Abstract: A new and distinct variety of orchid, more particularly a Laeliocatonia hybrid plant having flowers of unique and spectacular coloring with heads of flowers erectly carried on strong sprays. The new variety is distinct from syblings of its grex by its outstanding vigorous plant structure as well as extreme freedom and frequency of bloom. A primary note with this cultivar is its compactness of growth and dramatic distinction from syblings of the grex as well as superiority over others of the type.

Abstract: An original variety of Gerbera plant distinguished by its pink outer petals and inner petals, its ability to grow vigorously and flower profusely during the spring, midseason, and fall blooming periods as well as blooming in the winter in the greenhouse.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Improved North Dakota characterized by its single, violet-shaped, white flowers with purplish blue center and occasionally light purplish blue edges; strong, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; medium green, oval to heart-shaped, serrated leaves; profuse flowering, vigorous and compact growth habit, flowering 10-11 weeks after potting, and its long lasting and non-dropping flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Samoa characterized by its large, single violet-shaped, purple flowers with somewhat wavy edges and occasional fine white line on some petal edges; strong, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; dark green, oval to heart-shaped leaves; profuse flowering, vigorous and compact growth habit, flowering 10-11 weeks after potting, and its long lasting and non-dropping flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Julie characterized by its single, white flowers with finely frilled purplish blue edges that vary from a very fine line to 1-2 mm in width; strong, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; large, bright green, strongly serrated leaves; profuse flowering, vigorous growth habit, flowering 10-11 weeks after potting, and its long lasting and non-dropping flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct Geranium cultivar particularly distinguished by its profuse and continuous production of clusters of large flowers having wide petals of a generally overhall fuchsia purple coloration, the buds and flowers comprising each umbel cluster opening successively from early April to Fall whereby the plant is in bloom from Spring throughout the Summer season. The plant itself is of a round shape with a bushy form and an abundant production of relatively large leaves growing in a mass reaching a height of about 24 cm. in September, the blooms standing well above the foliage mass on strong, upright stems having a length of about 12 to 16 cm. and the plant having a medium growth rate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a powered cultivating tool or the like which includes a prime mover disposed within a housing, an output shaft extending from .[.said.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.housing having a pinion fixed thereto, .[.said.]. .Iadd.such .Iaddend.pinion being placed in meshing engagement with a gear having a first roller thereon offset from the axis of rotation of the gear which engages a cam follower operatively connected to a cultivating implement such as a tine so that the implement displays an oscillatory pendulum-like motion about a vertical radial line extending from an axis rotation of the gear.

Abstract: A packaged enema solution or suspension consisting essentially of an effective amount of 5-ASA or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, a chelating agent, in antioxidant and a buffer, the solution or suspension having a pH value of from 4 to 7 and being contained in a plastic bottle under an inert gas, the plastic bottle being packaged in a diffusion-tight light-impervious package in the same inert gas as is present in the bottle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for winding an advancing strand onto a spool having a barrel and a pair of end flanges utilizing a strand traverse guide reciprocated relative to the spool at a linear speed proportional to the relative rotational velocity of the spool. The spool may have flat end pieces or tapered ends. The barrel of the spool may be cylindrical or tapered. The end limits of reciprocation of the strand guide are established in relation to the spool base and are determined based on the rotational speed of the spool, the linear speed of the strand and the known geometry of the spool.

Abstract: A device for measuring an extremely diminished intensity of light by superposing a plurality of streaking images of the light beams caused by fluorescence occurring in a phosphor layer where secondary electrons are incident thereon in single photon units. A streaking image is formed by secondary electrons generated within a streaking tube through which electrons generated in a photoelectric layer therein are accelerated to the phosphor layer therein when passing through a micro-channel-plate therein. The superposed streaking images with enhanced brightness are then picked up by a television camera.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in releasably securing a vehicle against a loading dock during loading and unloading of the vehicle. The device comprises a hingedly mounted vehicle-engaging member located adjacent a front wall of the dock and beneath the plane of the dock loading surface. A handle is provided for effecting controlled movement of the member between an inoperative mode and an operative mode. When in an operative mode, a portion of the member interlocks with a component of the vehicle and restrains movement of the vehicle away from the loading dock. When in an inoperative mode, the member assumes a vehicle-release position wherein the vehicle is free to move away from the loading dock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of a metal oxide powder, particularly a UO.sub.2 or PuO.sub.2 powder, with a view to its fritting.This process consists of oxidizing the powder, so as to form on its surface a hydrated oxide layer of the same metal. When the oxide is UO.sub.2 or PuO.sub.2 and mixtures thereof, as well as those prepared with ThO.sub.2, the treated powder can be used for producing nuclear fuel pellets by cold compression, followed by fritting.

Abstract: A computerized video imaging system is provided which includes a target mount for supporting a target photographic transparency. A lamphouse is positioned to pass light through the transparency and includes light sources for a set of primary colors. An image sensor is positioned to receive light passing from the lamphouse through the transparency and generates video signals representing hue and intensity of the light. Image storage means are provided for storing color reference representations of the reference transparency. A color video monitor receives signals related to the reference representations and the target video signals. A computer interfaces with the light source and the image storage to calculate photographic color correction values for the target transparency.

Abstract: A method of measuring the temperature in a high pressure furnace of a hot isostatic pressing apparatus, wherein a closed-end pipe having its inside communicated with the inside of the high pressure furnace and enabling a pressure medium to pass therethrough is disposed in the furnace, an incident top end of an optical fiber, a bundle of optical fibers or like other equivalent optical rod-like memeber is disposed to the open end of the closed-end pipe so as to be capable of receiving thermally radiated light from the inside of the closed-ended pipe and an exit rear end thereof is led out through a cover and to the outside of said high pressure vessel and a measuring system is connected to said exit rear end to detect heat radiation power from the top end of the closed-end pipe to thereby measure the temperature inside of the furnace.

Abstract: A stretchable necktie fabricated from an elongated outer tubular casing formed of a nylon-spandex material, and an elongated inner lining formed of a nylon-spandex material, positioned inside said casing and sewn around its entire perimeter to said casing. A washable, comfortable necktie is thereby formed entirely of stretchable material.

Abstract: The ear muff according to the present invention is a water-repellent material lined with thin insulation sewn into the form of a pocket which fits around the ear of the wearer to protect the ear against cold, wind, snow, or the like without substantially impairing hearing. The ear muff is kept engaged to the ear by means of an elastic loop residing in the hem of the opening of the pocket which contracts around the base of the ear, and in addition, adjacent to the elastic within the hem, a malleable earlobe clasp which the wearer clamps around the earlobe, so that the ear muff can be used by people with attached earlobes as well as by people with unattached earlobes. The lined water-repellent material comprising the pocket plays no part in keeping the ear muff engaged to the ear, and thus is made of flexible material so that it can conform to various shapes of ears.

Abstract: A smokeproof foldable bag comprises a smokeproof foldable bag having a plurality of peak and valley lines; the smokeproof foldable bag having an open end when unfolded, a plurality of cards respectively oppositely fixed to portions adjacent to the open end of the smokeproof foldable bag; the smokeproof foldable bag being usually folded along the peak and valley lines and held by a plurality of cards; whereby the foldable bag is used by people for preventing them from sucking a smoke at the time of fire.

Abstract: An automated toilet seat cover is provided wherein a plurality of spaced parallel rolls are rotatably mounted within the housing positioned between rearwardmost ends of a toilet seat. The rolls are provided with rearwardly extending axles with gears secured thereon for cooperation with a medially positioned selectively actuatable motor for simultaneously dispensing and reeling in a tubular seat cover for overlying securement of the toilet seat. The motor is provided with a rearwardly extending axle positioned exteriorly of the housing with a manually rotatable wheel for manual actuation of the plurality of rolls.

Abstract: A patient support appliance is provided of the kind formed from a plurality of inflatable air sacs, mounted on an articulating base and extending transversely of the base so as to provide, when inflated, a surface for supporting a person thereon. The base is divided into sections lengthwise of the appliance and the air sacs arranged in groups corresponding to said sections. An airblower for supplying air to the sacs is suspended from said base or mounted on a supporting frame. Air from the blower is fed to the appliance by a main air supplying conduit via a distribution chamber and individual air supply tubes lead from the distribution chamber to the groups of sacs. Pressure regulating valves are provided to regulate individually the pressure of air in the air supply tubes so that the pressure of air in each group can be regulated independently of the others. Means are provided for exhausting air rapidly from the distribution chamber, e.g.

Abstract: A method and device for the sanitary disposal of human waste are disclosed. The method includes completely covering the seat and toilet bowl interior of a toilet with a toilet flushable, human waste disposal means to contain viruses and bacteria in the toilet bowl and prevent a toilet occupant from contacting the toilet seat and bowl interior. The method further includes discharging waste into the disposal means, covering the disposal means and flushing both the disposal means and waste matter with minimum bathroom contamination. The disposal means includes a toilet seat cover means having a central cutout portion and a waste collecting means which depends therefrom. Thus, an imperforate barrier isolates the toilet bowl interior when the device is installed on a toilet prevents a toilet occupant from contacting the toilet seat and bowl interior.

Abstract: A portable child's pool which is suitable for use outdoors is provided having a pool play area suitable for a child to wade or sit in which is surrounded by a second water-retaining unit through which a child user would pass before entering the pool play area, wherein dirt and debris picked up on the feet of the child would be removed.

Abstract: An in-bed bathing process and apparatus therefor comprising the steps of filling one compartment of a sealed tank, internally divided by a flexible diaphragm into two compartments, with pressurized water to distend the diaphragm into the other compartment, moving the water-filled tank to the bedside of the bed-ridden person, encasing the person in a body-encapsulating, water-proof sheath, pressurizing some of the water from the tank into the sheath through a transfer line, for bathing the person, connecting a shower nozzle to the transfer line and rinsing the person, then draining the rinse water from the sheath through another line into a bag hung next to the tank, and including provisions for placing a wash tray behind the person's head for washing their hair in the bed and draining the water into the sheath for capture in the bag.

Abstract: An impermeable, vibrating pillow is provided with suction cups so that it may be conveniently bonded temporarily to the surface of a bathtub, jacuzzi or the like to support the neck, feet, or other regions of the body and provide a gentle, relaxing massage by virtue of the vibrator, which is embedded in the foam portion of the cushion and is actuated through the resilient cover by a pressure switch which is preferably mounted just inside one end of the cushion.

Abstract: An infant changing board assembly sized to store in an unobtrusive upright position in an infant carrier and to be easily moved into a horizontal position to provide a flat changing surface without removing the baby from the infant carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for selectively raising and lowering the entire mattress of a hospital or nursing home bed without changing the angle or tilt thereof, raising and lowering the head of the mattress, and raising and lowering the foot of the mattress, all without affecting the longitudinal configuration of the mattress itself. The invention further provides a hospital or nursing home bed incorporating the apparatus of the invention, and still further provides a method of achieving the various possible mattress configurations enabled by the invention. The apparatus of the invention includes a lifting bar longitudinally disposed relative to the stationary frame of the bed of the invention, and interconnected between moveable mattress supporting components and the stationary frame of the bed through separately operable pivotal interconnections.

Abstract: A patient support system for handling, manipulating, lifting and positioning disabled or incapacitated patients includes a one-piece mesh garment and a plurality of mesh engagement hooks and support lines that selectively engage the garment allowing for even gentle lifting support in variable body positions.

Abstract: A bedstead such as a child's crib having a headboard provided with a plurality of openings into which interchangeable inserts fit which and are securely. The interchange of selected inserts provide a variety of educational information and amusements to the child.

Abstract: A leaf spring includes a plate having a thickness of between approximately 5 mm and 20 mm, a width of between approximately 20 mm and 200 mm, and a given length. The plate is arcuately deformed so that it includes a central portion with a height of between 20 mm and 40 mm. The plate exhibits a predetermined resiliency for maintaining the plate in a substantially horizontal position under a load of between 5 kg and 30 kg and for preventing the plate from breaking under a load of between 50 kg and 100 kg. Further, the plate includes first and second layers made of glass-fiber or carbon-fiber and a core member made of a polyurethane foam material positioned between the first and second layers.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress comprises an inflatable container formed of a flexible plastic material with a generally planar top sleeping surface and a generally planar bottom. There are generally vertical side walls and a generally vertical head end wall and a generally vertical foot end wall. the head end wall has a greater vertical height than that of the foot end wall whereby the top sleeping surface slants from the head end to the foot end.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a dock leveler including a lever adapted to be pivotably connected to the center plate for pivoting the center plate to the rearward position upon movement in a rearward direction to a first position. A lip extension apparatus is adapted to be connected to the lip plate and the base plate. The lip extension apparatus is operative for selectively pivoting the lip plate either toward the bridging position or to the stored position in response to forward movement of the lever at times when the center plate is in the rearward position. The lip extension apparatus includes an extension member and an extension stop member. A cocking apparatus is utilized to engage the extension member on the extension stop member for pivoting the lip plate toward the bridging position as the center plate pivots forwardly from the rearward position.

Abstract: A device is provided for selectively cleaning debris from the bottom of a liquid pool. The device has a chamber having a water intake tube having an inlet end and extends through the lower end of the chamber and terminates in an outlet end which has a one-way valve mounted thereon. The lower end of the chamber has an opening for dumping water from the chamber. A valve is provided for blocking the opening by the water pressure of the pool and a filter is provided for filtering debris from the water before being dumped through the opening. An ambient air intake tube is connected to the upper end of the chamber and has an opening whereby ambient air can be trapped in the chamber by the operator.

Abstract: An improved swing type substrate cleaning apparatus comprises a substrate chuck for holding the substrate while rotating the same, a cleaning brush holding apparatus for holding a cleaning brush while rotating the same, a cleaning brush elevating apparatus for holding the cleaning brush holding apparatus in a manner enabling elevation and swing of the same, and a buffer apparatus for reducing the velocity at which the cleaning brush elevating apparatus lowers the cleaning brush holding apparatus when the cleaning brush is lowered to be in contact with the substrate. Since the velocity with which the cleaning brush is lowered is reduced to be lower than a prescribed value by means of the buffer apparatus, no significant shock is created when the cleaning brush is brought into contact with the substrate.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes either one or two substantially vertically oriented vehicle cleaning brushes for washing the front, sides and rear of the vehicle. A supporting frame extends over and across the vehicle travelling along a path. The frame is divided by the path centerline into a first frame section extending across a first path section lying on the first side of the path centerline and a second frame section extending across the second path section lying on the second side of the path centerline. First and second brush support arms are each coupled to a different frame section and pivotally support rotating vehicle cleaning brushes. The shaft of the first brush is positioned within the first path section when its brush support arm is deflected into an open position and is positioned within the second path section when its brush support arm is deflected into a closed position.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for a vehicle has a wiper arm and a wiper blade connected to one end of the wiper arm. The wiper arm is mounted on a wiper pivot mounted on the vehicle body near an edge of the windshield of the vehicle and adapted to be pivoted back and forth about the wiper pivot between a first position and a second position to swing the wiper blade between a first reverse position and a second reverse position on the windshield when wiping the windshield. The wiper arm is arranged to be further pivoted to swing the wiper blade beyond the first reverse position to a concealed position below the windshield and to be held there.

Abstract: A vacuum refuse collecting vehicle has a tank divided into two hermetically sealed compartments by an internal sloped wall. The forward compartment functions as a water tank and the rear compartment as a waste containment tank. The capacity of the compartments can be increased by the addition of spacers to the cylindrical tank to make the tank longer, by changing the angle of the internal sloped wall, or by changing the depth of the concave end walls of the tank. The rear compartment is equipped with an upwardly tilting hinged concave tail gate for emptying the waste therefrom. The airstream which deposits the waste material in the tank is directed out of the tank into one or more bag filter housings, through an air pump, a silencer, and then to the surrounding atmosphere. The bag filters are so mounted and constructed that they may be removed through the bottom of the housings, thereby maintaining the upper portions of the housings substantially free of waste material.

Abstract: A return apparatus includes a first hollow cylindrical member and a second hollow cylindrical member sleeved in the first cylindrical member to create a telescoping movement in a sealed relationship. The first cylindrical member has a first and a second closed end to define a first sealed chamber. The second cylindrical member has a first closed end protruding beyond the first closed end of the first cylindrical member and a second closed end having a flange radially extended therefrom to seal and engage movably with the inner face of the first cylindrical member in the first chamber. A floating piston is mounted in the axial bore of the second cylindrical member defining a second chamber and a third chamber. The third chamber is provided with a compressible gas. The first and second chambers are filled with fluid under the pressure of the compressible gas. In this way, the second cylindrical member can be retracted to an original position after it is pulled outward by an axially external force.

Abstract: A window slider for guiding a vehicle window in a guide channel having spaced, side and base walls comprises a one-piece molded plastic part having stiffly resilient projections integral with the part and extending laterally in two directions to bear against the side and base walls to prevent rattling of the slider in two directions in the channel. Serveral embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-contained heavy duty constant force sliding sash counterbalance assembly embodying a stacked plurality of coil springs each having a uniform coiling and recoiling force throughout all of the various coils irrespective of the individual coil spring positions of extension or contraction, wherein the counterbalance assembly structure is provided with an elongated U-shaped housing adapted to adjustably accommodate the addition or removal of individual spring elements as necessary in order to achieve the proper counterbalance effect for the weight of the particular sash to be supported so that over the raising and lowering range of that sash to which the counterbalance assembly is affixed, and at all adjustably set sash opening elevations and corresponding coil spring positions of extension and contraction therebetween, there is a substantially constantly uniform counterbalance force effect exerted on the sash.

Abstract: An improved curtain rod assembly is disclosed which includes a track having a decorative fascia attached thereto. The track and fascia cooperate to permit the fascia to be easily attached thereto. A return plate is configured for attachment to the track and cooperates with a bracket assembly to support the track from a wall the appropriate distance. A side fascia is configured for attachment with the return plate and an elbow connects the fascia on the track and the return plate to provide an esthetically pleasing system.

Abstract: A door closer is provided of the cylinder/piston type wherein the closer is pivotably mounted to the door at a point adjacent to the piston rod end of the cylinder; a leaf type helper spring may be added between the cylinder and the door; said configuration being capable of providing increased closing force to the door as the door closes.

Abstract: A device for cutting in parts the wings of poultry is provided comprising wing guide means (16, 17, 12) for exactly positioning the wing to be cut relative to a cutting device (21). These wing guide means comprise at least a horizontal guide plate (16), a vertical guide plate (17) and a lower wing guide (12), that together form a passage for the wing to be cut, in which passage the cutting device (21) extends.

Abstract: The new and improved fish cleaning station includes a heavy duty stainless steel top with a durable metal base to make the facility nearly indestructible. Attached to the table are two heavy spray nozzles with steel braided hoses for providing a convenient source of water to clean the fish and table cleaning surface areas. A special area within the table provides a convenient station access for handicapped persons. The fish cleaning station also includes a centrally located garbage disposal unit adapted with a silver guard and back splash ring.

Abstract: A plastic tube bundle clamp for securing a plurality of elongated conduit elements such as wires, tubes, or pipes functions without destructive discontinuities in the working surface of the constrictive band. The encircling plastic band terminates in a pair of shoulders, each of which includes an integral, outwardly projecting jaw. When the jaws are compressively forced together, teeth engage one another to lock the clamp. The first jaw comprises spaced apart upper and lower elements which sandwich a first slot and the second jaw comprises an upper element spaced apart from a reduced width, lower element across a second slot. When the jaws are fitted together, the upper element of the second jaw is sandwiched within the first slot, and the lower element of the first jaw is substantially sandwiched within the second slot.

Abstract: A jam cleat for holding a rope under tension is disclosed. The cleat comprises two converging surfaces between which a roller is located. The rope is inserted between the roller and first of the converging surfaces. When the rope comes under tension friction between the rope and the roller causes the roller to roll along the second converging surface and thereby grip the rope with a wedging action. Devices are disclosed for forcing the roller to release the rope. One such, device is a lever which is optionally pivotably mounted on the cleat. In one example the cleat comprises a base and a body embodying the converging surfaces and the roller and slidably mounted on the base. The body can be moved along the base by the rope as it comes under tension and the base is provided with an abutment which is brought to bear on the roller during this movement and forces the roller to release the rope.

Abstract: A seat belt latchplate is disclosed for use in association with a three-point seat belt harness wherein the latchplate is mounted at an intermediate point on the belt formed with a tongue portion adapted to be releasably anchored to an associated releasable buckle positioned inboard of the vehicle passenger seat. The latchplate has a trough-shaped depression providing a cross bar defined by a pair of symmetrically disposed belt slots located in each sloped side of the depression. A J-shaped lock bar is supported on the cross bar enabling the belt to be weaved through one slot and over the lock bar for passage through the other slot. With the latchplate in its free running stowed mode the belt is straight allowing the lock bar to float for free sliding travel of the belt through the latchplate slots. In its latched mode the belt is pulled around a hook-shaped portion of the lock bar causing the bar to rock and pinch the belt in its cinching mode releasably locking the passenger in the vehicle seat.