Abstract: A new standard carnation variety particularly distinguished by the Empire Rose coloration of its medium sized flowers, which are borne singly on long, strong stems and produced profusely on a tall plant having a recurrent blooming habit, which flowers during the Spring, midseason and Fall blooming periods, the plant having a vigorous, upright and rather rigid growth habit with strong stems and a moderately abundant quantity of foliage, as well as being very resistant to Fusarium Oxysporum.

Abstract: A new spray carnation cultivar particularly distinguished by its relatively small, primrose yellow flowers having clean, unblemished petals regularly imbricated to provide a pleasing, well formed flower, which is produced profusely during the Spring, midseason and Fall blooming periods on a strong, vigorous plant having an average height of about 105 cm. and which has abundant foliage and good resistance to Fusarium oxysporum.

Abstract: A new lily plant name Italia particularly characterized by its yellow and pink bicolored flowers, plant height of approximately 150 cm, upright flowers, and very strong stems and leaves.

Abstract: An Asapanthus elaine plant which is defined by its exceptional vigor and having large heads of dark blue-violet flowers on scapes well exceeding the relatively compact foliage, and when in flower, will reach an overall height of 13 dm, and wherein the present plant differs from other Agapanthus selections in that it is provided with large dense umbel of very dark violet-blue flowers in combination with very broad robust foliage, with the flowers ranging from 4.0-4.2 cm in length and 2.2-2.4 cm across at the apex thereof when fully expanded.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Mock Orange or Japanese Pittosporum, characterized by a compact form and appearance and lustrous dark green foliage. The outstanding feature of the new cultivar is a winter hardiness at least adequate for USDA Zone 8 (10.degree.-20.degree. F.) and possibly for USDA Zone 7 (0.degree.-10.degree. F.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree having the following unique combination of outstanding features that are desirable in a new variety:1. Early maturity of the fruit, May 15, 1989.2. Low winter chilling requirement, approximately 200 hours.3. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality.4. Fruit with good shipping quality.5. Heavy and regular production of fruit.6. Relatively uniform fruit size throughout the tree.7. Vigorous, upright tree growth.

Abstract: A gauge apparatus for measuring the displacement of components, particularly automotive components. The gauge includes a support member adapted for secure attachment to one component, such as an automotive wheel. A transverse gauge bar is slidably interengageable with the support member and carries a rotatably gauge member at one end for measuring the displacement of the gauge member with respect to the gauge bar. The apparatus can be used to check the alignment of Macpherson strut suspension systems as well as wheel caster, camber, toe-in and alignment. A Macpherson strut straightening apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment which is in the form of a winch (or hoist) comprises a reel including a spool and embodying a portion thereof through which it may be driven for its raising and lowering functions. The reel mounts in bearing relation to a drive shaft between parallel relatively closely spaced side walls of its housing. This embodiment features an overload clutch including a drive plate mounted for rotation with said shaft within said housing. The drive plate nests within a shallow cup-shaped plate firmly and resiliently coupled by springs, parts of which have an interfit relation with portions of the bounding wall. Upon rotation of the shaft the nature and direction thereof is transmitted through the clutch and successive drive transmission elements to the portion of the reel provided for this purpose.

Abstract: An automatic seat belt system includes a guide rail arranged along a predetermined path within the room of an automobile, a runner provided movably on the guide rail, and a drive member for causing the runner to move in such a way that a webbing fastened to the runner is displaceable between an occupant restraining position and an occupant non-restraining position. The system further comprises a plurality of brackets for mounting the guide rail on the body of the automobile and means for positioning the brackets at desired locations relative to the length of the guide rail. The automobile seat belt system of this invention allows to reduce the material and machining costs upon fabrication of its guide rail and permits easy positional registration or matching between the guide rail and its brackets upon mounting the guide rail on the body of the automobile.

Abstract: A fixture for securing an electrical connector, such as an outlet plate, includes a flat rectangular portion and elongated legs that can be fabricated during a single manufacturing step. The flat rectangular portion has a central opening with parallel sides at which the legs are bent. The legs of one side are staggered with respect to the legs of the other side. During installation the central rectangular opening is used as a template for marking where an opening is to be cut in a wall, and then the legs are inserted into the wall opening and bent outward to secure the opening to the wall. The connector element is then screwed to the flat rectangular portion of the fixture.

Abstract: A secondary battery or cell with improved rechargeability is obtained by combination of (A) a cathode active material comprising a chalcogen compound of a transition metal, (B) an electrolyte comprising an organic solvent having dissolved therein a lithium salt and (C) an anode active material comprising lithium metal in electrical contact with an electrically conductive carbonaceous material which is a pyrolysis residue of an organic material such as synthetic high polymers. The anode active material can be formed in situ within the battery, by self discharge of lithium metal into the carbonaceous material. The battery or cell is of excellent properties, such as stability or flatness of discharge voltage and electric capacity.

Abstract: Novel substituted cis-1,2-dihydroxy-cyclohexa-3,5-diene compounds, useful as intermediates in the production of phenols and catechols for use as intermediates in the production of drugs, herbicides, insecticides and as chiral synthons, in particular cis-1,2-dihydroxy-3-trifluoromethyl-cyclohexa-3,5-diene. A process for producing the novel compounds is also claimed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an automatic wiper control circuit for operating window wipers automatically when moisture is sensed. The control circuit additionally provides for increasing the speed of a dual speed wiper motor when a high level of moisture is detected. The system comprises a moisture sensor which senses moisture thereon. A circuit associated with the moisture sensor converts the moisture level to DC voltage. At a preselected level of this DC voltage the wiper motor operates in one of its two different speeds. A lack of a predetermined amount of moisture terminates the wiper motor operation. If the control circuit terminates the wiper motor action during wiper sweep, the normal homing circuit of the wiper motor continues to operate the motor until the wiper blade or blades reach the wiper blade home position. Sequential illumination of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS) occur during a wiping cycle when the circuit is operating normally.

Abstract: A rocker switch is operated by the handset user to vary the impedance of a FET. The FET impedance varies in proportion to the duration of operation of the switch. The handset receiver "volume" increases or decreases in proportion to the FET impedance. An electret condensor microphone stabilizes the receiver supply voltage and provides improved transmitter linearity and low distortion.

Abstract: A collapsible multicompartmented pack able to be affixed to the back of a garment. The pack may include two compartments; a first boxlike collapsible compartment and a second flat compartment that may have snaps for compressing the first compartment between the back of the garment and the second compartment. A single cover is provided that may either close the first compartment when it is expanded or cover both the first and second compartments when the first compartment is compressed. Multiple compartments of either type may be provided.

Abstract: A clothing assembly which features, in combination, a dickey with a collar, a sweater and a pair of cuffs releasably attachable directly to the inside of the sweater sleeves. The combination of the dickey, cuffs and sweater provide the wearer with the fashionable appearance of wearing a long sleeve shirt or blouse without the discomfort and problems associated with a long sleeve such as bulging and twisting of the shirt under the sweater. The cuffs include VELCRO.RTM. patches which enable the user to directly attach the cuffs to the sweater without relying on adapters and the like.

Abstract: A packaged dispenser for discharging metered amounts of liquid into a flush tank controlled by the rise and fall of the tank liquid. A container has a screw cap which has internal cooperable screw threads and also has cap positioning means for controlling the position of the unthreaded cap.

Abstract: A hardhat liner of two coincident woven tubes embodying a common knitted weave of synthetic fibers, one of the tubes being within the other each having a closed top and sewn together at opposite bottom and top ends thereof, both conforming to a crown of a wearer's head and the sewn-together open bottom being cut and shaped to include a semicircular upwardly-extending forward bottom-edge defining a forward upwardly-extending semicircular cut-out space and both sewn-together open bottom ends sewn-together with elastic thread and embodying a cut and shaped rearward portion having opposite-side portions and an intermediate back portion that are contiguous and congruent portions having a continuing common substantially horizontal bottom peripheral edge aligned and matched with opposite ends of the semicircular forward edge, the semicircular upwardly-extending forward bottom-edges being positioned to be laterally forward of a wearer's ears behind a wearer's eyes and upwardly along a wearer's brow-line when worn and

Abstract: Apparatus for adapting containers, such as 12 and 16 ounce beverage cans and bottles, for use as a cuspidor. The conveter is comprised of a housing open at the top and bottom with an inverted frusto-conical member tapering downwardly and inwardly from a top edge of the housing to a predetermined position therebelow. The conical member has a bottom aperture which communicates with the top opening. A baffle member is disposed beneath the conical member inside the housing for dividing the housing into top and bottom portions. The baffle member has a central aperture extending therethrough which is substantially in registration with the bottom aperture of the conical member to define a central passageway. The baffle member includes a tapered portion which is adapted for being inserted into the open mouths of different sized containers, such as standard beverage bottles, to direct material introduced into the housing via the top opening into the container.

Abstract: A filter trap assembly of the type to be used in a sink or other similar plumbing facility and including an elongated vertical pipe section connected at an open end to the drain of a sink and including a closed end defining a liquid reservoir. A filter housing is disposed intermediate said open and closed ends and is structurally adapted to have a filter element removably disposed therein in interruptive relation to liquid flow passing along the length of said vertical pipe section from said open to said closed end in order to trap any solid materials therein.

Abstract: A neck rest for a shampoo basin comprises a generally semi-cylindrical cushion made of a soft resilient material. The cushion preferably includes a thin coating of a waterproof and chemically resistant material. Attached to the inner semi-cylindrical surface of the cushion and extending tangentially outward therefrom is a flexible material having a plurality of small suction cups disposed thereon. The cushion, being made of a resilient material, conforms to the shape of the rim of a shampoo basin and is secured thereto by the suction cups on the inner semi-cylindrical surface. The outwardly extending flexible material defines a flap portion which is disposed against the inner wall of the basin and secured thereto by the suction cups. The neck support is thus firmly held in position so as to resist dislodgement during normal use, but may be easily removed by peeling up the flexible material so as to release the suction cups from the basin.

Abstract: An all purpose self powered wheelchair that permits the user to become self sufficient by permitting the user to move about, relieve themselves of bodily wastes, change their own bedpan, exercise, receive intravenous transfer of fluids, change positions, and also permits a person to assist the wheelchair user in transferring the wheelchair user from a bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a bed without the person having to lift the wheelchair user.

Abstract: An inflatable underlayment is provided for a bedridden patient to elevate the patient and, by means of a wedge-shaped cavity in the inflated underlayment, to provide clearance for the placement of a fracture pan for use as a bedpan by the patient, wherein the placement and removal of the fracture pan requires no movement of the patient.

Abstract: A multi-purpose patient support and transport apparatus is provided which includes a Trendelenburg mechanism and a novel guard rail assembly. The Trendelenburg mechanism is actuated by turning a handle in one direction. This allows a penumatic spring connected between the seat and backrest assemblies to be fully contracted, thereby moving the backrest assembly to a Trendelenburg position. When the handle is turned in the opposite direction, the backrest may also be rotated downwardly, but is precluded from moving beyond the reclining position by a stop member which prevents the pneumatic spring shaft from moving entirely within the spring casing. The guard rail is mounted to the frame of the apparatus by a pair of pivot arms extending at an oblique angle with respect to the plane of the rail. This allows the rail to be stored under the frame when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A pillow for resting the head is described. The pillow has a cover, the inside of which is divided into a plurality of chambers optionally filled with different filler materials and/or to a different degree; the pillow being more versatile and variable than known pillows. The chambers include a principal chamber, and on at least two of its lateral edges, tubular-like chambers. The pillow thus comprises not only a chamber to be used as a neck roll, but at least one additional separate chamber, on which the head may be supported in a lateral position, but which may also be used optionally as a neck roll. The hardness of the principal chamber and of the individual tubular-like chambers may be differentially variable. In addition, corner chambers may be provided, which contain refill materials for the other chambers, or serve as a storage compartment for valuable objects or the like. The individual chambers are accessible by means of zipper closures or the like.

Abstract: A closed loop feeback-controlled air supply system for air support convalescent beds having groups of air sacs for supporting various body sections of a patient. The air supply system may be self-contained with its own air supply compressor or it may utilize any other source of compressed air. The air supply is coupled with a distributor manifold from which extends a plurality of air supply lines extending to selected groups of air sacs. Servo valves controlling each of the air supply lines are automatically positioned and controlled by signals from a microprocessor, the microprocessor receiving pressure feedback monitoring signals from pressure transducers associated with each of the groups of air sacs. Between the air supply and the manifold may be provided a master control valve which may be a servo valve also activated and controlled by the microprocessor responsive to feedback signals.

Abstract: An improved patient support structure comprising an articulatable frame, a plurality of elongated inflatable sacks, some of the sacks having one or two comfort slots therein, a low pressure compressed air blower and a plurality of pipes and manifolds for carrying gas from the blower to the sacks. The sacks are connected to the gas supply pipes and manifolds so as to be easily detachable therefrom. Each manifold has a variable muffler to control gas exhaust. An automatic switching circuit determines whether to power the brushless DC electric motor from a rectified AC power source or DC power supplied by batteries carried unobtrusively by the support structure. A multi-outlet, variable flow, gas valve connects to the blower to the pipes and comprises a housing defining at least two cylinder chambers and a discrete outlet for each cylinder chamber. A primary silencer is connected to each discrete outlet. The sacks rest atop a neoprene membrane which covers a planar upper surface of the frame.

Abstract: A low air loss patient support system includes a plurality of identical multi-chambered inflatable sacks. A restrictive flow hole connects two adjacent chambers disposed predominately to one side of the centerline of the sack, and each side is separately pressurizable under the control of a microprocessor and a plurality of pressure control valves with pressure transducers and a plurality of flow diverter valves for switching between different modes of configuring the manner in which the sacks are pressurized. The system includes a modular manifold for mounting the pressure control valves, and a modular support member for mounting the sacks via quick-disconnect couplings and having air flow channels defined therethrough. The support system effects a method of rotating or tilting the patient that depressurizes one side of the sacks while increasing the pressurization of the opposite side of the sacks.

Abstract: Greeting cards are produced in the form of fabric patches which are sent to recipients on special occasions. The recipients sew the patches bearing the greeting messages thereon into openings in a fabric matrix to form a memory quilt. The greeting messages are thereby not merely discarded, as is the case with conventional greeting cards formed of card stock, but are saved and incorporated into a useful article.

Abstract: The device has a continuous adhesive-applying surface which is made up from a plurality of elements, articulated so as to enable the configuration of the surface to be varied by varying the relationship between the elements. More particularly, the elements comprise two base elements pivotally connected to one another and forming the base of the U, and two leg elements one pivotally connected to each of the base elements, forming the legs of the U. For adjusting the configuration of the surface, the distance between the pivotal connections of the leg elements with the base elements and also the distance between the remote ends of the leg elements are adjustable. For use in a pulling over and toe lasting machine, the central pivot between the two base elements is fixed in the machine so as to maintain the toe end of the applicator device in the correct relationship with other operating instrumentalities of the machine.

Abstract: An abrasive and/or scouring pad, comprising a core of foam between two nonwovens, wherein the core is a polyurethane foam and the nonwovens are based on a mixture of polyamide and polyester fibers. The polyamide has physical properties similar to those of the polyurethane foam. The nonwovens and the foam are bonded together at their periphery by thermal-welding, either directly, or by two layers of heat-fusible or heat-softening material placed on either side of the foam.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel apparatus which can be used for cleaning the interiors of fouled chimneys. More particularly, this novel apparatus can be adjusted to fit the interiors of various chimney sizes. The apparatus cleans not only soot but also tar and creosote from the interior of the chimney. The device for cleaning the interior of a chimney comprises: (a) a scraper for contacting and scraping the side of the chimney; (b) a constant angle contact member for contacting the side of the chimney at a constant angle; (c) a member for contacting the side of the chimney opposite to the scraper; (d) a device for enabling the distance between the scraper and the contact member to be adjusted; (e) a force applying member for causing a force to be applied between the scraper and the contact member; and (f) a handle attachment device for enabling the scraper and the contact member to be secured to a handle.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with flexible plastics material discs which are shaped to engage around the inlets to automatically operating swimming pool cleaners which are caused to move by an interruption of the flow induced through the cleaner by the pump of the pool filtration plant. The discs act to hold the cleaner against the surface to be cleaned and the invention provides guides on the upper surface of the disc preferably in the form of radially extending ribs decreasing in height towards the periphery of the disc. The guides direct dirt over the disc into the inlet of the pool cleaner.

Abstract: This windshield wiper includes: a crank member which is adapted to be driven relative to a body in an alternating rotational movement by means of a motor spindle; at least one windshield wiper arm which is mounted in the crank member with a facility for sliding therein in a radial direction; and control means for producing the sliding movements of the arm, the control means comprising at least one flexible band which is adapted to control the said sliding movement in one direction, together with return means for ensuring that the arm slides in the opposite direction. The flexible band describes, within the crank member, a sinuous path over rotatable pulleys which are spaced apart in a direction substantially parallel to the arm, with one end of the flexible band being connected to a fixed point on the crank member while, at its other end, the flexible band is connected to the windshield wiper arm.

Abstract: The connector 1 is made in one piece out of a plastic material. It comprises a first portion 1a rigidly secured to the wiper arm extension 5, a second portion 1b rotatably secured at 9, 9a to a wiper blade (not shown) and a resilient intermediate portion 1c. The connector 1 is part of a wiper system wherein it is indispensable that the wiper blade can rotate with respect to the wiper arm extension 5 about an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface to be wiped and passing through the connector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a connecting member for a wiper blade and a wiper arm including a plastic structural member and a metallic locking spring. The structural member has a bearing bore as a receiver for a pivot pin. The locking spring is retained at a first end portion and intersects the bearing bore and acts upon the pivot pin by means of its center area. A second end portion of the spring forms a release key positioned behind the bearing bore. The release key of the locking spring is covered by a wing which is intergrally formed as part of the wall of the structural member by means of a film hinge.

Abstract: Drying apparatus for an automatic car wash having separate sensing means for detecting the proximity of a nozzle to opaque top portions of vehicles and transparent top portions of vehicles to maintain the nozzle within a preselected proximity range of the top portions of the vehicles. Another sensing means is provided to detect the tailgates of open-bed pick-up trucks to retract the nozzle before it hits a tailgate. Also, the means by which the nozzle is mounted and moved toward and away from the vehicles vary the orientation of the nozzle relative to vertical as the nozzles moves between its uppermost and lowermost positions. Similar mounting and moving means can be used with side drying apparatus. In a second and more preferred form, ultrasonic detectors detect both the opaque parts of a vehicle and the windshield.

Abstract: An improved carpet cleaning apparatus and method of use is disclosed. The apparatus consists of an internal combustion engine, the exhaust of which is directed through at least one heat exchanger for heating water/chemical cleaning fluid solution. A source of incoming water passes by a regulator into the inlet end of an engine driven pump, then through a balance pressure regulator valve positioned between the pump and the heat exchanger. A bypass valve intercepts a portion of the heated water after it passes by a thermostat downstream of the heat exchanger and directs this portion of heated water into a conduit leading back to the pump inlet thereby preheating the incoming water. A vacuum pump coupled to the engine draws a vacuum in a separate waste water recovery tank. A hand held carpet cleaner wand injects heated water transported under pressure through a flexible hose through an exhaust nozzle into the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A pre-assembled, spring loaded, block and tackle window sash balance assembly is adapted for providing vertical support for a window sash running in an elongated, generally upright sash run having a generally C-shaped guide channel extending along its plow region. The assembly comprises a generally U-shaped housing for a block and tackle spring balance device. The assembly further includes spaced slide means which are discrete from the housing itself and which are slidably interengageable with the guide channel for removeably attaching the assembly to the sash run. Accordingly, the block and tackle balance assembly may be pre-assembled and then conveniently and efficiently attached to the sash run and supported in a position to provide spring balanced support for a window sash mounted in the sash run.

Abstract: A frame connection member, which is fixedly mounted on one of an upper split frame and a lower split frame, is pivoted on the other split frame so as to revolve around a horizontal axis shaft line. An inversely tapered concavity for inserting a twisted shaft portion of a torsion bar from a direction meeting at right angles with the axis shaft line of the shaft portion is formed in the frame connection member. The frame connection member is provided with a first engagement member for engaging a biasing reaction force portion on one end side of the torsion bar, the other split frame being provided with a second engagement member for engaging a biasing reaction force portion on the other end side of the torsion bar. The other split frame has a revolution regulating member for regulating a revolving range of the frame connection member relative to the other split frame at a range larger than a predetermined open angle set by an angle regulating device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle door hinge which has an integral detent and stop. A spring having a flat surface portion and an arcuate surface portion is attached to a first hinge member with the arcuate portion of the spring curved about the axis of the hinge. A roller restrained on a second hinge member is in compressive contact with the arcuate portion of the spring. A depression across the arcuate portion of the spring, works in conjunction with the roller as a detent to produce an intermediate stop position. The arcuate portion of the spring has an end portion, wider than the remainder of the spring, which contacts the second hinge member to provide a stop which prevents further opening rotation of the hinge.

Abstract: A closing clip for sausage casings and the like, formed from a metal strip which is to be bent round the gathered casing end and of which the bearing surface resting against the casing end contains a friction-increasing impression. The impressions are provided so as to cover essentially the entire area.

Abstract: A stuffing horn assembly is disclosed which comprises a hollow main member, said main member having an exterior end surface terminating in a convex configuration and containing at least one outlet void therein; a horn turret, having a concave exterior surface for generally engaging the convex exterior end surface of the main member and having at least one inlet void therein; means for mounting said horn turret concave surface to the convex surface of the main member; means for aligning said at least one outlet void with said at least one inlet void; and, said horn turret comprising horn means alignable with said at least one inlet void. The stuffing horn assembly has particular utility in the food processing industry, most particularly wherein comminuted meat products are stuffed into encasements under pressure.

Abstract: A stuffing horn includes a cylindrical sleeve in which a least one channel located within the sleeve provides for the transfer of liquid additive from a liquid source to the outer extremity of the stuffing horn. Atomizers in the outer face of the horn provide a means of transferring the liquid additive from the horn onto the interior of a food-product thermoplastic container such as a casing or bag. The liquid additive, such as liquid smoke or colorant, is then transferred to the exterior surface of the stuffed meat product.

Abstract: Known apparatuses comprise a feed passage (4), a nozzle passage (5) extending therefrom in the feed direction (T), and a flow generator for generating a feed gas flow in the feed passage. The outlet portion of the nozzle passage (5) has provided therein a lateral opening (13) which permits the outflow of the gas stream.To be able to carry out pressure measurements in a measuring funnel with a known apparatus as well, the apparatus comprises a control (40) through which the lateral openings (13) can be closed. After the opening has been closed, pressure which can be measured with the aid of a pressure sensor (42) builds up in the tapered nozzle passage. The pressure measured corresponds to the thickness of the fiber sliver and can be used for controlling an upstream card.The apparatus is employed during the feed of card slivers.