of Internet users. Streaming digital audio, video or other digital data content that is to be multicast to Internet users is formatted into IP protocol at a head-end content source transmission site. The streaming IP digital data is transmitted from the head-end transmission site to at least one distant/remote routing station of an Internet service provider (i.e., a provider-edge router or Internet point of presence) via a bandwidth portion of a digital communications data transport service or transmission medium that is substantially unaffected by conventional Internet communications traffic. The Internet service provider (ISP) maintains at least one access router for providing Internet access via its Internet domain for its customers accessing the Internet via conventional two-way IP connection.

Abstract: A process for making optically pure (R) and (S) salbutamol comprises obtaining the (R) or (S) isomer of either salbutamol or a salbutamol precursor in substantially optically pure form by resolving a racemic or optically impure mixture of enantiomers of salbutamol or of said precursor with either (L) or (D) tartaric acid, and where necessary converting said isomer of said precursor into either (R or (S) salbutamol respectively; then optionally converting said optically pure (R) and/or (S) salbutamol into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Abstract: A “lock-and-key” consumer billing data protection capability is provided to telemarketing and electronic marketing systems which are based upon previously-acquired consumer lists. The lists contain encrypted partial billing information for each consumer, which is insufficient to access the consumer's account. Thus, at the time a consumer is offered a product or service, the telemarketer, the electronic marketer, and any entity hired to perform billing operations for such consumer purchases all remain “locked” out from accessing the consumer's account. When the consumer wishes to authorize the purchase of an offered product or service, the consumer must provide the “key” to the consumer's account, which is the key necessary to decrypt the encrypted partial billing information and also the missing billing information not acquired from the list provider.

Abstract: An adapter system for a protective mask (2) serves for movably attaching a protective mask (2) to a helmet (1), wherein the adapter system includes two individual adapters (3), which on the one hand serve for coupling to a connecting device (11) of the helmet (1) by means of a helmet coupling (31) and on the other hand for attaching to the protective mask (2) by means of a mask coupling (37), and the adapters (3) each respectively have a swivelling joint (34), around which a protective mask (2) attached to the adapter (3) is capable of being swivelled. In doing so, the adapters (3) each respectively include a swivelling arm (35) capable of being swivelled relative to the swivelling joint (34), wherein the swivelling arm (35) is adjustable in its length.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an article of clothing adapted to function as a scarf, the scarf including: a large tubular fabric material cut into a plurality of loops of fabric, the loops of fabric are stretched to a desired length; and a band of fabric adapted to bind the plurality of loops to thereby form the scarf designed to be worn around a user's neck.

Abstract: A garment, for example, an undergarment, that includes a pocket is described. The pocket is positioned on the interior of the garment and can be positioned against the wearer's body. The pocket is generally aligned with the centerline of the wearer's body. In an example, the garment includes a body to partially cover the wearer's body. The body includes a rear panel substantially aligned with a center line of the wearer's body. The rear panel includes an interior face to be proximal the wearer and an exterior face to be distal the wearer. A supporting band is to support the body generally at a waist of the wearer. The pocket can be positioned on either the supporting band or the rear panel or both. The pocket is designed to store small or flat objects in a manner that is essentially invisible outside the wearer's clothes.

Abstract: A head and neck protector for use by a race car or other driver includes a yoke which is mounted on the shoulders of the driver, and a helmet which is mounted on a portion of the yoke extending around the sides and back of the driver's neck. The helmet is securely latched to the yoke to prevent rotation of the helmet relative to the yoke. The interior volume of the helmet is sufficiently large that the driver can freely move his or her head without corresponding movement of the helmet.

Abstract: Disclosed are toilets suitable to be installed partially behind a bathroom wall. In some embodiments a siphon leg of the toilet trapway extends sideways between lateral studs of the wall. Thus, an elongated trapway can be accommodated without needing to position the siphon leg in the bathroom or behind the wall studs. In other embodiments the tank for the toilet is also positioned between studs of the room wall.

Abstract: There is provided a self-generating bidet that can perform power-generation using water supplied to the bidet or a water tank. The self-generating bidet, injecting water through a nozzle part, includes a water inlet into which water is introduced; a generator generating power through the water introduced by the water inlet; a charging unit storing electricity generated from the generator; and a nozzle passage part provided between the generator and the nozzle part to supply the water passing through the generator to the nozzle part. The self-generating bidet further includes a controller controlling the generator to be driven by opening a passage of the nozzle passage part in order to allow the water to be discharged through the nozzle part when a voltage of the charging unit is lower than a predetermined reference voltage.

Abstract: A bidet having a variable nozzle. The bidet includes a linear channel connected to a feed channel through which water is fed, a nozzle part connected to the linear channel and ejecting the water toward an area of the human body to be washed, and a variable channel connected to opposite sides of the nozzle part and feeding the water to the nozzle part while the water to be ejected is pressurized symmetrically on the opposite sides of the nozzle part. Thereby, the bidet can adjust a spreading angle of the water ejected from the nozzle part according to an area to be washed.

Abstract: A system is provided for enhancing the interconnectability of a bathtub to a plumbing system. More specifically, provided is a flexible conduit and an overflow assembly that allows for a portion of the overflow assembly to be easily located with the wall of a bathtub. The flexible conduit provided allows for adjustability of the conduit to the openings of the bathtub. In addition, provided are methods and apparatus that facilitate testing of a plumbing assembly. Finally, an apparatus and methods are provided that protect portions of the finished bathtub assembly to decrease in the need for replacing said hardware. It is envisioned that aspects and inventions disclosed herein can be used in conjunction to facilitate the interconnection and protection of hardware associated with a bathtub.

Abstract: A convertible sofa-bed which is easy to convert between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration is provided. From a sofa configuration, a buttock-foot member may be pulled outward. Simultaneously, a head rest member and back rest member which are initially at a generally vertical position are traversed to a generally horizontal position. When the buttock-foot member is fully traversed outward (i.e., extended position), the head rest member, back rest member and the buttock-foot member are generally substantially coplanar and generally horizontal. This provides a firm bed. From the bed configuration, head rest member and the back rest member may be buckled to allow the buttock-foot member to be pushed inward. The buttock-foot member is then pushed fully inward (i.e., retracted position) until the head rest member and the back rest member are in the generally vertical position with the buttock-foot member and back rest member forming a seat.

Abstract: A lifting belt comprising a waist belt and a detachable right and left leg strap is described. The lifting belt allows for quick and easy lifting of a person that has fallen, or is otherwise incapacitated. The lifting belt is configured with a plurality of lifting handles on the waist belt. The plurality of lifting handles allows a after to choose a handle that is in a suitable location for them to reach. The lifting handles are made of a woven fabric attached to the waist belt and a daisy chain configuration on the leg straps, so they are not uncomfortable to the fallen person. The lifting belt is adjustable in size, whereby an attachment device can connect a leg strap or waist belt by an end loop, daisy chain loop, or lifting handle. In one embodiment, the left and right leg straps are a different design, such as different colors, to allow for quick identification and coordination between lifters.

Abstract: An infant-carrier docking station includes a support part and a carrier holder. The support part is disposed across on opposite handrails of a crib frame. The carrier holder is connected to the support part above the crib frame. The carrier holder can hold an infant carrier of a safety seat in a detachable way. A crib includes a bed frame and the infant-carrier docking station. The infant-carrier docking station is disposed across on opposite handrails of the bed frame. Therefore, the invention is convenient for a caregiver to directly move the infant carrier from any place else to the infant-carrier docking station without waking up the baby sleeping on the infant carrier.

Abstract: An insulating construction having a multi-layer synthetic core for use in products such as sleeping bags is provided. A sleeping bag using this construction may include a synthetic core having first and second layers, an inner lining adjacent to the first layer, and an outer shell adjacent to the second layer. The synthetic core may be contained within the inner lining and outer shell. The first layer may be constructed of a first material having a first denier; and the second layer may be constructed of a second material having a second denier larger than the first denier. The inner liner may define an inner space configured to accommodate a human body. Various other products made from this construction, such as jackets, pants, and other garments, are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bed sheet and to an apparatus for securing a bed sheet or fitted sheet to a mattress. The bed sheet and apparatus, namely a bed sheet retainer set, preferably comprise a fitted bed sheet having four corners and a flat sheet. Both the fitted sheet and flat sheet are placed on a mattress above a box spring. The bed sheet retainer set preferably comprises a fitted sheet restrictor having cylinder with a slot and a base for placement between the mattress and box spring, four corner grips for use on the fitted sheet and two flat sheet grips for use with the flat sheet. The corner grips and flat sheet grips are preferably made of machine-washable foam with a rougher surface. The corner grips preferably each have a semi-circular base and a rounded corner wall. The flat sheet grips preferably have an hour-glass shape and rounded edges.

Abstract: The present invention has a deck supported by at least one parallelogram. When two parallelograms are used, the first has first and second levers and a drag link, and the second has third and fourth levers and a second drag link. Each parallelogram is raised and collapsed with an actuator. The first lever and the fourth lever each have an arm with an interface. The actuators are pivotally and movably connected to the interfaces and pivotally connected to the drag links. The location of the actuators relative the interfaces is controlled with control arms. The control arms have ends that are connected to the respective drag link and each rotates at an offset circular path about a central point of the adjacent levers.

Abstract: A feeding pillow is constructed of a pillow body that is generally defined by a medial region and two opposing arms. The medial region is configured to be placed near or adjacent a user's stomach, with the arms generally near or adjacent the user's sides. The pillow body has a top surface that is adapted to hold a baby and a bottom surface that is adapted to be placed on the user's lap. The pillow body further includes a fabric cover and a fill material disposed within the fabric cover. Also, a support member is removably positioned at or above one of surfaces such that one surface is more firm than the other surface.

Abstract: A child's stuffed pillow and a play item concealable within a pocket in the pillow. Two cushioning members, each including a cushioning medium and having a flexible fabric covering thereover, are attached together as by sewing in a side-by-side arrangement around common perimeter edges of inner covering panels of the coverings. A pocket is formed between the inner covering panels into which a play item is concealable within the pocket. A tether is connected between the bottom of the pocket and the neck of the play item to hold the play item in close proximity to the pocket during play wherein the child may grasp the play item like a handle of the pillow.

Abstract: A toroidal cushion sized to fit and support a posterior of a human user. The toroidal cushion slopes significantly from the back toward the front and comprises an upper cushion surface comprising a depressed center within a surrounding upper cushion surface. The depressed center and the surrounding upper cushion surface are configured such that the user's weight is essentially supported by the surrounding upper cushion surface whereas the depressed center is substantially non-body-weight-bearing and provides an upward force that contacts and supports a rectal area of a user when the toroidal cushion is sat upon.

Abstract: A flexible system is provided for surrounding a perimeter and covering a top surface of a mattress. The flexible system supports one or more appendage(s) of a character. The flexible system includes a textile or fabric frame for covering portions of a head side, a foot side and intermediate sides of the mattress. The textile or fabric frame forms an opening around a portion of a top surface of the mattress, where the opening has an inner peripheral edge. The flexible system further includes a cover sheet positioned over the top surface, and having an outer peripheral edge that is removably attached to the inner peripheral edge of the opening of the frame. The appendage(s) of the character are supported on the textile or fabric frame at one or more of the head side, the foot side and the intermediate sides of the mattress.

Abstract: A stapler capable of dispensing staples therefrom and comprising a head and a handle. The head comprises a staple dispenser configured to dispense a staple from the stapler when a compressive force is applied to the staple dispenser, and a blade carriage that carries a blade and is configured such that the blade is extendable from the head of the stapler and is retractable into the head of the stapler. The handle is attached to the head, and permits the stapler to be swung like a hammer to drive staples dispensed from the staple dispenser.

Abstract: A method of operating a washing machine, by which a steam generator is disclosed, laundry and the washing machine itself can be safely protected in a manner that an error occurrence of the washing machine is accurately detected and by which a following cycle such as a washing cycle, a drying cycle and the like can be effectively performed despite the failure of the washing machine. The present invention includes a step (a) of supplying water to a steam generator, a step (b) of supplying steam into a drum by generating heat from a heater of the steam generator, and a step (c) of detecting abnormality of the washing machine while the step (a) or (b) is carried out.