Abstract: A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant of a short-day type characterized by its ability after summer planting in South Coastal California to produce fruit during November, December and January when California fruit is unavailable from other short-day cultivars and its ability after winter and spring plantings in Central Coastal California to produce spring and summer fruit without plant storage. The variety is also characterized by vigorous growth, runner prolificacy, fruit which is round conic and glossy in finish, and which has outstanding fruit flavor and good shipping quality.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree which is of large size, vigorous and upright in growth; the tree being a regular and productive bearer of large, firm, yellow flesh, freestone fruit of high red skin color, with excellent eating and shipping quality in the late maturing season.

Abstract: A unitized, hand installable lubricant seal for sealing between a bore and a shaft subject to rotation relative to each other, such as a vehicle wheel hub and axle, provides a resilient surface for sealingly engaging the bore, a resilient surface for sealingly engaging the shaft and a resilient seal lip to rigid wear surface running seal between the resilient surfaces. No special tools are required to install or remove the seal.

Abstract: A preformed or prefabricated hot melt sealant strip of essentially any desired length and with any desired cross-sectional configuration is formed by hot extrusion, cooled, and coiled or spooled and may be subsequently used, for example, as a sealing means in the assembly of multiglazed windows, to seal and set automobile windshields and the like. The preferred cross-section is U-shaped if the sealant strip is to be utilized for multiglazed windows but the strip may have a T, E, L shape, or the like, depending on the intended end use. Any hot melt adhesive or sealant composition is suitable as long as it is not too tacky in the cooled state. Some tackiness is acceptable but it requires the use of an abherent or release liner if the strip is to be packaged in such a manner that it is in contact with itself. The sealant strip may then be placed about a dessicant filled spacer element and located between two panes of glass. The sealant may then be activated by subjection to thermal energy to seal the unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous emulsion coating compositions comprising a thermosetting polyester resin, cellulose ester, melamine-formaldehyde crosslinking agent, a combination surfactant-curing agent and a suitable organic solvent. The cellulose ester is preferably cellulose acetate butyrate. The combination surfactant-curing agent is preferably ammonia- or amine-neutralized salts of sulfonated, ethoxylated hydrocarbons. The concentrate is emulsified in water and used as a coating composition. The coating has low solvent emission to the atmosphere when drying, provides a hard but flexible coating having excellent appearance, good durability, and rapid drying properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protective device adapted to protect the arm, elbow, hand and palm of a person engaging in the sport of skateboarding. The device is constructed from a resilient material, such as a plastic foam, and comprises a longitudinal member with protective portions at both ends. One end is contoured to cradle the wearer's elbow and permit movement of the arm. The other end comprises a contoured section adapted to receive the palm and hand of the wearer. Suitable fastening means are provided to hold the device on the wearer's arm, hand and palm.

Abstract: A neck protector has a fluid absorbent band placeable about a neck in overlapping relationship and includes a foldable retaining means for retaining the band in the overlapping relationship. The retaining means includes at least one wire which may be bent along its longitudinal axis into a deformed state to retain the band in the overlapping relationship. The band is also foldable with the wire and defines a fold for receiving other protective sheets or capes therein. In this combination, the neck protector is adapted to conform to various neck sizes and lengths.

Abstract: An item of wearing apparel is disclosed comprising a sash tie and sash tie holder which is conveniently mounted in place under the collar of a shirt without the necessity of tieing a conventional necktie knot. The sash tie fits over the holder and is provided with fastening means, such as conventional commercially available reusable cooperating tape of the hook and loop type. Corresponding tape is provided on the shirt of the wearer and holds the necktie securely in place.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement of the inventor's French patent No. 2,323,343.The present invention comprises three improvements of which the first provides that the sleeves are adjoined by an oblique folding line which extends from the armpit to the neck; the second provides that the sleeves are adjoined horizontally to form a "T" with the rest of the garment and the folding lines extend transversely to the sleeves; the third improvement provides a strip enveloping the garment partly or completely as soon as the garment is folded to a strip.These improvements increase the comfort in use of folding waterproof garments.

Abstract: A bowling glove and wrist support having a palm plate and back plate for engaging, respectively, the front and back portions of the hand, wrist and forearm. An adjustable palm prop overlies a distal end portion of the palm plate to engage a bowling ball. Adjustable strap means are provided on the bowling glove and wrist support for fastening the glove to different sizes and shapes of hands, wrists and forearms.

Abstract: A caplike head covering for placing over the hair immediately after washing or otherwise wetting the hair is made from absorbent material adapted to readily control liquids dripping from the hair. A piece of an absorbent, foldable, sheet material is formed into a tube closed at the ends. One of the closed ends is pushed axially inwardly of the tube toward the other closed end, whereby the tubular piece is folded inwardly upon itself to provide a double-walled, absorbent headpiece.

Abstract: A convertible garment convertible to long pants that can be converted to short pants, and a skirt, to be worn separately, and if desired, convertible back to the original convertible garment, the long pants comprising a short pants having short leg enclosing sections, long leg enclosing sections, the lower edge of the long leg enclosing sections having a combined length substantially equal to the waist size length of the pants wearer, slide fasteners securing the upper edges of the long leg enclosing sections to the lower edges of the short leg enclosing sections, and slide fasteners securing the side edges of each long leg enclosing section to each other, wherein when all the fasteners are unfastened; the short pants can be assembled and secured together by the long leg enclosing section slide fasteners to provide a skirt, to be worn separately, and whose waist length is equal to the combined lengths of the long leg enclosing sections lower edges.

Abstract: A prosthetic graft in the form of a flexible tube with rigid end portions, wherein the rigid end portions each have an annular groove. The graft is used by slitting the portion of an artery containing an aneurysm or other damage to form an opening, inserting the graft through the opening into the artery, positioning the graft longitudinally within the artery, and circumferentially ligating the artery against the grooves in the rigid end portions of the graft.

Abstract: A sanitation appliance such as a water-closet or the like equipped with a generally vertically extending outlet pipe is provided with a resilient diaphragm mounted within said pipe and extending thereacross to stem the flow of flushing water passing through said pipe until a sufficient quantity of the water has accumulated whereupon the diaphragm operates to pass the water through the pipe thereby to cause the accumulated water to act as a water plug creating a suction effect within the pipe.

Abstract: A convertible couch, particularly for use in vans and other recreational or leisure vehicles, includes a seat and a back hinged relative to one another, and a pair of side supports having multiple supporting surfaces arranged to engage and support the seat and back in plural positions of the seat and back. The arrangement of the supporting surfaces is such that the seat and back are firmly held in position without requiring the use of separate fasteners or linkages and the like and thus, the convertible couch is both economical to make and safe to use in moving vehicles. Additionally, the arrangement of the supporting surfaces and their cooperation with the seat and the back is such that a balance is achieved which renders the convertible couch easy to manipulate in its movements from a couch position to a bed position and vice versa.

Abstract: A lifting device for lifting and transferring a load, said device having a rigid carrier arm and transfer means for lateral movement of said carrier arm. Said transfer means includes two symmetrically disposed transfer assemblies each having a link member pivotably connected at a separate end of the carrier arm, a lever pivotably connected at one end to the associated link member, said lever being pivotably supported at its other end. Said transfer means also includes drive means and transmission means for simultaneous pivoting the levers in opposite directions thereby moving and transferring the carrier arm in its lateral direction.

Abstract: An arrangement which allows patients confined to their beds, to use a toilet without leaving their beds or to be placed in a wheel chair. A sectionalized mattress is positioned in sequential steps so as to place the patient directly over a toilet or in a wheel chair without discomfort to the patient. The mattress, together with the patient, is positioned in a manner which allows the patient to use the toilet while sitting in an upright customary manner or in an inclined manner. The section of the mattress over the toilet is removed while the patient's weight is not directed thereon. Hygienic cleansing procedures are provided in conjunction with the toilet, and the patient is returned to a reclined position after repositioning the mattress and replacement of the section of the mattress that was removed to enable the patient to use the toilet. Replacement of that section of the mattress is carried out also while the patient's weight is not directed thereon.

Abstract: The sleep unit includes a base upon which is mounted a single set of springs. These springs are overlaid with cushion material. The springs are leaf-type springs having a curved configuration. The spring action is such that the resistance to deflection increases with increased load. Thus, the sleep unit has an initial softness followed by increased firmness depending upon the weight of the user. Means are provided to permit pre-compression of the springs to vary the initial firmness of the sleep unit.

Abstract: A bed clothing support comprising a strap of fabric or like material adapted to span the distance between the side rails of a bed and provided with Velchro or like fasteners at each end for releasable connection of the strap ends to the upper portions of the bed side rails. The strap when connected to the side rails is located above the body of a person occupying the bed, and bed clothing is supported over and on the strap. Preferably two straps are connected to the side rails and are disposed in spaced, generally parallel relation over the foot and leg area of the occupant. The strap is particularly advantageous on hospital beds, having the attributes of patient comfort and safety and convenience in use and storage.

Abstract: A water bed structure comprising a flat horizontal mattress including a bladder having vertically spaced horizontal top and bottom walls and vertical side walls of flexible water impervious sheeting and a volume of water within and filling the bladder, a flat horizontal pad of resilient reticulate material within the mattress and the water therein and positioned on the bottom wall and having a top surface normally spaced below the top wall, a retainer unit comprising a flat horizontal panel below and in supporting engagement with said bottom wall and a tubular frame about the panel with a portion projecting upwardly therefrom and cooperating therewith to define a basin in which the mattress is positioned; said frame has a vertical inside wall opposing and supporting the side walls of the mattress, said inside wall having openings communicating with the basin and the interior of the frame whereby water leaked or spilled from the mattress into the basin flows from the basin into the frame.

Abstract: A watermattress construction includes upper and lower sheets of waterproof material sealed at their confronting edges to define a liquid containing bladder. A plurality of baffle panels are situated within the bladder and disposed in parallel, spaced apart relationship. Extending from each lateral edge of each baffle panel are a pair of leg panels which are buttwelded to the adjacent upper or lower sheet to define a triangular configuration therewith. The triangular assembly is easily distorted by tensile stress between the baffle and the upper or lower sheet, the stress being converted to shear stress exerted on the buttwelds joining the legs panels to the upper or lower sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-carryable folding cushion assembly having two cushions interconnected together by a flexible inner panel and foldable from an extended position to a position where the cushions lie in back-to-back relationship. A pair of attaching panels are secured opposite the flexible inner panel to respective cushions and cooperate to connect and maintain the cushions in back-to-back relationship for convenient carrying. Strap means are secured about the back side of one cushion and adapted to receive and secure a blanket or the like. About the back side of the other cushion is formed a pocket for carrying desirable articles.

Abstract: The device has a motor with an elongated shaft rotated thereby. Mounted on the shaft is a flexible wire or nylon brush for cleaning leather soles of shoes. Also attached to the shaft is a rubber wheel for cleaning the rubber soles and heels of shoes. The motor, shaft, brush and rubber wheel are attached to a spring supported platform such that when pressure is applied to the rubber wheel or brush, the platform will move in a vertically downward direction thus maintaining the proper amount of pressure between the shoe and cleaning implement. The device is also provided with a coin operated switch controlling a timer for activating the motor.

Abstract: A device for clearing plugged garbage chutes is specially constructed to make it adaptable for use in multi-story buildings, such as apartment houses, having vertical chutes extending through several stories down to a receptacle in the basement of the building. The clogging of these chutes is generally caused by an accumulation of old newspapers, shopping bags and other large pieces of paper. A device of generally Tee-shaped configuration comprises a series of sharp pointed cutting edges positioned on the cross of the Tee and grabbing arms at either end. An extensible handle comprises the vertical portion of the Tee which in turn is comprised of relatively short sections which may be coupled together to facilitate insertion into the chute to varying elevations. A removable handle is positioned at the lower end of the Tee to permit rotation of the device to effect cutting through the obstruction and pulling out the obstructing material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning device which is grasped by a handle. A cord is attached to one edge of gathered coarse netting and the cord is fastened to a groove in the handle and wound around the handle so as to form multiple layers of the net material. The ends of the cord are stitched through the multiple layers of net material in order to prevent unwrapping, maintain the layers close to the handle and prevent rotating of the layers during hard use. The end of the handle near the groove is tapered in order to facilitate the cleaning of areas which are difficult to reach.

Abstract: A bathtub mop comprising an elongated handle having a replaceable cleaning element or the like pivotally secured to one end thereof for conforming to the contour of the inner periphery of the bathtub during a cleaning operation. The cleaning element is removably secured to the outer end of the handle for ease of replacement, and is suitably reinforced to provide sufficient rigidity for efficient use while retaining sufficient flexibility for following the contour of the tub.

Abstract: An appliance for cleaning various types of floors by suction and motorized beating or brushing, has several operational members or elements including a rotary brush or beater, a motor (electrical, mechanical, or turbine) for rotating the brush, and at least one suction channel connecting the brush housing to a pivoting connection which attaches to an external suction source. The various operational members or elements are all integrally mounted onto or formed within a single molded platform which forms the body of the appliance. The assembled platform then becomes the single operational element of the appliance and allows direct access to the functional members or elements. The platform is covered with a protective cover and attaches to a sliding or rolling base plate.

Abstract: Animal grooming device comprising, a hexagonally-shaped flat top with a downwardly extending skirt from said top and forward extensions with said skirt having disposed circular apertures, extended triangular slots in combination with alternately placed triangular notches, a center strip with the aforesaid apertures, slots and notches attached to said top to provide two horizontal open suction chambers, a rearward closed skirt casing comprising, an attachable cylindrical nozzle and a forward facing triangular plate having laterally-placed triangular notches.

Abstract: A door-closer and hinge combination includes a pair of hinge plates adapted respectively to be fixed to a door and door frame, these plates respectively carrying a pair of extensions which are situated along a predetermined hinge axis and which are formed with coaxial bores, the axis of which coincides with the hinge axis, these bores receiving a hinge pin for hingedly connecting the hinge plates to each other. An elongated force-transmittingrod extends parallel to the hinge axis and is guided by a pair of guide sleeves carried by one of the hinge plates for movement parallel to the hinge axis. The force-transmitting rod carries a helical cam-follower which cooperates with a cam slot formed in the other hinge plate, which does not carry the guide sleeves, this other hinge plate preferably being fixed to a door so that upon opening the door the rod is vertically displaced.

Abstract: A door guard for a swingable door that is mounted in a doorway having a door closer affixed to the doorway permits the door to open beyond the point which would normally be the widest open position allowed by the door closer and slows the rate of movement of the door so as to prevent damage to the door, door closer, or doorway. The door guard includes a flexible resilient arm extending transversely across the inside of the door and connected to the door closer at a point intermediate its ends, said arm is anchored at its inner end to the door and has its outer end releasably attached to the door, and catch means mounted on the door for releasably attaching the outer end of the arm to the door. When a force such as a gust of wind causes the door to fly open, such that the door closer reaches its fully extended position, the outer end of the arm is released by the catch means and the arm flexes to permit the door to continue opening.

Abstract: A curtain rod track fitting and curtain rings for use therewith, the curtain rings being slideable on the curtain rod and being provided with a slide or roll device trued to the middle of the ring and supported on the rod in such a manner that the plane of the ring runs normally substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the curtain rod, and the rings are reciprocally movable around a horizontal axis running transverse to the curtain rod.

Abstract: A tool for pulling cables on motorcycles, boats and other small machinery comprising a metal rod, a hole passing from the base of the metal rod at an angle and piercing the lateral wall of the rod to pass cables through, a set-bolt perpendicular to the angular hole to secure cables, and a handle so that the apparatus may be pulled with the cable attached.

Abstract: A plastic hinge comprising a leaf having a knuckle extending the length of the leaf, and partially open, with a boss therein positioned substantially medially of the ends of the knuckle, and an elongated pin therein terminating in a right angled arm, said pin having an annular groove therein arranged to cooperate with the detent in the knuckle.

Abstract: A rattle free window having a sash balance that is provided with a sash hook that is connected to a slide by slot and pin means so arranged that the weight of the sash thereon cam; the slide laterally against the window jamb. The sash balance may also include a novel clip which both fixes one end of the balance spring to its housing and also attaches the housing to the window jamb. The window may also include a ramp clip which automatically catches the slide when the sash is raised so that further raising of the sash can lift the sash off of the novel sash hook and slide structure.

Abstract: A hand tool for use in adjusting a drum brake of a motor vehicle or similar mechanism. The tool comprises a member with a novel geometric configuration for the working ends. In accordance with the invention, a narrow neck portion is formed intermediate the working end and tool handle. The principal surfaces of the tool extend outwardly from the narrow neck to a wide portion and then angle down to a blade-like working end. The angled surfaces engage the wall of the drum brake such that the working end is urged into engagement with the adjusting means of the brake.

Abstract: An arrangement for opening textile fiber bales in which a row of textile fiber bales are broken up by at least two needle tables or rollers placed small distances apart in a row from their bottom side. The distance between the needle points of successive needle tables or rollers are continuously variable. Furthermore, the distance between needle points is changed automatically depending on properties inherent to the textile fiber bales or fiber tufts during operation of the needle table. The actual characteristic value of the detached fiber is compared with a nominal characteristic value, and a different signal is generated and applied as a control on a correcting element. The correcting element varies the distance between the needle points. Disturbance effects are obtained from the textile fiber bale, and this disturbance produces through a control device, an input or set variables for the distance between the needle points. One disturbance effect of the textile fiber bale may be the hardness.

Abstract: An apparatus for breaking textile fiber bales includes a plurality of spiked breaker members each rotated in a working direction and spaced from one another in the working direction and a support for receiving a series of juxtapositioned bales in the working direction above the breaker members for exposing the underside of the bales to the breaker members. The support comprises a flexible underlay which extends in the working direction for engaging face-to-face the underside of the bales and which is prevented from displacement in the working direction. An arrangement forms an upwardly open chamber of one part of the flexible underlay. The breaker members are accommodated in the chamber for engaging the underside of the bales situated at least in part within the outline of the chamber opening. The chamber and the breaker members are moved as a unit in the working direction along the bales.

Abstract: A buckling assembly for a safety harness has two parts which can be connected and disconnected from one another. One of the parts has a member which must be actuated to allow connection and disconnection, and once the assembly is connected and closed, actuation of this member is prevented. Additionally, the two parts can only be separated in one relative orientation which will not be reached while the harness is being worn.

Abstract: A slide fastener stringer includes a stringer tape of a warp-knit structure and a series of discrete or separate fastener elements mounted on and along one longitudinal edge of the stringer tape. The stringer tape has a reinforcing cord laid therein or inserted in an outermost groove between adjacent two wales of the tape, the cord extending warpwise and being thicker than the threads forming the tape fabric. The reinforcing cord is stitched with lock or double locked stitches at intervals spaced along the tape, thereby providing an element-anchoring bead on the tape. A pair of additional threads are preferably interlaced with the stitches and are disposed on the flat surface of the tape.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for determining the deviation in mask-to-faceplate spacing from a desired spacing during cathode-ray tube construction. The apparatus utilizes the novel method which comprises the steps of sensing the position of the interior surface of a faceplate without a shadow mask being mounted adjacent the faceplate, mounting a shadow mask adjacent the faceplate and sensing the position of a side of the shadow mask opposite the faceplate. The difference in the two second positions minus the shadow mask thickness is the deviation in the desired mask-to-faceplate spacing.