Abstract: A vehicle battery jumper system can be manually activated to start a vehicle in the event the battery associated with that vehicle cannot operate the starter system of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a selective call radio paging device, a plurality of alerts are generated in response to the decoding of a message having an address corresponding to the address assigned to the pager. A specific alert envelope waveform is generated and drives an alerting device of a first type (e.g., a transducer). Inverting means is provided to invert the envelope and cause a second alerting device (e.g., visual) to be activated in a manner complementary to the first. Thus, alerting devices are not operated concurrently, and peak loads on a resident power source are avoided.

Abstract: A process for forming a dielectrically isolated wafer is disclosed. In particular, the conventional process is altered to replace the step of growing the thick polysilicon handle layer with the steps of growing a relatively thin conformal coating layer and bonding a single crystal wafer thereto. The wafer will become the substrate of the final device structure. The process of bonding is considered to be more efficient and economical than the prior art polysilicon growth process. Additionally, the tub structures of the wafer bonding process may be exposed to a somewhat lower temperature (for bonding) for shorter period of time than the tub regions of the conventional thick polysilicon DI structures. Therefore, the tub regions will exhibit superior qualities (e.g., less stress, fewer crystal defects) when compared with those formed with the conventional polysilicon growth technique.

Abstract: A dynamic channel selection system interfaces to a plurality of communican paths, senses the number of available paths, and generates a digital word representative of that number. The system, which is adapted to be contained within a modem or similar data communications equipment, transmits this digital word using the first available communication path to a receiving modem or similar equipment. The receiving modem, which contains another channel selection system, senses its number of available communication paths, generates a digital word representative of that number, and subsequently transmits this digital word to the first system. Both systems compare the number of available communication paths at both locations and adjust these numbers so that the maximum number of communication paths can be utilized.

Abstract: Improved error detection and correction is obtained in computers of the type possessing multi-bit memory devices. The error detection involves dispersing the bits from each multi-bit memory device in such a way that a SEC-DED codeword can detect when the multi-bit memory device fails.

Abstract: A radioactively biased optical power limiter device is described which comprises first and second lenses disposed along an optical axis with a common focal plane therebetween, the first lens disposed for receiving electromagnetic energy input directed along the optical axis and focusing the input at the focal plane of the first and second lenses, a cell of optically nonlinear material disposed along the optical axis at the focal plane of the lenses, and a radioactive source of ionizing radiation disposed near or in the nonlinear material for selectively controlling the electromagnetic field level necessary to cause optical nonlinear effects in the cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant primarily identified by its medium red buds and flowers and hybrid tea form.

Abstract: This is a new and distinct cherry tree, given the varietal name of "Brooks-2 Cultivar," which will be marketed under the name "MXM-2" Cultivar. It is characterized by its strong resistance to Phytophthora species and Agrobacterium tumifaciens. It is also adaptable to a wide-variety of soil types.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree which has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety.1. The ability of the fruit to stay firm on the tree 6 to 7 days after maturity (picking ripe).2. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality.3. Bearing very firm white flesh fruit with good shipping and storage quality.4. Heavy and regular bearing of large size fruit.5. 9 Fruit with early maturity.6. Fruit with a high degree of attractive red skin color, coloring 6 to 7 days before maturity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nectarine tree and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a large size, vigorous, hardy, productive and regular bearing tree. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described approximately the third week in August, with first picking on Aug. 21, 1991. The fruit is uniformly large in size, excellent in flavor, attractively globose in shape, clingstone in type, very firm in texture, and almost full red in skin color. The variety was developed as a hybridized seedling with Red Diamond Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,165) as the selected seed parent and May Diamond Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,454) as the selected pollen parent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nectarine tree and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a large size, vigorous, hardy, productive and regular bearing tree. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described approximately the second week in June, with first picking on Jun. 13, 1991. The fruit is uniformly large in size, excellent in flavor, attractively globose in shape, freestone in type, very firm in texture, and full red in skin color. The variety was developed as a hybridized seedling from the selected seed parent of Red Diamond Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,165) and an unnamed nectarine seedling as the selected pollen parent.

Abstract: The new variety of Schefflera, named Coveen, is characterized by a mixed foliage of dark green leaves, bright yellow leaves and variegated, green/yellow leaves.

Abstract: An ice maker in which water runs over a vertical evaporator to form ice cubes formed between vertical and horizontally mounted plates. The cubes are released from the evaporator by simultaneously applying a horizontal force to the plates while heating the evaporator.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio detecting combustion sensor. Combustion light signals of two given waveform bands are photoelectrically converted into corresponding electrical waveform signals. On the basis of phase difference in time points at which the two signals are generated, respectively, the air-fuel ratio is arithmetically determined.

Abstract: An upper body exercise apparatus to assist an exerciser to do chin-ups and dips. The apparatus includes a frame having a base, a platform parallel to the base for the exerciser to stand on, chin-up handles and dip handles extending from the frame, a system to oscillate the platform vertically between a lower position and an upper position while maintaining the platform parallel to the base and while avoiding any angular displacement, a pneumatic cylinder for providing a force to the oscillating system which is opposite the weight of the exerciser, and a control and monitor whereby the force is controlled and the oscillation of the platform is monitored.

Abstract: A compact, electrochemical converter can be achieved using thin plates of electrolyte and interconnector. Impermeable, straight, thin plates of solid-oxide electrolyte are fabricated by high energy plasma spray methods under controlled temperature conditions. Thin sheets of nickel alloys or silicon carbide or platinum alloys can be used to form the interconnector. The electrolyte and interconnector plates can be assembled into a converter stack at an elevated temperature such that upon cooling and during subsequent operational temperature excursions, the electrolyte plates will remain in compression. The stacks can be connected together to form modules which can be used as stand-alone electricity generators or used in combined cycle, cogeneration and gasifier systems.

Abstract: A method of microphotometering individual volume elements of a microscope specimen 10, comprising generating a luminous dot or cursor and progressively illuminating a plurality of part elements in the focal plane 11 of the microscope through the specimen. The mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane is then changed and a plurality of part elements in the focal plane are illuminated. Reflected and/or fluorescent light and transmitted light respectively created by the illumination is collected, detected and stored for generating a three-dimensional image of that part of the specimen composed of the volume elements. Illumination of multiples of part elements is implemented by deflecting the cursor and/or by moving the specimen. The change in the relative mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane of the microscope is effected either by displacing the specimen or the objective.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for mounting an interferometer cavity such as a laser so that constant interferometer resonant frequency is maintained in spite of environmental vibration and other external acceleration forces. The invention can be used alone or in combination with prior art frequency stabilization system, such as shock mounts and active feedback type stabilization systems.

Abstract: An exhaust fixture for removing obnoxious odors from a bathroom. The exhaust fixture is adapted to be mounted on the flat upper surface of a conventional toilet bowl, behind the conventional toilet seat, by use of the same bolts and nuts which secures the conventional toilet seat to the toilet bowl. The exhaust fixture includes a hollow chamber having a plurality of spaced holes facing the oval openings of both the toilet bowl and the toilet seat, a pair of hollow pipes in communication with the hollow chamber, each in communication with one of the hollow pipes and a remotely located exhaust fan.

Abstract: A raised superimposed toilet seat is adapted to fit on a conventional toilet seat and is contoured to particularly meet the needs of patients who have undergone unilateral or bilateral total hip replacement procedures. The seat is contoured so that when the patient is seated thereon, the patient's legs are kept adducted in the proper position, ensuring that the patient's hips are placed with the proper amount of hip flexion and abduction to prevent hip dislocation.

Abstract: A toilet elevation adjusting apparatus having an inner box-shaped frame secured within an outer box-shaped frame by channels and wheels to allow vertical displacement of the inner frame while the outer frame is secured to a wall. A toilet is secured to the inner frame to translate with it. A drive mechanism for displacing the inner frame includes a reversible motor and a safety connection to the inner frame which allows lifting and lowering of the toilet under normal conditions, but disengages the motor from the inner frame when the toilet interferes with an object disposed under it during lowering to prevent exertion of force on the toilet from the motor. Three microswitches are also provided to control the motor operation.

Abstract: A drain clearing device having a transparent and hollow cylindrical body, a piston plunger assembly partially disposed in the cylindrical body, piston plunger assembly support attached to an upper end of the cylindrical body, and a drain seal attached to a lower end of the cylindrical body. The drain seal is formed from medium density, closed cell sponge rubber.

Abstract: A diverter mechanism for a bedpan rinsing apparatus includes a diverter valve body and a nozzle pivot mounted within the valve body. A bedpan rinsing arm assembly is positioned within a passage in the nozzle pivot. The improvement is a seal between the nozzle pivot and arm assembly in which the device that locks the arm assembly to the nozzle pivot moves the arm assembly toward the seal as the locking device moves to a locking position.

Abstract: A high-efficiency portable spa is provided for therapeutic and recreational use which includes a tub, a flow generator for circulating water in the tub, and a two-section insulating cover. A heat generator is located adjacent an outlet of the flow generator uses a constriction member in a fluid passageway to frictionally generate heat from the passage of fluid therein and also to reintroduce water circulating through a heat scavenging coil surrounding the flow generator. The tube is advantageously provided with a shell, a frame for supporting the shell, a flexible web barrier surrounding the frame, a skirt surrounding the web, and insulating foam which adheres to the web barrier so that, during curing, the skirt is isolated from shrinkage, crinkling or warping. The cover is provided in two sections and hinged therebetween. The edge of the cover rests on the shell of the tub, and one of the sections may be folded out of the way to provide access to the tub while substantially insulating the remainder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for providing a comfortable and esthetically pleasing seat in a whirlpool tub enclosure in which the seat doubles as a removable cover to allow access to the pump. The invention lies in the structure of the seat in which an indentation in the seat's side edge permits a bolt to be retained by a nut. The attachment can be secured below the surface of the seat to provide a comfortable sitting surface, while allowing access to the whirlpool mechanism when needed.

Abstract: A hand sanitizing wash station including a sink, a soap dispenser located above the sink for supplying soap, a water dispensing faucet located above the sink operated by a solenoid valve, a hot-air dryer located above the sink for supplying hot-air, a first infrared sensor for detecting the proximity of a user, the first sensor being operatively connected to the soap dispenser and the solenoid valve to activate the soap dispenser and the solenoid valve upon detecting the presence of a user, and a second infrared sensor for detecting the presence of a user, the second sensor being operatively connected to the solenoid valve and the hot-air dryer such that the second sensor will deactivate the solenoid valve and will activate the hot-air dryer.

Abstract: A remote control wash basin is disclosed having a foot pedal operation. The foot pedal operates a crank to pull a wire cable that operates a lever to open a normally closed push button valve. Depressing the foot pedal latches the valve into the open position where it remains until a release pedal is depressed. The release pedal occupies the portion of the face of the foot pedal and releases the latch to allow the foot pedal to return to its normally non-operational position. The foot pedal operated fluid controlling mechanism can be added to a wash basin cabinet with minimal changes.

Abstract: Provided is a portable combination lounging mat and pillow comprising a pillow adapted to provide both a cushioned support for a user and a form around which the mat wraps for transportation and storage. The front and back surfaced mat, with extending side flaps for enlarging the usable mat surface area when opened, is secured to the pillow. Within the mat is at least one storage compartment with a mat front surface entrance for use when the mat is opened and a mat back surface entrance for accessing the storage compartment when the mat is wrapped for transportation and storage.

Abstract: A comforter comprising an outer fabric shell containing a fill of down or down-like material. The shell comprises a top panel and a bottom panel sewn together about their peripheral edges with the fill contained therebetween. The top and bottom shell panels are additionally joined together along at least one seam dividing the comforter into at least two areas. Along a portion at least of the at least one seam, the joinder of the top and bottom shell panels is releaable and restorable, forming a closable gap or passage in the seam through which the fill material can be shifted from one areas to the other to adjust the amount of fill in each area of the comforter.

Abstract: An extension or elevator device for the legs supporting bed-frames of various design, which are arranged to raise the head of the bed. The resultant pitching of the sleeping surface is to reduce stomach acid reflux into the esophagus in the condition Reflux Esophagitis (commonly: heartburn) during bedrest. Device is installed in place of casters or gliders, and has provision for replacing casters in order to retain the original floor-bearing and mobility characteristics of the bed.

Abstract: Medical examination table comprised of plate (5), a frame (4) and intermediate means (6) for moving the plate relatively to the frame in order to introduce it into an examination apparatus (1). The means for moving the plate are provided with an elongated moving element (7) of which one end (8) is movable relatively to the frame and the other end (9) is movable relatively to the plate. Said arrangement increases the clearance of the plate with respect to its frame. Moreover, the driving means are disengageable (25) and allow, by operating a knob (30), an emergency withdrawal of the plate from within the examination apparatus, should the patient become indisposed or in the event of a power failure.

Abstract: A device to prevent a user from sleeping on or rolling onto the abdomen during sleeping including a resilient foam cushion having a generally wedge-shaped cross-section. The cushion is formed with a base having length and a width sufficient to engage major portions of the user's abdomen and sternum. The cushion further has two converging sides extending from the base, the elevation of the sides being between about 0.5 and 1.5 times the width of the base. A belt is used to maintain the cushion in position on the user's abdomen and sternum during sleeping. The belt extends from the cushion and is arranged to engage the torso of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid and repeated interchange between liquid in a tank and liquid or air trapped in fabric and/or yarn interstices. This allows for a more rapid and uniform penetration of liquid into interstices of a textile material such as fabric and/or yarn. This is accomplished by means of an oscillating member within the tank that creates a plane of liquid that impinges upon the face of said fabric and/or yarn. Some examples of potential applications, but by no means limited thereto, include desizing, scouring, chemical impregnation, bulking, and softening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which utilizes a novel dye solution for dyeing carpet in which the dye solution is heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point of water thus allowing fixation of the dye on the carpet without the need for a steam fixator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of rinsing fabric in a washer having a wash chamber rotatable about a vertical axis. Water is added to the wash chamber while rotating the wash chamber about its vertical axis a number of revolutions sufficient to cause the fabric, rinse water and wash chamber to rotate at approximately the same speed. The wash chamber is periodically decelerated to cause the fabric and rinse water to move relative to the wash chamber due to rotational inertia of the fabric and rinse water. The fabric is caused to tumble within the wash chamber as the wash chamber decelerates by impinging the fabric on structures in the wash chamber as the fabric is moving relative to the wash chamber. A spray of rinse water is directed onto the fabric during a first period of time as the fabric is rotating with and tumbling in the wash chamber. The rinse water is then drained from the wash chamber. Finally, the rinse water is removed from the fabric by spinning and draining the wash chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning rubber deposits from surfaces such as airport runways and roadways is disclosed. The apparatus includes a large vehicle that has the capacity to be loaded so as to effectively add weight to rubber cleaning tires of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle has a water tank and sprinkler system so that the surface may be wetted down in front of the tires as the vehicle proceeds across the surface. The cleaning tires of the apparatus are aligned so that they are at a yaw angle to the direction of travel, and the cleaning tire assembly is attached to the underside of the trailer of the vehicle and positioned between a forward and rear water tank. In addition this tire assembly is equipped with a means of loading the tires onto the contaminated surface.The method comprises driving such a vehicle at low speeds down the surface as the road is being wet in front of the cleaning tires.

Abstract: A rotary drain and sewer cleaning apparatus includes a flexible elongate cable insertable into a line. An end of the elongate cable is attached in a drum and a portion of the elongate cable is wound in the drum. A motor rotates the drum. A power supply and switch selectively provide current to the motor causing the motor to rotate. A circuit includes a sensor for measuring a motor drive torque as the drum rotates and generating a torque signal representing motor drive torque level. An indicator is controlled by the torque signal and indicates the torque level.

Abstract: A mop having a plurality of cleaning elements each made of a hydrophobic net material with a center area having a respective locating aperture in alignment with each other. The center area of each is compressed between a securing member and fastener head. The fastener has a stem which is inserted through the locating apertures and held by the securing member. The cleaning elements tangle and engage with each other because of the compression and because edges of each of the cleaning elements is formed of protruding ends of yarns of the net material which engage within interstices of neighboring ones of the cleaning elements. The protruding ends at the free ends of the cleaning elements as well as both sides of the cleaning elements constitute abrasive surfaces which clean external surfaces of particulate matter when moved back and forth against the external surfaces.

Abstract: A caster assembly has a stem and ball bearing retainer made of a single homogeneous unit of reinforced plastic, a horn made of a single piece of reinforced plastic, a bottom bearing retainer made of a single piece of reinforced plastic, an upper set of ball bearings between the horn and the upper retainer, a lower set of ball bearings between the horn and the bottom retainer, with the bottom retainer being ultrasonically welded to the unitary stem and retainer.

Abstract: A hinge for motor vehicle sun visors formed in an L-shaped one-piece body member (1) including a the mechanical device (3,4) designed for receiving and retaining the corresponding free ends (2a, 2b) of the sun visor frame, having a longitudinal frame holder (3) for holding the free end (2a) of the frame (2) and longitudinal tabs (4) to hold the other free end (2b); reinforcement device designed to ensure the firm connection of the one-piece body member (1) with the sun visor body including fins (5 or 6, 7 or 9); and a connector (10) designed to receive an additional device (11,12) for holding and retaining the support shaft on which the sun visor is pivotably mounted. The additional device for holding and retaining the support shaft, which is located in the connector, can include a spring (11,12).

Abstract: The traditional feed plate or stationary feed bar of a lint cleaner in a cotton gin is replaced by a rolling feed bar to press the cotton fibers onto the saw teeth of the saw cylinder. A rolling feed bar is a cylinder of about 1/4 the diameter of the saw cylinder which is rotated to have a surface speed of about 1/25th (+ or -50%) of the surface speed of the saw cylinder. The rolling feed bar is a smooth aluminum roller which co-acts with a ribbed or splined steel roller.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a nonwoven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line which includes a supply of fibers such as a bale opening device which opens bales of cotton fibers. A plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber opening process where the fibers are individualized and opened. The opened fibers are collected and fed to a blending system which includes plural blending units. The blended fibers are formed into a web and processed in a continuous flow bleaching unit. The fibers flow continuously through the bleaching unit as transported in the form of a web. The bleached fibers in the web are passed through a drier oven. The dried web of bleached cotton fibers is broken up by a fiber opening unit which separates the fibers from the web and opens the fibers for delivery to a carding system where the opened bleached fibers are carded into nonwoven webs and cross-lapped.

Abstract: An elastic binding device for circumferentially containing a bundle. A closed-loop elastic band is stretched around a bundle and an end portion thereof is projected through itself and seated in a notch of a dowel pin holding the projected end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a button that has improved strength and an improved resistance to deterioration. The button is preferably made from a ceramic material, such as partially stabilized zirconia, alumina, zirconia-alumina composites, or silicon carbide whisker reinforced ceramics. The button has a high strength, durability, and will often out-last the article of clothing on which it is placed.

Abstract: A guard assembly which includes a bushing and assembly for securing the assembly in the slot of a wedge clamp. The bushing abuts a rope secured in the wedge clamp for preventing axial movement of the rope and wedge assembly which could loosen the securement of the rope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener means that utilizes the attraction of a permanent magnet.The present invention is an improvement on the female member having a slide plate which is to be attracted by the permanent magnet of the male member. More particularly, the improvement relates to a first and a second plates between which the slide plate is to be slidably inserted. By providing catches and indented portions which receive the catches in the first and the second plates and by welding the first and the second plates firmly while the catches are fitted in the indented portions.

Abstract: A fastening device or apparatus wherein mechanical connection and/or disconnection or electrical connection and/or disconnection is accomplished as a result of the deformation of an oval/ellipse shaped component--the deformable component--which may preferably have an elliptical aperture therethrough. Deformation may result from the application of a deforming force which causes the decrease in length of the major axis and a consequent increase in length of the minor axis of the ellipse. The deforming force may be applied by any known means such as by magnetic fields applied where the deformable component may have incorporated therein material which is sensitive and reactive to such magnetic fields or by the application of mechanical pressure from a piston driven by magnetic forces or hydraulic forces and/or forces created by temperature changes such as are known and found in a class of materials characterized as "SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS".

Abstract: A clip for holding merchandise near the forward end portion of either a single-armed display hanger or a loop-type hanger and for maintaining a predetermined vertically spaced relationship between the hanger and the overlying arm of a label holder. The clip may be adjusted to different vertical positions on the hanger to allow changing of the vertical spacing between the label holder arm and the hanger.

Abstract: A nonwoven fibrous flexible material includes a needled web having a front outer surface and a non-glazed back surface disposed opposite thereof. The web includes interengaged first fibers and second thermoplastic fibers with the outer surface being substantially free of the second thermoplastic fibers. The web also has a plurality of weld joints between the second thermoplastic fibers and at least a portion of the first fibers proximate the back surface.

Abstract: The opposite edge portions and the center portion of a continuous strip of sheet metal are progressively sheared with longitudinally spaced and laterally extending slits to form opposing U-shaped tabs having corresponding edge portions and successively connected by corresponding center portions of the strip. The sheared strip is fed between first and second overlapping sets of power driven pinch rollers which progressively grip the edge and center portions, respectively, and the second set of pinch wheels is longitudinally offset and driven at a higher peripheral speed to produce precisely uniform expansion of the strip by deforming the U-shaped tabs into V-shaped tabs. A hot melt adhesively impregnated flexible filament is progressively attached to the expanded portions of the strip while the strip is heated, and the expanded strip is progressively formed into a channel which is fed into an extrusion head for producing a reinforced rubber-like weatherstrip.