Abstract: The new and distinct variety is a Feijoa designated Opal Star. The Opal S variety is characterized by a lower tree height and spread than the Appolo variety, more lateral branching than the Triumph variety and a fruit having a smoother skin and a higher productivity than Triumph and a smaller size than Appolo. The variety is further distinguished by its late season maturity, heavy cropping and moderately compact habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct Bougainvillea particularly distinguished from other Bougainvillea plants by its yellow green non-woody stems, peduncles, and pedicels; its light yellow, light green and dark green variegated young leaves, and flower bracts which change from orange to empire rose as they mature.

Abstract: A new and distinct Bougainvillea particularly distinguished from other Bougainvillea plants by its pale pink blush-colored flower bracts. The bracts having a trace of white on each side of a green midrib; its peduncles, pedicils and young stems are yellowish, with its young leaves exhibiting a definite variegation of light and dark green.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Achillea plant called Anblo that is characterized by its dense, very hairy, light silver foliage, its pale yellow flowers, and tall, upright growth habit.

Abstract: A Chrysanthemum plant named Light Volare particularly characterized by its flat capitulum form; daisy capitulum type; light purple ray floret color; diameter across face of capitulum of 80 to 83 mm when fully opened, when grown as a single stem spray cut mum; photoperiodic flowering response of 49 to 55 days after start of short days when grown in Salinas, Calif.

Abstract: A Chrysanthemum plant named Dark Cherie particularly characterized by its flat capitulum form; daisy capitulum type; dark purple ray floret color; diameter across face of capitulum of 35 to 41 mm when fully opened, when grown as a pinched spray pot mum; very floriferous, with excellent display of many small flowers; photoperiodic flowering response of 51 to 52 days after start of short days; plant height, with 13 to 14 long days after sticking unrooted cuttings, and with 0 to 1 applications of 2500 ppm B-9 SP, ranges from 20 to 28 cm when grown as a pinched pot mum with 4 cuttings in a 15 cm pot; branching pattern is spreading and prolific, each plant having 6 to 8 laterals after pinch; and recommended as a spray pot mum.

Abstract: A Chrysanthemum plant named El Paso particularly characterized by its flat capitulum form; decorative capitulum type; light bronze flower color; diameter across face of capitulum of 89 to 114 mm when fully opened, when grown as a pinched disbudded pot mum; photoperiodic flowering response to short days of 52 to 59 days; plant height, with 15 to 16 long days after sticking unrooted cuttings, and with 1 to 2 applications of 2500 ppm B-9 SP, ranges from 23 to 28 cm when grown as a pinched pot mum with 4 cuttings in a 15 cm pot; branching pattern is spreading, each plant having 3 to 5 laterals after pinch; and recommended as disbud pot mum.

Abstract: A Dieffenbachia plant named Tropic Marianne, particularly characterized by its yellow-green oblong leaves bordered with green, and dense upright branched habit.

Abstract: Poinsettia `490 Marble` is a new cultivar, distinguished by pink and creamy white bicolored bracts and intense dark green foliage with self-branching characteristics. `490 Marble` is a color sport of the dark red bracted `490` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,825) with the same early flowering response and cultural requirements. The new plant produces a very desirable branched flowering pot plant. It is resistant to epinasty after being confined to shipping containers and recovers rapidly if the plant does become epinastic. The post-production foliage and bract retention is excellent even under low light intensities in the consumer's home.

Abstract: A new variety of hybrid lily plant bearing large upfacing flowers of excellent form and long persistence, both on the plant and as cut-flowers. The flowers of the new plant are particularly characterized by their medium pink coloration, their white-edged green nectaries, their deeply colored papillae, their lightly ruffled margins, their large size and substance, their completely upfacing orientation, and the upwardly curving pedicels of the lower flowers. This combination is completely new in the Oriental hybrid divisions of lilies suited to forcing and to mass commercial cultivation. The variety is highly resistant to fusarium disease and shows tolerance of virus. The bulbs may be precooled and forced for cut-flower production. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.

Abstract: A new distinct variety of coleus, characterized by its compact, large, and symmetrically domed shape and its deep maroon color.

Abstract: A Calathea plant named Rosy having rounded leaves variably marked in the center with pink and silvery green, bordered by a vary dark green margin.

Abstract: A track and hinge assembly set for with a casement window sash unit comprises a pair of track and hinge assemblies each including a track which is mounted on a horizontal frame member of the window frame. Each assembly also includes a toggle hinge including a pair of pivotally interconnected links, one of which is secured to the casement sash and pivotally and slidably connected to the track. The other link is pivotally connected to a cam which is shiftably mounted on the track. In one embodiment, the cam is longitudinally shiftable relative to the track which repositions the pivotal connection between a toggle link and cam to overcome sash sag. In other embodiments, the cam rotated relative to the track to reposition the pivotal connection between the cam and a toggle link to correct sash sag.

Abstract: A semiconductor device which has a non-single crystal semiconductor layer formed on a substrate and in which the non-single crystal semiconductor layer is composed of a first semiconductor region formed primarily of non-single crystal semiconductor and a second semi-conductor region formed primarily of semi-amorphous semiconductor. The second semi-conductor region has a higher degree of conductivity than the first semiconductor region so that a semi-conductor element may be formed.

Abstract: A device for changing the axle orientation in a balance beam suspension operates by introducing a variable axial eccentricity between an axle carrier and the beam hanger to vary the amount of yaw on the axle to enable the wheels on the axle to be oriented in alignment with the vehicle axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a plurality of digital signals to an analog signal and m-bit digital-to-analog converter having an LSB current switch. A most significant m bits of an .[.m.]. .Iadd.n .Iaddend.bit digital signal are applied to m bits, respectively, of the m bit digital-to-analog converter, and successive values of the n bit digital signal are substituted at a first frequency. An interpolation signal is produced at the first frequency. A least significant n-m bits of the n bit digital signal are applied to the interpolation circuit to cause it to interpolate between successive values of the n bit digital signal. An LSB current switch distinct from the m bit digital-to-analog converter produces an output signal in response to the interpolation signal. An analog output signal produced by the m bit digital-to-analog converter is combined with the output signal produced by the LSB current switch to produce an analog output signal with n bit resolution.

Abstract: An ankle brace designed to be worn under the shoe has a first bladder which is filled with the high viscosity gel resistant to rapid deformation to apply pressure to the ankle and conform to its shape to provide support to the ankle. A second bladder inflatable with air is juxtaposed the first bladder to provide a uniform compressive force upon the bladder filled with the gel. A canvas ankle brace holds a pair of air and gel bladders along each of its sidewalls and is wrapped about the lower extremity and snugly fit thereto. Once the brace is in position, air is introduced into the second bladder to press the first bladder against the ankle and to conform to the shape thereof. Broad elastic straps may be secured to the lower rear of the brace to extend over the front of the ankle and the instep in a cruciate configuration.

Abstract: An elongated, semi-flat tubular body constructed of flexible fluid impervious material is provided and the tubular body is divided into separate longitudinally spaced compartments along longitudinally spaced flexible transverse zones of the body. The compartments are filled with a fluid eutectic solution and the body may be folded along the transverse zones for relative angular displacement of the adjacent compartments. The elongated, semi-flat tubular body may removably supported within the channel defined by the sweat band of a hat or cap and may be used to absorb heat from the adjacent head areas of the wearer of the hat or to provide heat to those adjacent head areas.

Abstract: A dance skirt is made up of overlapping, downwardly divergent panels, each panel individually connected at its upper edge to a common waistband but otherwise unconnected to one another so as to extend freely away from the waistband, the waistband having free ends releasably connectable to one another including tie members at the free ends, one of which is passed through an opening in a free end and tied to the other tie member so as to lay flat against the waistband.

Abstract: An illuminated safety helmet including at least one electroluminescent strip permanently adhered to a helmet shell which is powered by a power unit arranged on the helmet shell, where the power unit includes a rechargeable battery. Power is supplied to the electroluminescent strips when an ON/OFF switch is turned ON.

Abstract: A safety helmet is of the streamlined, aerodynamically contoured type, to provide enhanced performance at high speeds. The aft lower end portion of the helmet external shell includes a cavity, this cavity receiving a light-emitting device with self-enclosed power pack. The light device is releasably anchored into the shell cavity by hook and loop fasteners. The light device is sized to substantially fully fill and complementarily fit inside the cavity, in such a way that the exterior face of the light device becomes generally coextensive to the exterior face of the helmet contoured external shell, whereby the aerodynamic features of the helmet are not compromised. Access to the shell cavity from the shell interior face is enabled by two finger-engageable through-bores. The light device can be released from the shell cavity by pushing same with the cyclist's fingers through said through-bores.

Abstract: A mechanism for raising a toilet seat includes a foot pedal that operates or controls a slotted lifting lever located below a pneumatic cylinder assembly. Upward arcuate motion of the lever exerts a lifting force on the lower end of the cylinder portion of the cylinder assembly, such that the toilet seat is swung upwardly to a generally vertical position controlled by the seat hinge adjacent the top end of the cylinder. When foot pressure is removed from the pedal, the toilet seat returns to its lowered position. During this time, the pneumatic cylinder assembly acts as a shock absorber to prevent the seat from forcibly impacting against the toilet bowl as it reaches the lowered position. The foot pedal can be mechanically connected to the lifting lever. In an alternative arrangement, the foot pedal actuates an electric switch, that energizes an electric motor. The motor provides the motive power for moving the lifting lever.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system is described for automatic swimming pool cover systems in which a hydraulic drive provides torque for both resisting cover drum rotation during cover extension across the pool and rotating the cover drum for cover retraction, while a separate second hydraulic drive provides torque for both rotating the cable reels for cover extension and resisting cable reel rotation during cover retraction.

Abstract: A three piece sofa bed recliner has an end frame, seat frame and back frame. The frame ends are linked overlapped. Interengaging the seat frame with the back frame enables a simple conversion process from sofa bed to recliner. The back frame and end frames fold toward each other as the interlocked seat frame is moved backward. The end frame and back frame interlock with the end frame leg and the seat frame and back frame interlock releases during conversion. Reconversion is a simple forward pull unfolding the respective frames on their legs with an extending pivoted leg set between the end frame and back frame. Wheels facilitate movements. The end frame may be used to be a chaise lounge.

Abstract: A stationary patient lift can be used by individuals in their own homes to lift disabled and elderly individuals living with them. The lift has an electric hoist/winch for lifting the patients from a bed to a chair or wheelchair and back again to the bed. The lift is fixed to the rafters of a house. A cable hangs down through the ceiling of the house and the electric hoist hangs from the cable just below the ceiling. A chain or strap hangs down from the hoist mechanism to a sling for supporting the patient.

Abstract: A device for cooperating with a vertically movable bed for supporting and positioning patients is provided. The device comprises a frame adapted to be positioned along one side of the bed with one or more cross members extending over the bed. Flexible support means are supported on the cross member for connecting to a patient supporting means for supporting a portion of the anatomy of a patient. In one embodiment, the cross member is cantilevered from a vertical column on the frame, and in other embodiments frames extend along each side of the bed with vertical columns to support cross members on each end. In still another embodiment, at least two cross members are supported by four columns to provide means for supporting the torso of the patient completely.

Abstract: A device for positioning a slidable crib rail including a sliding rail having an upper and a lower locating hole, and an upper and a lower arresting block located closer to an end of the sliding rail than the upper and the lower locating hole respectively. The device also includes a moving member for positioning the crib rail along the sliding rail. This moving member includes a control member having a retaining device retaining the moving member in the locating holes of the sliding rail, and a movable plate having a first position for biasing the retaining means in a position in which the retaining means cannot retain the moving member in the locating holes and a second position which does not influence the retaining means. The upper arresting block of the sliding rail is situated to move the movable plate from its second position to its first position, and the lower arresting block of the sliding rail is situated for moving the movable member from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A device for retaining bedclothes in position on a bed by use of one or more bands transversely encircling a mattress and a band extending around the foot end of a set of box springs to hold a top sheet and/or other item of bedclothes having a retaining flap in a fixed position at the foot of the bed. The band can be elastic or non-elastic.

Abstract: An improved spring/foam cushion is formed of an assembly of an integral foam body sandwiched between two foam caps, and imbedded with individual spring units.

Abstract: A foam mattress pad, and process for production, having a bottom surface, a convoluted top surface and apertures extending through the pad randomly placed in relation to the convoluted pattern of the top surface. The convoluted top surface of the pad comprises a repeating pattern of peaks and troughs wherein at least two peaks are in proximity to each other without a valley therebetween adjacent the same number of proximate valleys without a peak therebetween. The distance between proximate peaks is the same as the distance between proximate valleys. The mass of the proximate peaks combine to create an additive effect in supporting the user's body and the proximate valleys allow for increased air flow between the supporting proximate peaks.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved massage mattress and in particular to one including a body formed of foamed material and having a plurality of vertical through holes, and a plurality of emulsion members each solidified and formed integral with a corresponding one of the vertical through holes of the body, whereby the mattress may be easily cleaned and may provide natural and comfortable massage for the user standing or walking thereon.

Abstract: A bed includes a mattress having a head section, foot section, and a medial section disposed between the head and foot sections. A frame supports the mattress sections. A plate is disposed within the frame for supporting the mattress medial section. The plate is mounted within the frame for horizontal slidable movement between a closed position in which the mattress sections form a continuous surface for the bed, and an open position transverse of the frame to create a recess in the mattress medial section thereby moving the mattress medial section outwardly of the frame. A bed pan is adapted to be disposed within the recess created in the mattress medial section when the plate is in the open position.

Abstract: A patient gurney with adjustable hand holds for easy carrying. The hand holds are spaced from the plane of the bed of the gurney and are arranged so that one set may above that plane and one set below so that the device may be readily carried down stairways. A locking device contained within a tubular collar on a rail of the gurney is used to hold the hand holds in position.

Abstract: A split abrasive roll is provided, including cooperative engaging members (3) disposed on both the rotatable shaft (2) of an abrasive machine and the inner surface of the roll member. The cooperative engaging members affix the center portion of the split abrasive roll to the shaft, while preserving a uniform abrasive outer surface. The respective ends (3b) of each of the roll members are also retained, and the split abrasive roll so provided tends to overcome the deficiencies in the split abrasive rolls of the prior art.

Abstract: A spanner wrench is clamped to one component of a conventional pair of pliers and is prevented from turning relative to that component by the same pivot element which pivotably connects the two plier components to one another.

Abstract: This invention provides a combined washing machine in which pulsator type and drum type washing machine features are united such that they can be selectively utilized depending upon a desired washing condition, thereby executing optimal washing operation. The combined washing machine comprises a washing drum having both of a plurality of lifters, as in a drum type machine, and a pulsator, as in a pulsator type machine, and being rotatable through 90.degree. between vertical and horizontal positions by means of a driving device.

Abstract: An energy absorbing span lock system for drawbridges, such as a double-leaf bascule leaf span. A retractable and extendible connector mounted on one leaf of the span engages a receiver on the other leaf. Resilient energy absorbing shoes in the receiver accept the connector and allow relative deflection between the leaf ends caused by vehicular traffic.

Abstract: An ansate oral prophylaxis device includes a hand engageable shaft having a bristle carrying head at one end. The head is configured for oral anti-carries and periodontal prophylaxis with simultaneous bristle contact against all accessible tooth and adjacent gingival surfaces on each reciprocal stroke. The head is configured with a spine and pair of generally planar side panels, each lying in a plane approximately 45.degree. from the plane of the spine. Bristles project perpendicularly from the spine for engagement against occlusal tooth surfaces, while bristles project perpendicularly from the side panels for engagement against buccal and lingual tooth side walls, gingival surfaces and tooth surfaces beneath the gum line. To assure softer bristle contact with gingival surfaces, the bristles of the side panels are progressively tapered in length with the longest bristles being furthest from the spine and the shortest bristles being adjacent the spine.

Abstract: A brush has bristles that tilt laterally out in a first position and tilt laterally in in a second position and are moved back and forth between the two positions to provide a brushing action. The bristles shown are mounted on a flexible membrane that is in an outwardly extending convex configuration to dispose the bristles in the first position and in an inwardly extending convex configuration to dispose the bristles in the second position. A bladder filled with a non-compressible fluid and an electric solenoid are used to move the flexible membrane between the two positions in a continuous cycle.

Abstract: Mopsweeping apparatus is disclosed which has a housing adapted to move over a surface to be cleaned. A cooperating pair of rollers is carried by the housing and comprises a first roller having a dust gathering cloth wound thereon and a second roller on which the cloth is windable. A motor is provided to drive the rollers for winding the cloth from the first roller to the second roller, with the winding direction being in the same direction as the direction of movement over the surface. A pressing structure under which the cloth is retained is provided. The pressing structure comprising two rollers over which an endless flexible belt is carried to provide a horizontal contact surface with the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A releasable clamp for the interior of an elongated tube, for use in telescopic tube arrangements and the like. The clamp comprises an outwardly expandable split ring having open ends and sides of cylindrical configuration, the sides of the split ring expanding outwardly to frictionally engage the interior surfaces of the tube when in expanded position, the split ring slidably movable longitudinally within the tube when the sides of the split ring are in unexpanded position. Wedges are provided, co-operating with the open ends of the split ring to bear against the ends of the split ring to force the sides of the split ring outwardly to expand it, tube engaging position. This releasable clamp may be used, for example, in an adjustable length handle for an appliance such as a floor polisher.

Abstract: A snap-together, two piece, injection molded hairbrush includes a brush body and a bristle insert. The brush body includes a head and a handle. The head has a first and second end and a first and second side. The first and second ends and first and second sides form an open frame and a plurality of ribs extend between the first and second ends to define a first set of air slots. The handle has first and second ends and the first end of the handle is attached to the second end of the head. The bristle insert includes an open frame, a plurality of convex webs, a plurality of spaced bristles, and a connector. The open frame has first and second sides and first and second ends. The plurality of convex webs extend between the first and second sides of the open frame and are spaced from one another to define a second set of air slots. The plurality of spaced bristles are carried on each of the webs and extend outward from the webs.