Abstract: A new and distinct Gasteria hybrid cultivar named ‘WT10’ is disclosed, characterized by foliage with a strong green color and grey green tubercles. The overall plant form is a very evenly growing whorled rosette. The new variety is a Gasteria hybrid, typically produced as an ornamental plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct form of Agastache plant characterized by orange flowers, a bushy, upright, well-branching habit, a long bloom time, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Campanula cultivar named ‘USCAMP10’ is disclosed, characterized by vigorous plant growth, dark, violet-blue flowers and a long flowering period. The new variety is a Campanula, normally produced as an outdoor ornamental plant for containers or gardens.

Abstract: A new and distinct Campanula cultivar named ‘USCAMP08’ is disclosed, characterized by vigorous plant growth, large, red-purple flowers. The new variety is a Campanula, normally produced as an outdoor ornamental plant for containers or gardens.

Abstract: A new Diascia plant named ‘DISZ0001’ particularly distinguished by the relatively large, deep red flowers, medium to deep green foliage, strong and freely branching, and a medium sized, semi-upright plant habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echinacea plant named ‘Secret Joy’ characterized by large inflorescences with light cream colored ray florets, dark cream colored enlarged disc florets forming an anemone-type inflorescence, and good vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Tiarella plant characterized by glossy leaves, large, ovate leaves with prominent dark markings along the veins and in splatters away from the veins, an excellent trailing habit, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A surface-mounted over-current protection device with positive temperature coefficient (PTC) behavior is disclosed. The surface-mounted over-current protection device comprises a first metal foil, a second metal foil corresponding to the first metal foil, a PTC material layer stacked between the first metal foil and the second metal foil, a first metal electrode, a first metal conductor electrically connecting the first metal foil to the first metal electrode, a second metal electrode corresponding to the first metal electrode, a second metal conductor electrically connecting the second metal foil to the second metal electrode, and at least one insulated layer to electrically insulate the first metal electrode from the second metal electrode. The surface-mounted over-current protection device, at 25° C., indicates that a hold current thereof divided by the product of a covered area thereof and the number of the conductive composite module is at least 0.16 A/mm2.

Abstract: A surveillance system having at least one primary video camera for translating real images of a zone into electronic video signals at a first level of resolution. The system includes means for sampling movements of an individual or individuals located within the zone from the video signal output from at least one video camera. Video signals of sampled movements of the individual is electronically compared with known characteristics of movements which are indicative of individuals having a criminal intent. The level of criminal intent of the individual or individuals is then determined and an appropriate alarm signal is produced.

Abstract: A retinal function measurement apparatus capable of measuring a retinal function accurately and precisely. The apparatus has a first image obtaining optical system for obtaining a tomographic image of a fundus by optical coherence tomography using low coherent light, the optical system including a light source emitting the low coherent light, a scanning unit scanning measurement light being a part of the emitted low coherent light on the fundus, an interference optical system for synthesizing the measurement light reflected from the fundus and reference light being a part of the emitted low coherent light to interfere, and a first photodetector photo-receiving the interfered light, a stimulating light irradiation optical system for performing irradiation of stimulating light onto the fundus, and an image processing unit obtaining information on a retinal function by performing processing on a first tomographic image and a second tomographic image before/after the irradiation of the stimulating light.

Abstract: A backlight unit for a display device includes a mold frame and a light guide panel. The mold frame includes a groove having at least one rounded corner. The light guide panel is on the mold frame and includes a light guide projection in the groove, having at least one rounded corner corresponding to the at least one rounded corner of the mold frame groove.

Abstract: A switching mode power supply includes a switching transistor, coupled to a primary coil at a primary side of a transformer for converting an input DC voltage, supplying power to a secondary and a tertiary coil at a secondary side of the transformer according to an operation of the switching transistor; a switching controller receiving a feedback voltage corresponding to a first voltage generated in the secondary coil and receiving a detection signal corresponding to a current of the switching transistor to generate a switching control signal for controlling the turn on/off of the switching transistor; and a feedback signal generator receiving the first voltage and the switching control signal to set a sampling period, and storing the first voltage, sampled with a last pulse of the first pulse string within the sampling period as a feedback voltage. The output voltage is thereby accurately detected without opto-couplers or shunt regulators.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device with reduced consumption current is provided. A first step-down circuit stationarily forms internal voltage lower than supply voltage supplied through an external terminal. A second step-down circuit is switched between first mode and second mode according to control signals. In first mode, the internal voltage is formed from the supply voltage supplied through the external terminal and is outputted through a second output terminal. In second mode, operating current for a control system that forms the internal voltage is interrupted and an output high impedance state is established. The first output terminal of the first step-down circuit and the second output terminal of the second step-down circuit are connected in common, and the internal voltage is supplied to internal circuits.

Abstract: A clock signal generation apparatus for generating a reference clock signal for outputting data in synchronization with an external clock signal from a semiconductor memory device, including: a clock signal generation unit for receiving an internal clock signal to generate the reference clock signal according to a control signal; and a control unit for generating the control signal based on a read command, a write command and an external address.

Abstract: This invention relates to a karaoke CD format and a device for controlling audio signals utilizing the karaoke CD format which provides a user with selective reproduction of the voice of a player. The karaoke CD format includes a CD format divided into video sectors and audio sectors. The audio sectors are further divided into a part for recording accompaniment sound and playing sound at the same time and a part for recording accompaniment sound only. There is provided record coding information for distinguishing the parts.

Abstract: An OFDM transmission apparatus having minimal transmission delay comprises a training symbol storage and generation unit, a delay unit and a controller. The training symbol storage and generation unit stores training symbols for the preamble, and outputs the stored training symbols when a training symbol output request signal is received. The delay unit receives data for the signal field from the MAC layer, delays the received data by the data processing time of the scrambler, and outputs the delayed data to the convolution encoder. The controller outputs the training symbol output request signal, requesting the preamble of the frame, to the training symbol storage and generation unit when a frame transmission request is received from the MAC layer, and outputs a data request signal, requesting the signal field and the data field, to the MAC layer in consideration of total data processing time (TPROCESS).

Abstract: A technique for compressing header information to produce a compressed header portion of a data packet to be transmitted across a communication channel includes generating a checksum from the header information, and providing the checksum as the compressed header portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for processing of data related to video wherein reduced bit depth intermediate calculations are enabled.

Abstract: A technique for improving image compression by pre-processing the image frames. In particular, methods for de-interlacing and noise reduction using combinations of median filters, applied both spatially and temporally, with and without motion analysis, are described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming a trench in a semiconductor substrate; and forming an epitaxial film on the substrate including a sidewall and a bottom of the trench so that the epitaxial film is filled in the trench. The step of forming the epitaxial film includes a final step before the trench is filled with the epitaxial film. The final step has a forming condition of the epitaxial film in such a manner that the epitaxial film to be formed on the sidewall of the trench has a growth rate at an opening of the trench smaller than a growth rate at a position of the trench, which is deeper than the opening of the trench.

Abstract: A communications system network that enables secondary use of spectrum on a non-interference basis is disclosed. Each secondary transceiver measures the background spectrum. The system uses a modulation method to measure the background signals that eliminates self-generated interference and also identifies the secondary signal to all primary users via on/off amplitude modulation, allowing easy resolution of interference claims. The system uses high-processing gain probe waveforms that enable propagation measurements to be made with minimal interference to the primary users. The system measures background signals and identifies the types of nearby receivers and modifies the local frequency assignments to minimize interference caused by a secondary system due to non-linear mixing interference and interference caused by out-of-band transmitted signals (phase noise, harmonics, and spurs).

Abstract: Apparatus worn on the fingers similarly to gloves, to enhance grip, particularly suitable as an aid in catching sports balls. The apparatus having a sheath for each finger, which may bear a friction enhancing material on an external surface. Each sheath may be internally reinforced by members which are more resistant to bending than the constituent material of the sheath. Reinforcement members may comprise bands which extend circumferentially about sheaths or may extend axially along sheaths. Sheaths may be provided with internal elastic bands which may overlie other bands at acute angles thereto or which do not overlie other bands.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an evaporative cooling clothing system for reducing body temperature of a wearer of the clothing system. The clothing system includes a clothing article configured using a wicking fabric and a hollow transport defining a cavity for transporting a liquid from a liquid reservoir to an upper region of the clothing article. The hollow transport has an intake section and a dispensing section. The intake section is attached to the liquid reservoir for receiving the liquid, and the dispensing section is attached to the upper region of the clothing article. The upper region of the clothing article receives the liquid from the dispensing section and transfers the liquid to a lower region of the clothing article. The lower region of the clothing article exposes the liquid to an environment surrounding the clothing article for evaporation.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a wader retention system comprising of a front leg securing portion and a back leg securing portion, the front leg securing portion attaches to an interior wall of a wader; the back leg securing portion comprises a belt, the belt having two ends, a first end permanently connects to the first leg securing portion while a second end adjustably and reversibly connects to the front leg securing portion to allow the two portions to form a leg channel through which at least a portion of an operator's leg and foot may be reversibly pass though when inserted into the wader; wherein the placement of the belt upon the front leg securing portion adjusts the circumference of the leg channel to allow the portions to reversibly and securely envelope a leg of an operator as located within the leg channel.

Abstract: The training system comprises a shell adapted to conform to a portion of a body of a wearer. The shell includes an exterior surface and an interior body contact surface. The interior body contact surface includes at least one pocket that is positioned and sized so as to correspond to an anatomical muscle group of the wearer. Preferably, the shell includes a plurality of sets of pockets, each set of pockets being shaped and positioned to correspond to different anatomical muscle groups of the wearer. A weight is also provided for each pocket. The weights are shaped substantially similar to their respective pockets and are formed from a combination of a flexible material and a metal.

Abstract: Various embodiments of ear protection devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ear protection device can include a band and ear frame portions. The ear frame portions can include several components, some of which are configured to move relative to each other. The ear frame portions are coupled to the band portion. The band portion is configured to be disposed around the back of a user's head and/or neck. In other embodiments, the frame and fabric components can vary.

Abstract: An earmuff assembly includes a headband consisting of two headband elements each having two constraint lugs bilaterally located on one end and a coupling portion located on the opposite end, the coupling portion of one headband element being inserted through a groove on each constraint lug of the other headband element for allowing adjustment of the length of the headband, two ear cups, two connection devices that connect the coupling portions of the headband elements to the ear cups such that the angular positions of the ear cups are adjustable in the X-axis direction as well as in the Y-axis direction relative to the headband, and a soft fabric material covering the ear cups for optimal wearing comfort.

Abstract: The present invention is a collar/harness worn to protect the cervical spine of an active participant when force is applied that would otherwise cause hyperextension, abnormal movement or position, or compression that results in injury, the device (collar-harness) is worn on the shoulders with an anterior (chest interface) portion and a posterior (back interface) portion such that a removable, adjustable coil interfaces with a helmet and the collar via attachment platforms arrayed at the angle of the mandible on either side and at the base of the head to prevent compression and hyperextensions of the cervical spine.

Abstract: A mount for a toilet seat includes a first elongate post configured to be secured to a first post holder; a second elongate post configured to be secured to a second post holder; a first hinge pin configured to join the toilet seat and the first post holder; a second hinge pin configured to join the toilet seat and the second post holder; a first post receptacle configured to be secured in a first aperture of a toilet bowl flange; and a second post receptacle configured to be secured in a second aperture of the toilet bowl flange.

Abstract: The bathtub safety gate is a two-piece door fabricated from molded plastic and positioned to cover the front or entry of the bathtub. The door parts are mounted for hinged or swinging movement on the end walls of the tub. Overlapping members are provided at the mating ends of the doors to permit a degree of adjustability. Pins or other fastening devices are contemplated for locking the doors in closed position when not in use.

Abstract: A rope assembly, according to various embodiments, comprises: (1) a braided rope comprising a plurality of braided strands; and (2) a rope fastener that is adapted to: (A) be attached to the braided rope adjacent a first end of the braided rope; (B) allow a user to selectively form a braided rope loop of a first particular circumference by fitting the rope fastener through the plurality of braided strands at a first particular location on the braided rope; and (C) allow a user to selectively form a braided rope loop of a second particular circumference by fitting the rope fastener through the plurality of braided strands at a second particular location on the braided rope. In various embodiments, the rope fastener is shaped for selectively preventing the rope fastener from returning through the plurality of braided strands after the rope fastener has been fitted through the plurality of braided strands.

Abstract: A modular bracket assembly is provided for use with a field hospital portable bed or a NATO litter. The assembly includes a clamp that can be releasably attached to the pole of a litter. The clamp is formed with a mounting aperture. The assembly also includes a lower support that can be mounted in the mounting aperture of the clamp or in attachment holes of field hospital portable beds or the socket that is formed within each hinge when a collapsible litter. An accessory mount is provided on the lower support and can receive a mounting flange affixed to a medical accessory. An upper support can be mounted on the top end of the lower support and can be used to support medical equipment items and/or IV solutions.

Abstract: Devices and methods of the present invention are directed to positioning a patient in a prone position that exposes the posterior thoracic lumbar spine during a surgical procedure, such as a laminectomy procedure. The device has at least three support members, with a first support member configured and adapted to support at least a portion of a patient's torso and the patient's hips; a second support member, generally contiguous with the first, configured and adapted to contact a patient's thighs and to position the patient's thighs in a desired angular position relative to the patient's hips and torso; and a third support member, generally contiguous with the second support member, adapted to support a patient's knees and lower legs and to position the patient's lower legs in a desired angular position relative to the patient's torso and thighs.

Abstract: Example dock levelers installed at a vehicle loading dock include pivotal or otherwise vertically adjustable deck plates with special coatings on the deck's upper surface. In some examples, the coating improves traction and addresses various thermal issues, such as condensation and thermal strain between a polymeric coating and a steel deck plate. In some examples, when indoor and outdoor air create a temperature differential across opposite faces of the deck, the coating is designed such that a median temperature of the temperature differential occurs near an interface where the coating bonds to the steel plate's upper surface. In some examples, the coating includes particles of different sizes and colors embedded within and covered by a polymeric base material. As traffic abrades the coating, the different colored particles become exposed at different levels of wear, thereby providing a visual signal indicating when the coating needs to be touched up or replaced.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for cleaning teeth wherein a variety of cleaning tools are coupled to a common handle section for the individual cleaning of teeth. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric dental cleaning device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, as well as said cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section detects a coding provided on the respective cleaning tool attached. In dependence upon the respective coding detected, various functions of the dental cleaning device are controlled.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush with a removable brush section having a transponder communicating with a handle portion of the toothbrush via a non-contacting inductive coupling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an autonomous cleaning machine with a brush cleaning unit to clean a brush unit. The autonomous cleaning machine includes a main body, the brush unit rotatably provided on the main body, first brush cleaning members contacting the brush unit to move foreign substances wound on the brush unit in a lengthwise direction of the brush unit, and second brush cleaning members contacting the brush unit to remove the foreign substances wound on the brush unit from the brush unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanism for use in a device that comprises a system for collecting dirt and debris from a variety of floor and upholstery surfaces. In particular the mechanism lifts and directs unwanted debris particles to a waste reservoir for the purpose of cleaning and grooming floor surfaces. The debris collection mechanism can be, but is not limited to its use in a handle operated cordless motorized floor sweeper to collect and gather unwanted debris and dust. The device includes a head unit that incorporates two easily removable elongate cylindrical rotating cleaning bars that are driven such that they contra rotate, and are positioned close to one another at the forward region of the head unit. A removable debris reservoir, removable rechargeable power source and handle incorporating a device operation switch are also included.

Abstract: A multi-positionable manual toothbrush includes a toothbrush body, a toothbrush head, and a spring capable of engaging the toothbrush head at a plurality of angles with respect to the toothbrush body.

Abstract: A hand tool and related method is provided for cleaning the discharge opening of an ostomy pouch. The hand tool includes a handle with a handgrip, a swab holder, and a bore extending through the handle; and a swab plunger having a telescoping shaft with proximal and distal ends extending though the bore, a gripping member attached to the proximal end of the shaft, and a swab engagement cap attached to the distal end of the shaft, the plunger having retracted and extended positions. A closed-end tubular swab is inserted over the distal end of the swab holder to wipe waste material from the ostomy pouch discharge opening. The plunger is then extended and pushed forward to detach the swab from the hand tool.

Abstract: A mop head with an attachment part for receiving a handle. The attachment part is arranged to slide along the mop head between at least two fixed positions, in which the attachment part cooperates with the mop head in a locking fashion through the action of locking elements. The attachment part is provided with at least one unlocking element that, when a force directed towards another fixed position is applied on the unlocking element, by acting on the locking element cancels the locking cooperation between the attachment part an the mop head. In particularly advantageous embodiments, the unlocking elements are embodied as ears arranged at the attachment part. Further, the locking elements may include attachment lips arranged on the unlocking elements that cooperate with attachment bores on the mop head. The attachment part may also be arranged to slide in a groove in the mop head with a receiving element.

Abstract: Wiper blade materials and methods for forming the same. The wiper blade materials are graphene-polymer composites that have a low coefficient of friction. In forming the grapheme-polymer composites, a relatively small amount of graphene filler is well-dispersed within the polymer and the graphene filler and the polymer favorably interact with one another.

Abstract: A wiper blade for use on a vehicle window comprises a blade hinge made of a hydrophobic, elastomeric material, a wiping lip and a blade body. The wiping lip has a tip that contacts the vehicle window, a wiping lip base adjoining the blade hinge, and a tapered portion extending between the tip and the wiping lip base. The wiping lip base is made of a hydrophobic, elastomeric material and a majority of the tapered portion is made of an elastomeric material that is not hydrophobic. The blade body includes a main body portion configured to secure a wiper arm thereto, and a base portion adjoining the main body portion and the blade hinge. The base portion is made of a hydrophobic, elastomeric material and the main body portion is made of an elastomeric material that is not hydrophobic.

Abstract: To automatically purge a transfer chamber by means of inert gas. There is provided a substrate processing apparatus including a controller that performs control so that a transfer chamber 102 connected to a processing chamber 202 for processing a substrate is purged by gas, the controller having a switching unit that switches a function of exhausting the gas in the transfer chamber 102 in a set direction, and a function of circulating the gas through the transfer chamber 102 in an inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A vacuum electronic power tool sense system senses the operation of a power tool that is plugged into an auxiliary outlet box and the vacuum source is automatically operated to facilitate user clean-up of debris generated by use of the power tool. The auxiliary outlet box can be removably mounted to the vacuum housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an electric air blower; a dust separator placed at an upstream side of the electric air blower and having a filtration filter for taking in dust-containing air sucked by the electric air blower and separating the dust from the air; and a dust accommodating section for accommodating the dust separated by the dust separator. The filtration filter includes a plurality of through-holes penetrating from an upstream surface at an upstream side to a downstream surface at the downstream side, and a central axis of the through-hole is inclined with respect to a normal line direction of a surface of the filtration filter.

Abstract: A door closer for doors, particularly glass doors, which are supported by a stationary support structure (S) and are movable between an open door position and a closed door position. The door closer comprises a box-like body (10) and a pin (20) reciprocally rotatably coupled to rotate around a first axis (x) between the open door position and the closed door position. Closing means are provided (30) to automatically return the door, as well as a braking means (40) acting thereon to counteract their action. First and second cam elements (31, 41) unitary with the pin (20) and interposed between a first and second plunger elements (32, 42) are provided.

Abstract: A door closer capable of realizing self-control positioning has a cylindrical housing, a piston, a spring and a pull rod; the piston is built in the cylindrical housing and connected and fastened with one end of the pull rod; the pull rod is sheathed in the spring, and the two end parts of the spring respectively are in contact with a sealing lid of the piston and the cylindrical housing; the door closer further has a self-control positioning mechanism having a cylindrical outer sleeve a control part and a locking part; the cylindrical outer sleeve is connected and fastened with the cylindrical housing; the control part and the locking part are linked by a clutch and joined together; the locking part and the pull rod are linked by a clutch, and the pull rod is provided with a series of grooves which can be clasped with the locking part.

Abstract: A counterbalance assembly for an appliance hinge includes a base including first and second spaced-apart side walls and a transverse face wall. The base includes: (i) a channel located between the first and second side walls; and, (ii) a notch comprising first and second notch portions respectively located in said first and second side walls. A rotating cam is supported on the base. The cam includes: (i) a camshaft that extends between the side walls and that is adapted for rotation about an axis of rotation, with a first end of the camshaft located in the first notch portion and a second end of the camshaft located in the second notch portion; and, (ii) a lobe that projects from the camshaft. The hinge assembly includes a biasing spring that comprising an inner end engaged with the base and an outer end spaced from the base. The outer end of said spring is located outside the channel.

Abstract: A family of reversible hinges includes a strap hinge, a tee-hinge and a screw hook hinge. Each of the strap hinge, tee-hinge and screw hinge includes a universal strap leaf, a secondary strap leaf, a removable hinge pin and at least one bearing. The universal strap leaf is interchangeable between each of the strap hinge, the tee-hinge and the screw hook hinge, creating commonality amongst the family of reversible hinges, thereby reducing tooling costs and inventory levels associated with the family of reversible hinges. Further, the at least one bearing is manufactured from an acetal material to reduce hinge noise and prevent rust-lock.