Abstract: A Rosa hybrida shrub rose plant is disclosed having distinctive, lilac-colored flowers; double flowers with rosette center; strong fragrance; and healthy, bushy growth.

Abstract: A Rosa hybrida shrub rose plant is disclosed having fully double flowers, soft pink flower color, strong fragrance and reflexed character of outer petals.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of shrub rose plant having a spreading ground cover growth habit is provided which forms attractive long-lasting half-double blossoms that are Rose Bengal suffused with Neyron Rose in coloration. The blossoms commonly are formed very abundantly and continuously and possess firm petals which detach cleanly. The vegetation is vigorous. The new variety is not particularly affected by cryptogamic diseases, and possesses good resistance to frost. Attractive ornamentation for growing in the landscape is provided by the new variety.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Shrub Rose plant is provided having attractive long-lasting double flowers which are Cardinal Red suffused with Neyron Rose in coloration. The new variety resulted as a spontaneous mutation of unknown causation of the Meidomonac variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,105). The new variety can be readily distinguished from the parent variety in view of its distinctive blossom coloration. The growth habit and the color and texture of the foliage are substantially identical to those of the parent variety. However, the overall plant size, the bloom size, and the foliage size of the new variety tend to be slightly larger than those of the parent variety under the same growing conditions. Commonly, the new variety forms attractive blossoms (as described) on a very abundant and continuous basis, forms vigorous vegetation, is not particularly affected by cryptogamic diseases, and exhibits excellent resistance to frost.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of shrub rose plant is provided which forms continuously throughout the season attractive simple marbled Carmine Rose blossoms. The blossoms commonly are formed very abundantly and continuously and possess firm petals which detach cleanly. The vegetation is vigorous and the plant possesses a bushy growth habit. The new variety is not particularly affected by cryptogamic diseases, it exhibits excellent winter hardiness, it possesses decorative glossy foliage, and it is well suited for use as ornamentation in the landscape.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Mandevilla characterized by large red flowers and shiny, dark evergreen leaves.

Abstract: A Chrysantheum plane named Phoenix particularly characterized by its flat capitulum form; quilled decorative capitulum type; soft apricot-ivory flower color with slightly darker center of the flower; diameter across face of capitulum of 114 to 140 mm when fully opened, when grown as a pinched disbudded pot mum; photoperiodic flowering response to short days of 50 to 57 days; plant height, with 21 to 24 long days after sticking unrooted cuttings, and with 1 application of 2500 ppm B-9 SP, ranges from 23 to 33 cm when grown as a pinched pot mum with 4 cuttings in a 15 cm pot; branching pattern is spreading, each plant having 4 to 5 laterals after pinch; and recommended as disbud pot mum.

Abstract: A new and distinct Spathiphyllum hybrid cultivar of the Mauna Loa type is provided. The new cultivar was produced during the course of a planned breeding program wherein the Pallas cultivar (non-patented in the United States) was crossed by a unnamed seedling of the Mauna Loa type (non-patented in the United States). The new cultivar when compared to its Pallas parent exhibits a smaller more compact growth habit, forms leaves that are narrower, flowers sooner, exhibits leaves that possess a silk-matte finish, forms a geniculum that commonly is more bent, and forms a very sturdy flower stem. The new cultivar serves well as an attractive ornamental pot plant and has been named the Ceres cultivar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wader for use in fishing and other activities having a body portion covering the lower body (including the legs, feet, hips, and waist of the wearer), and a chest portion normally folded inside the body portion but extendable upward about the chest, but not the shoulders of the wearer. The chest portion is preferably held about the chest by a drawstring, such as an elastic drawstring, and is advantageously biased into the lowered position inside the body portion by mans of a seam joining the two portions.

Abstract: A non-invasive system and method for inducing vibrations in a selected element of the human body and detecting the nature of responses for determining mechanical characteristics of the element are provided. The method comprises the steps of: inducing multiple-frequency vibrations, including below 20 KHz, in a selected element of the body by use of a driver; determining parameters of the vibration exerted on the body by the driver; sensing variations of a dimension of the element of the body over time, including in response to the driver; correlating the variations with frequency components of operation of the driver below 20 KHz to determine corresponding frequency components of the variations; resolving the frequency components into components of vibration mode shape; and determining the mechanical characteristics of the element on the basis of the parameters of vibration exerted by the driver and of the components of vibration mode shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for electrolytic refining of copper and the production of copper wires for electrical purposes on a continual basis which produces round copper wires directly from impure copper anodes and to treat such wires in order to impart the desired characteristics as electrical conductors. The apparatus handles copper anodes of customary size refining them at normal current densities of less than 55 amps/foot.sup.2 onto starting wires of adequate tensile strength which is done continuously, the wire being provided to an electrolytic bath and, after withdrawal from the bath, the wires are finished by drawing and annealing.

Abstract: A failsafe or self-monitoring sensing edge for an overhead door comprising a channel mounted on the bottom edge of the door having a pair of downwardly extending arms which are spaced. An outer covering of soft material is attached to said channel for enclosing the arms. The covering supports within a rigid member extending upwardly through said arms terminating in an actuating member. On one end of the channel is a light source and the other end is a photoswitch. When the covering is depressed upwardly as a result of an obstacle in the path of the door, the actuating member blocks the light beam and the photoswitch gives off a signal which can be used to terminate or reverse motion of the door.

Abstract: A three-position incliner having a fixed back and side rail assembly with a seat and backrest mounted with a seat and backrest mounted for nonrestricted motion in the assembly. A linkage mechanism attached to each side rail supports the seat and backrest and the mechanism is handle actuated. The mechanism on each side includes a base plate attached to a side rail, a support link carried by front and rear pivot links in turn mounted on the base plate, a seat mounting link suspended from front and rear swing links in turn carried on the support link and a lazy tong linkage carrying a footrest and mounted on the seat mounting link.

Abstract: A dynamo-electric machine includes a stator core fixed in a casing and formed of stator lamination plates, and a rotor supported in a bore of the stator core and formed of a stack of rotor lamination plates. Each stator lamination plate has a tooth portion extending radially outward from the bore to an intermediate circumference, and a yoke portion defined between the intermediate circumference and the outer periphery of the stator lamination plate. Each of the rotor lamination plates has a number of equally circumferentially spaced closed slots, wherein each slot is defined by a curvilinear edge at an upper slot region adjacent the periphery of the plate. The curvilinear edge together with a pair of spaced parallel sides together define a top part of each slot, the top part opening into a bottom part of the slot which is substantially triangularly-shaped.

Abstract: In one exemplar embodiment, a chemiluminescent nitrogen detector for detecting chemically-bound nitrogen in an organic compound is provided in which a discrete sample of the organic compound containing the chemically-bound nitrogen is injected into a high temperature furnace where the sample is pyrolyzed at extremely high temperatures in an oxygen rich atmosphere to form nitric oxide. The pyrolysis gases, including nitric oxide is then applied to a drying means for eliminating a substantial quantity of water vapor from the carried pyrolysis gases to insure that the dew point of the gases is below the operating temperature of a nitric oxide and ozone reaction chamber. The nitric oxide and ozone are mixed in a reaction chamber to form metastable nitrogen dioxide which instantaneously relaxes to its ground state with a resulting photo-emission of light energy.

Abstract: A method to prepare polyurethane and/or polyurea flexible foams which comprises reacting:A. an organic polyisocyanate compositionB. an isocyanate-reactive composition containing:a. at least one high Mw isocyanate-reactive compoundb.sub.1. a primary or secondary amino-functional compound (so-called chain-extender) of Mw below 1000 in an amount of less than 1% by wt of high Mw isocyanate-reactive compound(s) orb.sub.2. a mixture of at least two chain extenders of which at least one is a primary or secondary amino-functional compound of Mw below 1000, in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by wt of high Mw isocyanate-reactive compound(s)C. H.sub.2 OD. optionally catalystsE. optionally further blowing agents which are different from H.sub.2 O.F. optionally further conventional additives.

Abstract: A safety containment shield for use by the authorities to protect the officer during usage, and to minimize damage to the person confronted. The shield is a composite of laminar material, including a sheet of rigid polymer, having foam cushioning layers provided on both its front and back surfaces. An outer covering of canvas or vinyl is provided, and hand gripping means, in the form of arm straps, are furnished upon the backside, to facilitate the grasp by the user, particularly during participation in a conflict.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved fireman's helmet which includes a surrounding wall structure that defines a head receiving area therein. Mounted within the head receiving area and recessed in the wall structure are front and rear light assemblies as well as a battery pack and control panel.

Abstract: A protective wristband with integrally woven inner and outer layers of an absorbent stretchable fabric material to provide an endless generally hollow interior, and a cushioned shield disposed between the layers such that the shield is concealed to provide the appearance of a conventional, unprotective wristband.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective glove for ice hockey wherein the palm area can be quickly removed and replaced. The glove is formed of a back member covering the back of the user's hand and having the exterior surface of the back member covered with padding appropriate to protect the user's hand. A removable front portion is attached to the back member by a zipper which extends around the peripheral edges of the glove. An overlapping wrist closure mechanism with the overlapping flaps provided with Velcro.RTM. hook and loop type fastening devices assists in securing the ice hockey glove to the user.

Abstract: An adjustably cushioned sock wherein a plurality of flexible bladders are provided internally of the sock to receive and retain variable amounts of air therein; pumps to variably supply air to the internal flexible bladders; and a release value to permit such air contained within the flexible internal bladders to be variably exhausted therefrom.

Abstract: A new and improved helmet with neck-shield is provided for a helmet which has a chin and jaw protecting area. The apparatus includes a neck-shielding assembly for protecting a neck area of a user without covering the eyes of the user. The neck-shielding assembly includes a curved upper portion capable of curving around the chin and jaw protecting area of the helmet. A curved lower portion extends downward from the curved upper portion and is capable of curving around a portion of the neck area of the user. A first connector is attached to the curved upper portion. The first connector connects the neck-shielding assembly to the chin and jaw protecting area of the helmet. The curved upper portion supports the curved lower portion, and the curved lower portion protects a portion of the neck area of the user from wind and airborne debris. A second connector is attached to the chin and jaw protecting area of the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet having a visor mounted on pivot posts fixed to the helmet shell includes a visor driving and latching mechanism which acts both to allow the wearer to move the visor between its lowered and raised positions and also to hold the visor in either position. The mechanism has an operating lever which is pivoted to the visor at a point spaced from the pivot post. The operating lever has a slightly elongated aperture which receives the pivot post, and a hollowed out portion which receives a cam fixed relative to the pivot post. The operating lever has a first tooth which engages a first recess in the cam to hold the visor in its lowered position, and a second tooth which engages in a second recess in the cam to hold the visor in its raised position. To move the visor from its lowered to its raised position, the wearer manually rotates the operating lever in the appropriate direction.

Abstract: A diving face mask comprises a purge valve assembly in a lower central area of a body frame. The purge valve assembly comprises a nose frame projecting from the body frame such that a V-shape cross-section is formed, a laterally elongated, and generally oblong valve which is configured to sit on a valve seat on a front wall of the nose frame for closing a laterally elongated, oblong opening passage. The purge valve assembly further comprises a nose cover having a configuration conforming to that of the nose frame for covering the nose frame, and a discharge opening defined between the nose frame and the nose cover.

Abstract: A portable urine container for females is described as having an enclosure with concavely curved upper side portions defining an opening to provide access. A flexible, slidable tab closure is affixed around the opening and provides access to the interior of the enclosure when in an open position and effectively seals the enclosure when in a closed position. The enclosure can readily include an absorbent material to absorb fluids and to prevent a splash back of urine.

Abstract: A device for providing support for a user seated on a commode and comprising a substantially U-shaped framework attached to a wall behind the commode includes a pair of elongated horizontal members joined by a crossbar and having legs at its forward corners. The framework is rotated through substantially 90.degree. to rest with its legs on the floor in front of the commode. A padded tray is slidably mounted on and rotatable with the horizontal members of the framework and is moved closely adjacent to the user when the user is seated on the commode. When not in use, the device is rotated upward, folded against the wall, and secured to the wall by a clip. The device is preferably made of polyvinyl chloride pipe and the tray is covered with a sheet of plastic material.

Abstract: A drain flusher device for dislodging an obstruction in a pipe. The drain flushing device has an elastomeric cylindrical body with an open neck end and nose portion having a thickened end wall. An elongated slit with a predetermined configuration and predetermined dimensions extends through the thickened forward end wall. A connector is fixed at the body neck end and is adapted for attachment to a pressurized fluid source, such as a garden hose.

Abstract: A flush valve for a conventional toilet which replaces the conventional flapper valve assembly and seat and operates in conjunction with the standard ballcock valve. A hollow annular drain stopper seat is connected to the upper end of a male threaded cylindrical shank secured in the drain outlet opening of the tank that communicates with the bowl. A stopper fits in a central passage of the drain stopper seat and may be lifted so that water from the tank drains into the bowl through the central passage. At the same time, high pressure water is injected downwardly and tangentially into the central passage through a plurality of circumferentially spaced orifices in the interior cylindrical wall of the drain stopper seat. Water is supplied under pressure from the ballcock valve through a filler hose to an upper pressure chamber in the drain stopper seat that communicates with the orifices.

Abstract: A tool comprising an elongated handle on the upper end of a driver member for remotely changing the rotational setting of a diverter valve mounted in the suction outlet of a skimmer for a swimming pool. The diverter valve is provided with an adapter ring having a protrusion on the top surface thereof. The driver member comprises a skirt with an upper hub portion. The skirt is provided with a slot on the bottom edge thereof and openings on the sidewall thereof. The hub portion has the elongated handle extending upwardly therefrom and an axial projection extending downwardly therefrom. While the circulating pump for the pool is running, the axial projection enables the skirt to be readily positioned and seated over the upper end portion of the diverter valve and the openings on the sidewall of the skirt enable the driver member to be removed from the diverter valve by permitting water in the skimmer to flow into the suction outlet thereof to break the suction.

Abstract: An improved bathtub or shower enclosure designed to prevent injury to the user in the event of a slip and fall accident or the like. The tub or shower stall floor and walls and water control fixtures are constructed or lined with a thin exterior layer of a resilient material to absorb the shock of a person falling and thereby preventing injury to that person. The floor of the tub or stall includes non-slip material on the surface of or formed into the resilient material. For an initial installation, a shell of the resilient material with non-slip material on the exposed floor or bottom surface is supported by a frame work constructed of rigid material such as wood or the like. For the after market, a liner of resilient material with non-slip material thereon is fitted over the existing bathtub or shower stall surfaces and over the water control fixtures and is fixedly attached thereto.

Abstract: A control column includes a housing adapted to be mounted to a side wall of a shower stall adjacent a front edge portion thereof. The housing includes a panel positioned at an angle relative to the side wall and facing a back wall of the shower stall. A shower head assembly extends outward from a top portion of the housing, and water is supplied from a water supply to a bathtub spout or the shower head at a desired temperature and flow rate.

Abstract: A bathing apparatus is designed specifically for aged or infirm bathers to improve their independence. A conventional tub and shower enclosure is modified by a modular system including a pivotal support bar member which can move to a position projecting outwardly from the rear wall of the shower enclosure to enable the bather to stand at the bath. The bar member includes a lower horizontal bar against which the stomach of the bather rests and an upper bar spaced away from the stomach which can be grasped by the hands of the bather. A swivelling showerhead is mounted on the rear wall and includes a handle allowing a flooding type shower head to be moved back and forth over the head of the bather. A transfer chair can be provided which is mounted on a vertical post at one corner of the bathtub and includes an arm projecting horizontally outwardly from the post which can swivel around the post. A chair is canti levered downwardly and forwardly from the arm and swivels on the arm.

Abstract: A deployable bridge includes a plurality of identical bridge sections each having two identical track elements. Each track element has a roadway carrier, a bottom boom and adjustment elements connecting the bottom boom with the roadway carrier. The bottom boom of each track element includes a mid section and two end sections flanking the mid section. Each track element further comprises pillars having opposite first and second ends. The first end of the pillars is articulated to the mid section of the bottom boom. Each track element also has a drive shaft assembly suspended from the track element; spindle sleeves inserted on the drive shaft assembly; and a spindle head threadedly mounted on each spindle sleeve. The pillars are articulated by the second end thereof to a respective spindle head.

Abstract: A carpet tack strip includes a strip member having a notch throughout its length. A series of tacks are mounted to the strip member, with the points of the tacks extending above the upper surface of the strip member. Horizontal passages extend between the sides of the strip member. The tack strip is advantageously used when laying carpet on a concrete floor. The strip is placed such that the notch faces the lower end of a wall against which the carpet is to be placed. Nails are placed through the passages and driven into the wall, to securely mount the tack strip to the wall. The carpet pad abuts the outer edge of the tack strip, and the carpet is placed over the tack strip and tucked into the notch. The tack points retain the carpet in place, and the nails prevent the tack strip from being pulled away from the wall.

Abstract: A sofa system includes a unitary perimetric baseframe including a front panel, a rear panel and opposing side panels. The system also includes a hollow back portion having front and rear edges and an integral internal rigid frame, the back portion rotationally mounted between the side panels and to the rear panel by rear longitudinal hinge elements secured between said rear edge of a top portion and the rear panel. The system also includes a unitary seat portion having a front and rear edge and a rigid base, in which the seat portion is rotationally mounted between the side panels and to the front panel by a front longitudinal hinge element that is secured between the front edge of the rigid base of the seat portion and the front panel. Arms may, if desired, be rotationally mounted to the sides of the baseframe.

Abstract: A sheet to be used to help turn or position a patient wherein the sheet includes a bottom surface and top surface, the bottom surface including opposing end portions and a central portion which has less frictional drag than the opposing end portions and top surface. The top surface is constructed in a configuration with an area larger than the area of the central portion at the bottom surface. A method of application is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mattress is disclosed which eliminates components by combining structural integrity, air-impervious and insulating functions, thereby significantly reducing overall weight and increasing portability. In a particularly preferred embodiment the mattress is self-inflating. The semi-rigid cover provides the dimensional rigidity necessary to effect self-inflation. The increased thickness of the utilized cover component affords improved puncture resistance.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes an articulatable patient support with a fowler portion movable between horizontal and inclined positions relative to a frame of the bed. A reversible electric drive motor is supported on the frame of the bed and, through a reduction gearing arrangement and a releasible coupling mechanism, can rotatably drive a threaded shaft. A nut engages and is held against rotation with the shaft, and a linkage arrangement couples the nut to the fowler portion to effect reciprocal movement of the fowler portion in response to reciprocal movement of the nut along the shaft. A manual release is provided on the fowler portion and, when actuated, disengages the releasible coupling mechanism so that the threaded shaft is free to rotate independently of the motor and gearing arrangement.

Abstract: A framework arranged to permit spacing of a blanket above an associated mattress includes spaced U-shaped clips arranged for mounting upon side rails of the associated bed frame, with each of the clip members having a base tube receiving a U-shaped frame adjustably therethrough to permit selective positioning and spacing of the U-shaped frame above an uppermost mattress to receive the blanket thereon to permit spacing of the blanket relative to the mattress.

Abstract: This invention consists of a method and means for laundering clothing contaminated with asbestos fibers and/or with lead, herein called the contaminants. The method and means employed by this invention decontaminates the clothing in an environmentally contained, controlled and safe facility. The facility and the method described in association therewith permits contaminated clothing to be brought into the containment area, laundered and dried within the same contained, environmentally controlled, safe area. Clean clothing is then removed for further sorting, repairs, folding, counting and storing operations in another separated room of the facility. The facility and the method described in association therewith protect the health of the laundry operator and prevent the contaminants from being released into the atmosphere by the process itself. It also prevents contaminants from being carried from the interior of the facility by the person conducting the laundry operation.

Abstract: A hand held pneumatic gun has an airway arranged to be coupled to a source of compressed air, the airway communicating with an air chamber via a trigger valve assembly. The gun includes a detachable breech that is supported in a sealed position against the air chamber by a support ring pivotally secured to the body of the gun. An interlocking assembly is arranged to interlock with the trigger valve assembly if the breech is not supported in its sealed position, so that actuation of the trigger valve assembly is inhibited unless the breech is sealed against the air chamber. The breech incorporates a nozzle that can be secured to an end of a hose or tube and a polymer projectile is placed into the breech to be forced by the air pressure through the hose or tube to clean the interior of the hose or to remove contaminate matter therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting litter from the ground includes a frame adapted for movement along the ground, a hopper mounted at one end of the frame; and a collector assembly supported on the frame. The collector assembly includes a pair of rollers having a plurality of flexible fingers disposed radially on the periphery thereof, the rollers being substantially parallel to each other and disposed in a plane that is substantially parallel to the ground. The rollers are arranged so that the fingers on one of the pair of rollers intermesh with the fingers of the other of the pair of rollers so as to be able to lift litter between them. The apparatus further includes a device for conveying litter lifted by the pair of rollers to the hopper.