Abstract: A system and method are provided for augmenting frequency tuning resolution in an L-C oscillatory circuit which comprises a source of electrical energy, and a tuned section energized by said source of electrical energy for oscillatory conduction of a resonant current therethrough. The tuned section includes an inductor portion extending in substantially looped manner between first and second connection points to define at least one turn. A primary capacitor portion is connected across at least a primary segment of the conductive member delineated by the first and second connection points. The tuned section further includes a secondary capacitor portion connected across a secondary segment of the conductive member intermediately tapped from the primary segment.

Abstract: An irrigation drip tape loop configured so as to largely encircle a plant, and a method for fabricating it. A drip irrigation mat incorporating this drip tape loop so as to provide an irrigated, weed-free, highly-supportive growing environment for both commercial and residential plants as single units, or as rows.

Abstract: A composite tube having alternating porous and non-porous sections for the purpose of conserving water and fertilizer. An easily-manufactured drip irrigation mat incorporating this composite tube so as to provide an irrigated, weed-free, highly-supportive growing environment for both commercial and residential plants as single units, or as one-dimensional rows. A patchwork assembly of multiple drip irrigation mats and non-irrigating mulch to treat two-dimensional beds.

Abstract: A reinforced unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the material layers. The material layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and extend outwardly to a multi-dimensional array of outlets. There may also be an additional reinforcing layer attached to the material layers. The reinforcing layer for the unitized mat can be a polymeric material layer, a fibrous material layer, a foam layer, a metal layer, or a composite layer. The fibrous layer, foam layer, metal layer, or composite layer may also form a portion of, or replace, one or more of the material layers.

Abstract: A reinforced unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the material layers. The material layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and extend outwardly to a multi-dimensional array of outlets. There may also be an additional reinforcing layer attached to the material layers. The reinforcing layer for the unitized mat can be a polymeric material layer, a fibrous material layer, a foam layer, a metal layer, or a composite layer. The fibrous layer, foam layer, metal layer, or composite layer may also form a portion of, or replace, one or more of the material layers.

Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two polymeric material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the polymeric material layers. The polymeric layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and a multi-dimensional array of outlets. The present invention combines a fluid distribution device and artificial mulching. The method of manufacturing and using the unitized mat to enhance the growth of plants is also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing woody plants includes at least two polymeric material layers, an inlet for delivery of fluid, and at least one outlet for dispensing fluid into an area covered by at least one layer. There is an opening in the layers through which the plant extends along with an installation seam with overlapping ends. The mat includes perforations, aligned or off-set, for fluid outlets and may be used in a container, such that a polymeric material layer covers the surface thereof. Flexible extension flaps adjust for container size and shape. The mat is removably affixed to a container and/or can be fed by a water-filled container with a polymeric material layer integral with the container. The mat may be used for woody plants in a row, such as orchard applications. Extension flaps provide continuous cover around and between plants, and perforations provide anchors for fixable positioning.

Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing woody plants includes at least two polymeric material layers, an inlet for delivery of fluid, and at least one outlet for dispensing fluid into an area covered by at least one layer. There is an opening in the layers through which the plant extends along with an installation seam with overlapping ends. The mat includes perforations, aligned or off-set, for fluid outlets and may be used in a container, such that a polymeric material layer covers the surface thereof. Flexible extension flaps adjust for container size and shape. The mat is removably affixed to a container and/or can be fed by a water-filled container with a polymeric material layer integral with the container. The mat may be used for woody plants in a row, such as orchard applications. Extension flaps provide continuous cover around and between plants, and perforations provide anchors for fixable positioning.

Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two polymeric material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the polymeric material layers. The polymeric layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and a multi-dimensional array of outlets. The present invention combines a fluid distribution device and artificial mulching. The method of manufacturing and using the unitized mat to enhance the growth of plants is also disclosed.

Abstract: Presented is a trailer incorporating a device that allows the detachable coupling of the ball coupler and safety chains of a trailer for remote storage of these items, while incorporating a security feature that allows only the original ball coupler and safety chains to be connected. This deters the unauthorized towing or theft of the trailer.

Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two polymeric material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the polymeric material layers. The polymeric layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and a multi-dimensional array of outlets. The present invention combines a fluid distribution device and artificial mulching. The method of manufacturing and using the unitized mat to enhance the growth of plants is also disclosed.

Abstract: Presented is a device for use in detachably coupling two load bearing members which allows the transmission of linear, torsion and bending moment forces, while incorporating a security feature that allows only properly matched sets of members to be connected.

Abstract: A sheet material conveying apparatus includes a plurality of pockets, each pocket including a setting device for adjusting a height of the pocket when the pocket is stationary so as to define a set height, the setting device including a setting rod, a ring gear having an outer surface connected to the setting rod, and a lock ring selectively releasable from the ring gear, the setting rod including a disengaging device for releasing the lock ring from the ring gear during a setting operation. A method and a sheet material pocket are also provided.

Abstract: A clock recovery circuit that can be used for recovering a clock signal from a data stream having a high data rate. The clock recovery circuit has a phase interpolator and non-linear digital to analog converters. These circuits are used to interpolate between the phases produced by a voltage controlled oscillator. A determination to advance or hinder a currently selected phase can be made using an up/down detector, a divider, and control logic. The divider can divide not only the up and down pulses produced by the up/down detector, but also the clock frequency. By dividing the clock frequency, the control logic can be designed using CMOS logic circuits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resilient fluid transporting network suitable for use in absorbent articles. The fluid transport network includes a plurality of bicomponent capillary channel fibers capable of intra-fiber fluid transport. The fibers have a base portion and at least two walls extending from the base portion to form an external capillary channel. The walls and the base portion are made of a first polymeric material which has a first melting point temperature. The distal ends of the capillary channel walls are made of a second polymeric material which has a second melting point temperature lower than the first melting point temperature.

Abstract: An ironing board cover having a front, a rear, two sides, a top and a bottom. The cover includes a top sheet, a sewn in flexible pad, a nose segment near the front of the cover, a heel segment near the rear of the cover, and two side segments. All the segments are attached to one another at seams, and the flexible pad is sewn into the bottom of the top sheet only about the circumference of the top sheet. The nose segment, side segment and heel segment are cut from a pattern so as to provide when joined with the top sheet a form fit ironing board cover. The heel segment and/or the nose segment include a box pleat to allow for the give of the heel and/or the nose segment when installing the ironing board cover on an ironing board. The box pleat in combination with the engineered segments providing for a tight yet flexible fit of the ironing board cover on the ironing board thereby providing a user with a non-stick and flexible surface upon which to iron.

Abstract: The present invention provides absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins, containing a fluid transport layer. In-use, the transport layer directs menses to a storage layer, thereby minimizing product failure and staining of undergarments. The transport layer can protrude into, or through, a topsheet to provide very aggressive transport of vaginal discharges. Preferably, the transport layer is a layer of fibers having external capillary channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid accepting, transporting and retaining structure, useful in disposable absorbent articles. In-use fluid deposited on a disposable absorbent article employing such a structure is moved via interfiber and intrafiber transport to a fluid retention area remote from the point of fluid insult. By moving fluid away from the point of insult a more effective use of the absorbent core is achieved providing a clean and dry surface for the wearer.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins, contain fibers with intra-fiber capillary channels. In-use, the capillary channel fibers direct menses to a storage layer, thereby minimizing product failure and staining of undergarments. The capillary channel fibers can protrude into, or through, a topsheet to provide very aggressive transport of vaginal discharges.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article including a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an intermediate layer positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet comprises: a resilient, three-dimensional, macroscopically expanded, fluid pervious web including a first polymeric material which exhibits a first melting point temperature and a second polymeric material bonded to the first polymeric material to form a laminate. The second polymeric material exhibits a second melting point temperature which is less than the first melting point temperature. The web has first and second surfaces spaced apart by a distance greater than the thickness of the laminate. The web includes a plurality of capillaries extending from the first surface to the second surface.