Abstract: A new and distinct Raphiolepis indica plant which expresses a very high concentration of anthocyanin in new growth, has larger leaves and attains a larger ultimate size when compared with other commercial varieties in the market class. This plant is superior in development of a dense canopy of attractive coarse texture, with a high concentration of blossoms, but which produces no unwanted seed.

Abstract: Poinsettia `Late Blooming Freedom` is a new cultivar, distinguished by dark red flower bracts, dark green foliage, naturally late flowering and self-branching characteristics. `Late Blooming Freedom` is a sport of the poinsettia `490` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,825) with the same cultural requirements. The new plant produces a very desirable late flowering branched pot plant.

Abstract: Poinsettia `664` is a new cultivar, distinguished by bright red, erect flower bracts, early flowering and self-branching characteristics. `664` is a naturally occurring sport of the poinsettia `268` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,275) with the same cultural requirements. The new plant produces a very desirable, early flowering, branched pot plant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spreading growth habit verbena plant having long stems. The plant has abundant branching and each node of the branches that contacts the ground commonly forms deep-spreading roots. The plant forms numerous flowers ascending spikes with a great profusion of blooms. The flowers exhibit petals having a very pale purple coloration. The plant is highly resistant to heat, cold, rain, diseases, and pests.

Abstract: A blast nozzle is provided for cleaning a surface with a blast media which is softer and more friable than sand such as sodium bicarbonate and which comprises an inlet section which contains a passageway which converges substantially along only one .[.planar axis.]. .Iadd.direction .Iaddend.to a rectangular venturi orifice and a fan-shaped outlet section which contains a passageway which diverges along substantially only one .[.planar axis.]. .Iadd.direction .Iaddend.perpendicular to the .[.planar axis.]. .Iadd.direction .Iaddend.of convergence of the converging passageway, the inlet passageway being .[.greater.]. .Iadd.longer .Iaddend.than twice the diameter of the inlet of the nozzle so as to provide streamlined flow and reduce turbulent flow of the friable blast media in the blast nozzle. The passageways in the blast nozzle are formed by opposed modular structures which are releasably secured to the nozzle and can be changed to change the length and angle of convergence and expansion ratio of the nozzle.

Abstract: A device and method for automated, mechanical harvesting of plants having differing heights and stem lengths, wherein a stem portion of the plant must be severed at a uniform, predetermined length from the top of the plant.

Abstract: A method and device for dispensing .[.T-shirt type.]. plastic .Iadd.merchandise .Iaddend.bags from a roll joined end to end in series but separable along perforated lines where the bag ends are connected, whereby the bags are rolled and the roll of bags is placed in a cradle for unrolling and passing between two bars above and parallel to the axis of the roll, at least one of the bars having a centrally disposed hooking snagging element past which the series of bags is drawn. When the open space between .[.the straps of each T-shirt bag.]. .Iadd.adjacent bags .Iaddend.passes the snagging element, the latter catches the leading edge of the ensuing bag to restrain it sufficiently so that further pulling on the preceding bag results in its detachment along the perforated line for the ensuing bag. .[.Rack means are.]. .Iadd.A rack is .Iaddend.provided to enable the method to be practiced.

Abstract: The assembly includes first and second parallel connecting bars between which individual attachments are situated in parallel, spaced relation. Each of the attachments includes first and second T-bar ends with a flexible filament extending therebetween. The attaching device includes a housing with a recess having a first and second sections adapted to receive the first and second connecting bars, respectively. First and second hollow needles extend from the housing. The T-bar ends are pushed through needles by simultaneously actuatable ejector rods after each is severed from the associated connecting bar. The assembly of the attachments is advanced through the housing to align the T-bars with the needles by simultaneously actuated indexing gears. The gears cooperate with the elements which join the T-bar ends and the connecting bars.

Abstract: Double "T" bar fasteners are dispensed through spaced needles which extend from different portions of the attacher housing. To attach a button, the needles are inserted through the thread holes of the button as it is held adjacent to the material to which it is to be attached. The housing portions are resiliently connected so that the portions can be moved relative to each other to vary the needle spacing and thus accommodate buttons with different hole spacing. The portions are biased to return to the original position. The portions may be halves of the housing connected by a living hinge. Internal compartments within each housing half enclose portions of fastener feed mechanism. The compartments are accessible when the housing is open to permit insertion of the parts and close when the housing halves snap-fit together. Each feed mechanism portion includes a spring loaded pawl with a tooth which normally engages an index wheel.

Abstract: A thermally operated plate making apparatus with a capability of producing a plate which carries a plurality of images of a small-size original document side by side thereon by a continuous operation includes a document transport roller pair for transporting an original document, a reading device made up of optical elements a CCD image sensor and others for reading the document and sensors for sensing the transport conditions of the document, and a writing device made up of a thermal head for engraving an image of the document in a stencil and a stencil transport roller pair for transporting the stencil. A control device is provided for controlling the entire apparatus to engrave a plurality of document images in a plate making area of the stencil in a continuous manner. The control device comprises a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc.

Abstract: A surface conditioning attachment for a motor grader or the like for use in maintenance operations on gravel roadways comprises a gang of harrow disks carried on a support shaft, there being a support structure for deploying said disks laterally outwardly of the grader at an angle to the direction of travel and with the concave sides of the disks facing forwardly. In use the gang of disks engages the surface of the road shoulder and cuts up and moves gravel and vegetation thereon laterally towards the roadway.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of forming large device quality single crystals of silicon carbide. The sublimation process is enhanced by maintaining a constant polytype composition in the source materials, selected size distribution in the source materials, by specific preparation of the growth surface and seed crystals, and by controlling the thermal gradient between the source materials and the seed crystal.

Abstract: An eye shielding method and apparatus is provided for eyeglass wearers including a generally planar shield having a plurality of notches and score lines formed therein to allow the generally planar shield to be bent into a configuration which substantially covers the peripheral region of the user's head not covered by standard eyeglasses. Mounting slots are provided to mount the shield on the temple of a conventional pair of eyeglasses. The shields may be manufactured in pairs and joined by a frangible joint.

Abstract: A liner sleeve is disposed within a shell sleeve, and a wrister is permanently and inseparably secured directly to the open lower end of a liner sleeve by stitching which extends along the liner sleeve to connect the wrister and liner circumferentially so that undesired material cannot enter between the wrister and the liner sleeve. A sleeve well is defined by a first annular member secured to a shell sleeve and a second annular member secured to a liner sleeve. The first and second annular members have annular arrays of interengaging hooks and loops and also interengaging diametrically opposite snap connectors for detachably connecting the annular members to one another. A further annular band of material disposed between the shell sleeve and the first annular member is formed of thermal protective moisture barrier material.

Abstract: An article of insulated apparel, the integral continuous parts of which include a body and appendages formed of an insulated, resilient fabric material. The article of insulated apparel further includes segmentally arranged supplemental insulation for insulating less mobile regions of a user's body, such as the upper and lower arms, and the upper and lower legs. The midriff and the upper torso may be insulated as well. By providing segmentally arranged supplemental insulation, that is, discontinuity in supplemental insulation over more mobile regions of the user's body, such as, for instance, the shoulder, elbow, and wrist regions, the user is permitted to move more freely.

Abstract: A paper hat is formed from stiffly flexible paper-like material such as kraft with a rectangular top panel forming a crown, and four planar side panels and four planar side panels attached to the top panel along fold lines. The side panels have lower arcuate borders forming an oval, head-shaped opening toward the crown. Four arcuate panels flare from the side panels forming a brim with an ovate outer edge. One of the side panels has a transverse fold line parallel and intermediate the crown and the brim allowing the side panel to be folded flat. Additional fold lines along hinges joining the side panels and fold lines perpendicular to the crown allow the hat to be folded into a flat form with all panels in parallel planes.

Abstract: A support stay for use with an article to be worn by a person has two durometers of hardness. The support stay includes a base member having a first hardness, the first hardness sufficient to provide a required rigidity for support. A gripping member is operatively connected to the base member. The gripping member has a second hardness which is softer than the first hardness. The gripping member, when attached to the inner surface of the article, provides a non-slip surface against the person wearing the article to keep the article in position.

Abstract: An improved orthopedic device for human wear comprising of a flexible belt encircling the human, with free ends thereof joined by a hook and loop fastener to position the belt on the wearer, and wherein the flexible belt is provided with a pad to be positioned against the lumbar and sacral regions of the wearer and with vertical stiffeners for the flexible belt. A static support is fixedly attached to the flexible belt and completely encircles the wearer. The static support is bi-level with one level encircling the wearer, extending around the flexible belt, and attached thereto adjacent the pad, and is provided with adjustable length belt buckle ends for cinching the one level about the user with varying degrees of tension. A second level is V-shaped and is attached to the elastic belt adjacent to the pad to dispense the support to the sacral regions when additional support is desired and the buckled clasp and first level tightened.

Abstract: A protective device primarily intended for female water skiers inhibits flow of water into the female reproductive organs. In the preferred embodiment, the lower portion of a swimsuit includes a pocket in the crotch region and a slit on the interior wall of the crotch for providing access to the pocket. In an alternate embodiment, the swimsuit includes a region of hook or loop fasteners disposed on the interior wall of the crotch region. In the preferred embodiment, a deflector which comprises outer layers of a soft, resilient material and a thin inner layer of more rigid, fluid impervious material is placed either in the pocket or secured by complementary hook and loop fasteners. An alternate embodiment comprehends a generally hourglass shaped sponge which is fabricated of open or preferably closed cell foam and which is placed in the pocket or includes complementary hook and loop fasteners for securing to the crotch region of the swimsuit.

Abstract: A visor 10 for mounting video display units and/or earphones on the head has a U-shaped retaining element 16 pivoted thereto about a transverse axis X', whereby the retaining element 16 can be raised to facilitate donning and doffing the visor 10 or lowered to engage the occipital region of the head to keep the visor in position. The retaining element 16 may commonly rotate about axis X' with an arch-shaped manifold 13. Preferably, the retaining element 13 is articulated to axis x' by links 15 and recesses 19 are preferably provided on opposite sides of the visor 10 to receive the folded links 15 and arms 18 of the retaining element 16 when the latter is fully lowered. In this position, the manifold 13 rests on top of the arms 18 of the retaining element 16.

Abstract: In an air intake device in a helmet, a recess is defined in a front wall of a shell of a cap body so as to be recessed inwardly of the shell, and has an opening defined in an upper surface of the recess to communicate with the inside of the cap body. A shutter plate is inserted into the opening for opening and closing the recess. A guide rod is projectingly disposed on a back surface of the shutter plate, so that it comes into sliding contact with an innermost wall of the recess and is slidably received in a guide hole provided in a lower wall of the recess. The shell of the cap body is provided with a function of a shutter housing, thereby eliminating the need for an exclusive shutter housing and simplifying the air intake device.

Abstract: In an air intake device in a helmet, a housing is molded as one piece from a synthetic resin material and as an upper wall, a lower wall, a left end wall and a right end wall. First and second recesses are defined in the back surface of the upper wall and in the front surface of the lower wall, respectively, so as to communicate with each other to define a shutter chamber. Wind guide sleeves are formed on the lower wall which are opened and closed by a shutter plate which is vertically accommodated in the shutter chamber. The housing of shutter as an essential part of the air intake device in the cap body is formed of a single piece of a synthetic resin, thereby providing a simplified structure.

Abstract: A toddler urinal comprising a receptacle having a top end, a bottom end, and an open urine deposition cavity disposed therebetween and bounded by a backboard adapted for containing urine sprayed therein; a drain disposed through the urine deposition cavity and extended downwards and through the bottom end of the receptacle; and a open vessel disposed under the drain for collecting urine.

Abstract: A toilet assembly for use in recreation vehicles, which comprises an air tube member, a flapper valve, and an on/off switch whereby while the user sits on the toilet seat ring, the objectionable odor is effectively ventilated and when the user stands up, the objectionable odor does not flow backward.

Abstract: An automatic closure mechanism, particularly adapted for use with a toilet seat is described. The mechanism will automatically lower a toilet seat that has been rotated to a raised position after a time interval determined by the viscosity of a damper fluid in a dashpot of the mechanism. The mechanism is simply constructed and preferably integral with a rear edge of the toilet seat so that it provides a clean, neat appearance which is aesthetically pleasing and does not interfere with cleaning or maintenance of the toilet fixture. The mechanism includes a dry coil spring section and a hydraulic dashpot section. The dashpot includes a primary flap valve and a relief flap valve which permit the toilet seat to be raised with very little resistance and automatically returned to a lowered position after about 1-5 minutes, depending on the viscosity of the damper fluid in the dashpot.