Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Debby is provided. This cultivar exhibits a compact miniature rosette growth habit, dark green pubescent foliage, and forms in abundance on upright peduncles attractive single flowers of deep violet-blue coloration having no or very week petal undulation. The plant advantageously has a very floriferous habit with the flowering continuing for many weeks following its onset.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Little Hopi Girl characterized by its mid-size growth habit (13-15 cm in diameter); pink, star-shaped flowers; strong stems which curve toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; profuse flowering; bright green, spear- to heart-shaped leaves; flowering 10-11 weeks after planting of unrooted shoot, and by its long lasting and non-dropping flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Little Cherokee Girl characterized by its mid-size growth habit (13-15 cm in diameter); pink, semi-double to double flowers; strong stems which curve toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; profuse flowering; medium green, heart shaped leaves; flowering 10-11 weeks after planting of unrooted shoot, and by its long lasting and non-dropping flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Loretta characterized by its double, purplish red flowers with slightly frilled, white edges; strong, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; large, dark green, spear-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 Haiti characterized by its wavy, purple, star-shaped flowers with frilled, white edges; strong, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact bouquet above the leaves; dark green, wavy and serrated leaves; profuse flowering, vigorous growth habit, flowering 10-11 weeks after potting, and its long lasting and non-dropping flowers.

Abstract: A perennial, vegetatively propagated St. Augustinegrass genotype having resistance to two populations of the southern chinch bug, resistance to seasonal drought, and many hairs on the young leaf blades.

Abstract: An improved single stage snowthrower (2) includes an open front portion (14) having a rotatable impeller (30) contained therein. Impeller (30) contains at least one outwardly extending paddle (32) having a complex curved shape. Paddle (32) includes a central snowthrowing section (34) which is curved forwardly from its midpoint to each side thereof to be concave with this central section (34) extending over at least the middle 50 percent of the entire paddle's length. Two end sections (36) fill out the remaining length of paddle (32) and are shaped to function as augers for moving a relatively small volume of snow inwardly onto the central snowthrowing section (34). Improved impeller (30) can be used with an inverted funnel-shaped collecting chamber (22) located in the rear wall (18) of front portion (14) of snowthrower (2). Collecting chamber (22) is sized and shaped to approximate the size and shape of the inwardly tapered stream which is thrown off central section (34).

Abstract: A frame for spreading relatively large adhesive backed bandages into a generally flat configuration for applying to a patient. Such bandages might be for a wound dressing, burn dressing, surgical incise drape, etc. The frame is attached to the bandage when the bandage is being stuck to the patient, but the frame is removed so as not to interfere with subsequent movement of the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: A process for converting residual oil comprising vacuum bottoms in the presence of a cracking catalyst of high surface area and comprising an ultrastable zeolite is described. More particularly, a conversion process particularly contributing to producing cycle oil and gasoline boiling range products with reduced carbon deposition in combination with a relatively high regeneration temperature operation of at least 1350.degree. F. and above, and a short contact time riser hydrocarbon conversion operation contributing to reducing slurry oil product in favor of lower boiling products is described. A fluid cracking catalyst comprising a special ultrastable crystalline zeolite of high silica to alumina ratio provides hydrothermal stability of acceptable tolerance in the environment employed.

Abstract: A short-wave-pass optical filter, that includes a partially absorbing or transparent substrate coated by a set of layers having specified quarter-wave optical thickness, and is designed to reflect visible radiation of a selected color while transmitting visible radiation and maintaining a neutral color balance. The coating includes layers having a high refractive index alternating with layers having a low refractive index. The refractive indices and layer thicknesses are selected so that the filter's reflectance spectrum exhibits a ripple over a first segment of the visible spectrum but no significant ripple over a second segment of the visible. The filters may be used as sunglass lenses that have a selected color (such as blue, orange, or violet) when viewed by one other than the sunglass wearer, while permitting the wearer to perceive transmitted light with a correct color balance.

Abstract: A refuse collection apparatus including a storage body and a tailgate positioned rearwardly of the storage body which defines a hopper that is positioned adjacent to an opening into the storage body. An upper and a lower panel within the tailgate are pivotally connected and movably positioned with respect to the hopper. The upper panel is moved in a downward and rearward convexly curved path between an upward and forward position and a rearward and lowered position and the lower panel is rotated forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the upper panel. A fixed panel positioned in the tailgate structure defines the upper extent of the opening into the storage body and during upward movement of the upper panel, refuse is packed against the fixed panel.The lower surface of the fixed panel may have an upwardly curved lower surface which imparts a forward direction of movement to refuse which is packed against it.

Abstract: A football shoulder pad includes a pair of relatively rigid arch portions which extend over the shoulders of a wearer and a pair of resilient pads which are removably secured to the front surfaces of the arch portions. The pads reduce the tendency of a football to bounce off of the arch portions.

Abstract: An improved ballistic resistant soft body armor jacket that is fit-adjuste, relatively lightweight, multi-mission adaptable, buoyant, fire-resistant, non hydroscopic and impervious to salt water and most petroleum-based fluids. The jacket shell consists of four basic ballistic resistant components: a back panel, left and right front panels in combination with side portions, and a permanent collar. It is of wrap around character and uniquely provides a minimum of one inch overlap of the respective fabric-encased ballistic inserts at both sides and in the front. It uses hook and loop type fasteners, such as Velcro.RTM., in combination with some elasticized fastener bands to provide essentially one handed capability of the various closure and adjustability features. It uses non-hydroscopic material, such as Spectra Shield.RTM., for the ballistic inserts, and a fire proof fabric, such as Nomex III.RTM., with a water repellant coating.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a one-piece garment which is capable of being worn either alone or over panty hose, underpants, tights, or the like, as well as being worn under pants, slacks, a dress and/or a skirt and a blouse; which is capable of covering the body both above and below the waist; which includes hose for the legs; and which permits performing one or more bodily or hygienic functions without the need to remove any of same.

Abstract: A support for scarves. An elongated flexible support body (12) has smoothly curved end edges (15) and a centrally disposed slot (16) forming a tab area (20). A scarf is engaged and anchored by the tab area and wrapped around the support body. The supported scarf then can be employed as a belt while retaining a fully decorative display for extended periods of wearing.

Abstract: A disposable specimen cup and bracket for holding the same comprising a bracket with bendable arms designed to fit over the rim of a toilet bowl and extending into the toilet bowl and having a hole for receiving a sample cup which funnels fluids to the center and is designed to sit upright on a stand or within the bracket hole when the bracket is within the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A water closet cover or seat is automatically pushed out of an upright, open condition when a flush handle of that water cloest is operated to flush the water closet. The cover or seat is moved under the influence of a torsion spring and under the influence of gravity towards a bowl covering position, with a shock absorber exerting retarding force on the cover or seat to prevent that cover or seat from slamming against the rim of the bowl. The shock absorber is connected to a shaft of a hinge unit connecting the cover or seat to the bowl by a direct connection or by cam and cam follower.

Abstract: A free-standing portable toilet seat unit (18) to be used as an accessory to a conventional flushing toilet (22). The sides of the unit are two vertical parallel slabs (4), and are joined at the front by a shorter vertical front slab (6) and horizontal step (8), and at the top by a seat (12) having a central opening (14) and a semi-annular back rest (16). When placed in position over the bowl (20) of the toilet, the continuous base (10), formed by the lower edges of the three slabs, supports the entire weight of the unit and of a human seated on the unit, directly on the floor so that no weight rests on the toilet itself, whereby maximum stability is provided.

Abstract: A toilet having a foot pedal flush control comprising two pedals, one for opening a toilet bowl discharge outlet and the other for supplying flush water to the bowl. The pedals both operate through actuation cables having a wire member slidable within a conduit. The flush water pedal can be independently actuated to partially fill the bowl prior to use of the toilet while the outlet closure member pedal coacts with the flush water pedal so that upon opening of the bowl outlet, the flush water pedal is depressed providing water to the bowl. The wire members are solid wire members coupled to the pedals for both pull and push operation so that upon a failure of the pedal return mechanism, the pedals can be manually returned closing the bowl outlet and terminating the flow of flush water to the bowl.

Abstract: A swimming pool winterizing system which includes a straight hollow resilient plastic member for insertion into the skimmer discharge outlet and an L-shaped hollow tubular member for insertion into the swimming pool discharge outlet. Each hollow member is of length to allow the open upper end to extend above the pool water level and allow for the blowing of forced air through the pool water lines thereby purging the water lines for the winter months without the need of lowering the swimming pool water level.

Abstract: A ceiling shower element for a shower room comprises a plate adapted to be installed in the ceiling of the shower room, and an inverted concave housing having its edges sealed to said plate and defining therewith a hollow cavity to which water is supplied. The portion of the plate which seals off the housing is provided with orifices through which water is ejected into the room below.

Abstract: A modular system for automatically controlling the operation of a water faucet comprises an electrically operable valve for installation in line of a water supply line to the faucet for controlling water flow to the faucet; a sensor for detecting the presence of an individual within a predetermined range of the sensor; a controller for connecting to the valve and the sensor for receiving a detection signal from the sensor and for operating the valve in response to the signal; and releasable connectors for connecting the valve and the sensor to the controller.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular confining envelope characterized by an exterior and interior polymeric skin bonded to each other in bonding seams which include gaps for conveying air to the adjacent sections. The longitudinal edges of the envelope may include fastening devices for engagement of the envelope around the body of a patient. One or more of the gaps may then be selectively closed to control the distribution of compressed air in the envelope.

Abstract: A bed with an integrated commode and inflatable bathing section includes a mattress (70) and a secondary support surface. The secondary surface is supported by a frame (90) and legs (92) and (94). Two padded sections (96) and (98) are disposed on the upper surface thereof. The end of the support section is comprised of a horizontal bar (100) and leg (102). A pad (106) is disposed on the upper surface thereof. The horizontal bar (100) can be lowered to a foot rest position or disposed in the same plane as the bar (90) to provide a resting position. A commode (18) is disposed under the center padded section (98) which has a hole (112) disposed therein. A splash guard (110) is disposed thereon. An inflatable bathing section (122) is provided for being disposed over the padded sections (96), (98) and (106), or in place thereof. The bathing section (122) has a vinyl surface (124) with a peripheral tube (126) disposed therearound. The tube (126) is inflatable with a pump (130).

Abstract: A bed comprises a box-like frame with longitudinal parts (12) connected to transverse parts and laths (14, 15), mounted on the longitudinal parts of the frame, on which a mattress can be laid. To improve the distribution of the weight of a human body, the laths (14, 15) are mounted on the longitudinal parts of the frame by means of piston/cylinder mechanisms (16) arranged at each end of the laths. The hydraulic or pneumatic chambers of the piston/cylinder mechanisms (16) are in mutual hydraulic or pneumatic communication.

Abstract: A birthing bed has a labor grip on each side. Each labor grip has a free end terminating in a triangular hand grip providing at least three gripping positions. The labor grip is pivotable between a vertical operative position and a horizontal storage position.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress includes a spring insert comprising a plurality of spring bellows units arranged in upright relation within the mattress. Each bellows unit has a top wall and pleated sidewall which is collapsible from a normal expanded height to a shortened compressed height wherein the internal volume of the bellows unit is substantially reduced. Each bellows unit furthermore has a bleeder opening through one wall so that a compression load exerted on the bellows unit through the mattress top wall is resisted by both spring action and hydraulic action of the bellows units. The bellows units may be confined within flexible covers defining secondary hydraulic chambers. The size, position and hydraulic characteristics may be varied for different degrees of support at different positions on the mattress.

Abstract: This three in one tweezer is a tool that is designed to cut wire, pick up small articles, and strip insulation from ends of wires of various gages. The tool utilizes a pair of spring members that are fastened together by a collar leaving tweezer portions at one end and a cutter at the other end. A pair of ribs are secured to the insides of the tweezer portions and are provided with a multiple number of spaced semi-circular openings of different wire gage sizes, for accommodating various sizes of insulated wire to be stripped at ends.

Abstract: A chasing tool for repairing screw threads, which includes a substantially prismatic body with a bottom and a top surface, having on one end of the body a transverse, notch-like recess opening into the top surface and serving as a support for the threaded component the thread of which is to be repaired, and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the notch-like recess, starting from the other end of the body, at least one slot opening into the notch-like recess. The tool further includes a handle extending from the bottom surface of the body and is attached thereto with one degree of freedom in rotation. The handle is provided with an axially directed bore, at least a portion of which is provided with an internal thread.

Abstract: An improved method to produce wing nut. The wing nuts being produced through a sequence of operations comprising cutting, trimming, upsetting, bending, extrusion, drilling, wing forming and tapping.

Abstract: A cable stayed bridge which includes a pair of towers on either side of a gap and a roadway deck extending across the gap between the towers and cable stays fanning out from the top of each tower to separate longitudinally spaced load-bearing points on the decks such that a pair of cable stays extends from each load-bearing point on the deck to the tops of the respective towers with a span between towers 10 to 20 times tower height above the deck.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning pipelines of finite length with a liquid has a shuttle valve with a body having a liquid admitting inlet, a liquid discharging outlet and two hollow couplings connectable to the ends of a pipeline which requires cleaning. The body confines a shuttle which is reciprocable between two positions in the first of which liquid flows from the inlet to one of the couplings, through the pipeline between the couplings into the other coupling and then into the outlet. When one or more spherical or otherwise configurated cleaning elements in the pipeline cause the shuttle to assume its other position, the liquid flows from the inlet to the other coupling, through the pipeline into the one coupling and then into the outlet.

Abstract: A street sweeper utilizes a vertically extendable mast for elevating its hopper for dumping purposes. Additionally, air springs are provided to the wheel suspension system so that the air springs, when inflated, elevate the chassis and street sweeping system for road travel. When deflated, the chassis is lowered into solid support on the suspension system to provide a more rigid suspension for improved street sweeping and hopper dumping operation. Also, the street sweeper has a conveyor for conveying the dirt from dirt collection means upwardly into the hopper. A second air spring having resilient chamber walls is provided to support the conveyor means in movable relation so that it may be rotated upwardly in travelling position by inflation of the air spring and lowered into operating position by deflation thereof. The conveyor is preferably suspended from the chassis by pivotally hanging links to permit the conveyor to move between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates a caged roller transported along a railroad track by a railroad car adapted for the purpose. The roller is covered with a fluid retaining wear resistant layer which contacts the rail surface. Rolling motion of the roller is generated by movement of the cage along the track and wiping action is caused by retarding rolling motion by contact of the roller with the rear portion of the cage. In a further feature the motion of the roller may be additionally retarded by providing in the interior of the roller a quantity of particulate matter to increase rolling resistance and the weight of the roller.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an inner wall of a tube for a wind musical instrument. The device includes a semi-rigid rod formed of separable half sections, which define, when contiguous to one another, an axially directed slit. A removable cleaning cloth is secured within the slit between the confronting walls of the half sections of the rod, when the confronting walls of the half sections are contiguous to one another. The cloth extends along the rod in the axial direction substantially the entire distance of the rod, when the walls of the half sections are contiguous to one another.

Abstract: A handbrush and method for the manufacture thereof, are disclosed. The handbrush comprises a head having a plurality of bristles thereon and handle extending from the head, the head, the bristles and the handle all being integrally moulded from a polymeric compound such as rubber. A rigid strengthening member may be embedded in the head and the handle and may be bent to impart a desired shape to the brush, e.g. for maintaining the handle at a desired angle to the head. The brush may be provided with a substantially longitudinally extending scraper blade which may also be integrally moulded with the head, the bristles and the handle. In addition, a groove may be provided in the head of the handbrush for receiving and holding an edge of a steel blade for removing ice from the windscreens of motor vehicles or the like.

Abstract: A wet mop with a mop handle having top and bottom ends; a plurality of fibrous strands comprising a mop body for cleaning a surface; the mop body being attached to the mop handle bottom end; a sleeve in the form of a tubular shell, for squeezing water from the mop body by sliding the shell downward along the handle and over and around the mop body, axially and slidably mounted on the mop handle upward of the mop body; the tubular shell having an open lower end and a closed upper end; the tubular shell including a frusto conical shell portion tapering inwardly from about the shell lower end portion for at least a major portion of the shell length; the frusto conical shell portion having a group of axially positioned inwardly directed grooves equally spaced apart around the shell periphery; each groove of the group having a bottom, with the bottom of most of the grooves being substantially straight and parallel to the shell axis; and each groove of the group extending for at least a substantial portion of the f

Abstract: A blower attachment for a vacuum cleaner including an attached member disposed over the exhaust air discharge openings that extend around the vacuum cleaner casing. The attached member includes a strap section that extends over and blocks air flow from some of the discharge openings, and a plenum section that extends over and receives the flow of air from the remaining unblocked discharge openings. The plenum section tapers from the inlet port to an air output orifice that may be connected by conventional methods to inflate any of a number of devices that require a high volume of low pressure air. Tabs extending inward from the attached member are received in corresponding discharge openings to secure the attached member to the casing in an aligned position over the discharge openings.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper assembly with translational motion is adapted to wipe the rear window of a motor car. All the parts of the windscreen wiper, including its driving motor and mechanical parts for imparting a reciprocal translational motion to the wiper blade, can be mounted internally within a spoiler. The spoiler is externally mounted to the car in parallel with and above the upper horizontal edge of the rear window.

Abstract: A hand held wand with forefinger and thumb contours (75) so arranged that upon grasping the wand the index finger is automatically positioned over an on/off switch (74). The wand and switch communicates with a motor/fan housing (39) by way of electrical conductors (81) encased in a thin profile hose (80). A device specifically used to remove eraser debris from a drawing surface. The positioning of the wand over a given task and applying power to the motor/fan is accomplished with the use of one hand. The wand (73) is equipped with a hanging ring (70) for wand positioning when not in use. The hanging ring, (70) when placed on the ring hook (71), holds the wand in an upright position which is convenient for the operator during his or her course of work. Airborne eraser debris is carried through the hose (80) to the motor/fan housing (39) and deposited in an air filter bag (45) enclosed within an air filter bag chamber (64).

Abstract: A cleaning head adapted for use on hard surfaces comprises a body (10) formed as two back-to-back housings (20) and (30) which are swivellably mounted on a suction tube (40). Housing (20) contains a liquid applicator assembly (21) which comprises a body (22) of porous material with a facing layer of pile fabric (23). A cleaning liquid is delivered through ducts (46) and (48) to the body 22 so as to spread uniformly across the pile fabric (23). A suction slot (29) adjacent to the applicator assembly (21) may be provided to pick up dry dirt. The housing (30) includes a liquid pick-up assembly (31) comprising a slot (32) between a pair of flexible blades (33a,33b).

Abstract: An ergonometrically designed tool handle has a pair of perpendicularly extending hand grips secured at spaced locations along the handle. The tool handle allows prolonged usage by an individual without back strain. The tool handle includes a plurality of intersecting inclined portions which dispose the hand grips in optimal orientation. In a first embodiment, the tool handle has a distal end dimensioned for engagement with a hollow cylindrical socket on a tool head shank. In a second embodiment, a pair of offset sockets are provided on the handle for removable reception of a pair of tool head shanks. An adapter is disclosed which enables conversion of the dual socketed handle for use with single socketed tools. The adapter also provides an angulated extension of the tool handle. The tool handle is designed for use with interchangeable tool heads which may include a hoe, a shovel, a rake, and a scraper.

Abstract: The hinge includes pivotally interconnected door and frame wings for mounting a cabinet door for swinging between open and closed positions on a cabinet frame. A substantially J-shaped latching finger is formed integrally with the door wing and coacts with a cam on the frame wing to releasably latch the door as the door is swung to its closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for the manufacture of cut looped end crimp yarns in which the yarn is stably supported during the loop cutting operation.

Abstract: The combing machine comprises a continuously rotatable circular-comb cylinder carrying a circular-comb segment and detaching segment. The detaching segment cooperates with a detaching pressure roll. The combing machine also contains a nipper unit comprising a lower nipper which is stationary relative to the axis of the continuously rotatable circular-comb cylinder, and an upper nipper which is movable relative to the lower nipper. The fibers detached by the detaching segment together with the detaching pressure roll are sucked as fiber clusters into a suction shaft or tube, or can be united to form a sliver at a rotatable screening or sieve drum. The suction shaft includes a flexible membrane to close the shaft. The combining machine is of simple construction and economical to manufacture and renders possible a high operating speed and, therefore, a higher output, particularly in the absence of a top comb between the lower nipper and the detaching pressure roll.

Abstract: Non-woven fabrics are manufactured using a carding machine with outlet comb, a blamire feed or spreader/batt-making machine with cylinders for depositing a web of fibers, and one or more needling devices. The surface weight of the web delivered by the carding machine to the blamire feed is modified by varying the speed of the comb as a function of the changing positions of the cylinders whereby a batt of variable surface weight over its width is obtained so as to counteract the distortions of surface weight distribution produced by the needling devices.

Abstract: The brassiere strap retainer includes a first generally flat strip having a plurality of hooks protruding up from the top surface thereof and a generally smooth bottom surface. The first strip has a number of spaced tabs integral therewith and extending laterally from opposite sides thereof. The tabs bear some of the hooks. The tabs are looped around and spaced below the bottom surface of the first strip so that the tab hooks project downwardly from the first strip.A second flat strip is used in the retainer and has a generally smooth bottom surface and an upper surface releasably connected to the tab hooks to form with the first strip a hollow tube within which a strap of a brassiere is releasably slidably trapped. The position of the garment is controlled by attaching the retainer to the brassiere strap. Instead of a single second strip, one can use a plurality of second strips which bridge the tabs on opposite sides of the first strip.

Abstract: A web treating machine and method employing a web-gripping drive surface, a primary member that presses the web against the drive surface, and a stationary retarding surface, supported by a sheet form member, that retards the web before it leaves the drive surface, has the following of features. The sheet form support member is elastically deflectable. A tip deflector applies deflecting pressure on the downstream end of the support member to deflect the support member toward the drive member. A cavity stabilizer, in the form of a second sheet form member, extends in face-to-face reinforcing relationship over the initial portion of the support member in the region immediately downstream of the primary member, the portion of the support member extending between the cavity stabilizer and the tip deflector being relatively unreinforced. The cavity stabilization and tip deflection is obtained by deflection of various spring members, in one instance an advantageous gull-wing form being achieved.

Abstract: The method of providing an impression fabric in which the fill yarns do not protrude from the plane of the fabric. The impression fabric is a tubular woven fabric in which a plurality of warp yarns is woven in one edge thereof and dissolved by washing after the fabric has been formed.

Abstract: Continuous filament tow is partially deregistered, preferably by passing over threaded rolls; and, after being partially deregistered, fully bloomed in an air-blooming mechanism. The air-blooming mechanism draws the partially deregistered tow into a turbulent air flow, maximizing bloom; and then carries the tow after blooming directly into a casing for formation of pillows, cushions, or the like articles. The process is simple and economical.