Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which has a harvesting date which is earlier than that of the Arctic Glo nectarine tree [U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,884], which matures in the same season, but which is distinguished therefrom and characterized principally as to novelty by producing fruit which have a semi-freestone nature, firm flesh texture, and an attractive skin color at commercial maturity.

Abstract: A new variety of Aechmea fascini is disclosed which is characterized by variegated leaves (creamy white leaf margins) and the absence of spines along the margins of the leaves.

Abstract: A characteristic and the position of an implement with a tuned circuit having one of plural resonant frequencies are determined. AC energy at the plural different resonant frequencies is supplied to a two-coordinate direction coil arrangement of a position sensing tablet. The tuned circuit changes the current flowing in the coil arrangement at the implement resonant frequency. The current change is used to signal the implement position and characteristic. The implement may be an eraser for supplying a signal to an electronic display and for removing a mark from a surface of a visual display overlaying the tablet of the eraser. A housing includes a surface for erasing the marking and two tuned circuits each having a reactance positioned close to opposite edges of the erasing surface. Two switches, when activated, cause the tuned circuits to have different resonant frequencies. The switches are respectively activated when opposite eraser edges are being pushed against the display surface.

Abstract: A hot tip catheter assembly is disclosed which resolves atherosclerotic plaque buildup in vivo. The catheter has a heater, a cap, a thermocouple, power leads, thermocouple leads, and a central distal lumen to position the catheter within the artery. The catheter tip has a thin, non-adhesive coating of a hard, heat-conducting material. The thermocouple is used to continuously evaluate the temperature at the tip of the catheter, and the temperature is then regulated by a computer-controlled feedback system. The catheter can completely melt the buildup without damage to the artery by direct contact with the plaque, without use of balloon catheter angioplasty.

Abstract: A cuff seal for sealing the cuffs of anti-contamination protective clothing having cuffs at the distal ends of arms and legs comprises an elongated band that is removably attached to the cuff at an inner end and wraps around the cuff and is attached to the cuff where it overlaps the band at an outer end of the band. The band is fastened to the cuff and to the band itself by spaced pairs of snap fasteners. The band is formed of a stretchable woven fabric which includes an elastomeric yarn in addition to non-elastomeric yarn in order to provide at least a limited stretch capability for the fabric. The band is about two inches wide and covers the arm cuff completely and extends distally beyond the arm cuff so as to provide a snug seal between the band and the wearer's glove at a position distally separated from the cuff. The band similarly encircles the limb of the wearer at the cuff of the coverall legs.

Abstract: A flexible articular conditioning system includes a plurality of elongated, solid, non-shifting weight members. The weight members may be removable for cleaning, and may be replaced by progressively heavier weight sets. Weight is not merely added to the wearer. The weights are advantageously evenly distributed across the body and located above and below the respective joint cavities. The disclosed systems are particularly well suited for sports specific training. The articulates may be properly and safely conditioned while exercising the muscles that control those articulates.

Abstract: A prefabricated necktie including a frame having a generally wedge-shaped front profile and including flanges extending rearwardly and tapering downwardly. The operating stem of a camming element is rigidly mounted on the frame and entraps the camming element. The camming element receives and engages the interengagable ends of a neck band, defining a loop. The loop embraces the wearer's neck and may be tightened thereabout by pulling down on the interengaged neck band ends relative to the camming element. The novel flanges promote a knot having a fuller shape, decrease material wear and deter the user from pulling the neck band sideways, jamming or damaging the interengaging structures of the neck band. A front member is mounted to and loops around the frame to resemble a tie knot.

Abstract: A shoe sole wiping pad is sewn to the outer surface of an athletic sock's upper tube portion. The wiping pad absorbs and retains moisture and has a moisture-bearing wiping surface that removes dust and debris from the sole of an athletic shoe when the wearer wipes the sole across the pad. A moisture barrier isolates the wiping pad from the upper tube portion of the sock to prevent moisture from soaking into the sock from the wiping pad.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thick pile sock which has heterogeneous body and foot portions. The foot portion has a heel, a toe and a base and is made out of a fiber which is an intimate blend of synthetic and natural fibers whereby the synthetic fibers enhance structure and wicking action and the natural fibers enhance absorption and resiliency. The body portion begins at least one and one-half inches above the heel of the foot portion and is made out of a fiber that is at least 60% of the intimate blend of synthetic and natural fibers of the foot portion with the balance being a heterogeneous elastic synthetic fiber. The thick pile sock can also be worn over an inner sock as part of a sock system.

Abstract: A method of enhancing posture by using a garment having an improved pocket structure which includes a restraining pocket configured such that, upon placing ones hands into the restraining pockets, the posture of the person wearing the garment is enhanced providing improved appearance. The positioning of the restraining pocket on the garment, as well as the designed pocket depth tend to improve posture by naturally forcing the shoulders back and pulling the stomach in.

Abstract: An improved adjustable "L" side attachment strap means for attaching a face guard to a helmet comprises two straps: a main attachment strap and an adjustable retention strap, where the two straps are approximately orthogonal. The main attachment strap encircles the rear-most vertical bar of the guard, restricting the guard from moving in the fore and aft directions, while the adjustable retention strap encircles the lowest horizontal bar, of the rear section of the guard, restricting the guard from moving in the vertical direction. The adjustable retention strap fits into a notch in the main attachment strap, where both straps can be secured to the helmet by a single screw and T-Nut so that there is approximately a 90 degree angle between the straps, allowing for greater variability in fit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to underpants for men which comprises a sanitary section so that a penis can be sanitarily treated. A construction in which the sanitary section having a predetermined area is attached to a divided portion of the underpants allows the underpants to be kept sanitary by removing any remaining urine after men urinate.

Abstract: A safety helmet and face mask system having an interface for suspending both the helmet and the face mask on a wearer's head by a single support web, thereby eliminating the need for separate support assemblies. The system includes a helmet having a shell and liner, hooks attached to opposite sides of the liner, and a face mask having a pair of O-rings slidably mounted on straps attached at upper and lower points on opposite sides of the mask. The O-rings releasably engage the hooks on the helmet liner to integrally interconnect the helmet and liner. Buckles are located on the sides of the mask so that the effective lengths of the straps between points of connection to the mask can be varied to draw the mask and helmet together and seat the helmet and mask properly on the wearer's head. The interface provides both horizontal and vertical support for the mask by a single strap on each side of the mask.

Abstract: A method of removably attaching a bicycle helmet face shield to a bicycle helmet includes the steps of selecting a bicycle helmet and a bicycle helmet transparent shield having a plurality of openings therein and selecting a resilient shield attaching member having a plurality of elongated slots formed therein. One slot in the resilient shield attaching member may be placed at an angle to a second slot or an angled back may be provided the shield attaching member to adjust the shield angle in front of the biker's face. The selected resilient shield is adhesively attached to the bicycle helmet and the shield is attached in one of the elongated slots. A bicycle helmet face shield apparatus includes the face shield attaching member having a plurality of slots formed in a resilient material and having one of the slots placed parallel to the second slot and having a transparent face shield removably attached in one or the other slots of the face shield attaching member attached to a bicycle helmet.

Abstract: A SCUBA diving mask body is completely comprised of flexible material so that the mask can be folded into a small package. The inventive mask comprises a flexible rubber body which integrally incorporates the mask skirt. A rigid lens for each eye is inserted into a socket in the body. The mask strap is attached to the flexible body by means of two adjustable strap holders.

Abstract: A toilet bowl ventilating and deodorizing apparatus comprises an odor collector for extracting air from a toilet bowl, a filter assembly for deodorizing the air extracted from the toilet bowl, and a neck coupling the filter assembly to the odor collector, with the odor collector and the neck supporting the filter assembly adjacent the toilet bowl. The odor collector includes a base attachable to the toilet bowl, an air intake carried by the base and positionable adjacent an interior of the toilet bowl, and a sleeve carried by the base in gaseous communication with the air intake. The filter assembly includes an air duct, an impeller assembly for providing air flow through the apparatus, the air duct is coupled to the filter assembly, and a filter is carried between the impeller assembly and the air duct.

Abstract: A toilet flushing mechanism includes a dual flush device for effecting both a short flush cycle and a long flush cycle in a toilet tank including a flush valve actuated by an actuation arm. A cam operable by a handle is rotatably supported adjacent the actuation arm. When rotated in a first direction, the cam acts to press against and pivot the actuation arm to effect the long flush. When rotated in the second direction, the cam acts to press against and pivot said actuation arm to effect the short flush. A lever is pivotably supported with respect to the actuation arm and pivots between a first position out of blocking contact with the actuation arm and a second position where the lever blocks return of the actuation arm for a predetermined period of time when the cam is rotated in the second direction. A float is coupled to the lever for determining the predetermined period of time. The float acts to pivot the lever into the second position when the cam is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: A reinforcing fixture that is to be connected in multiple to an end wall also has a U-shaped section in and upper horizontal member for supporting a receptacle for a swimming-pool cover and rolling mechanism. Each of the fixture is readily and accurately positioned on the end wall for positioning the receptacle mechanism accurately at the required height relative to the upper edge of adjacent side walls.

Abstract: A lift assembly is provided for lifting a person between an elevated loading position at seat height and a lowered position such as within a bath tub. The lift assembly includes a mounting assembly which may be in the form of a seat slidable along a guide extending above the elevated loading position. The seat may be reciprocated along the guide by a water actuated ram connected to the water supply for the bath tub. Connecting struts connecting the seat slidably to the guide extend downwardly so as to support the seat below the mounting assembly when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A sectional folding bed includes a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member with each longitudinal member having a first protrusion and a second protrusion at respective ends. A sheet including a first loop and a second loop is secured between said first and second longitudinal members. A first cross member that fits through the first loop of the sheet includes first and second holes that receive a respective one of the first protrusions of the first and second longitudinal members. A second cross member that fits through the second loop of the sheet includes a hole for receiving the second protrusion of the first longitudinal member and a locking member for receiving the second protrusion of the second longitudinal member.

Abstract: An adapter for suspending an air permeable sleeping surface from the top rails of a baby crib. The adapter has hooks engaging the rails, which hooks support a rectangular, permimetric frame. A flexible mesh fabric sleeping surface is removably attached to the frame. The hooks hold the sleeping surface well above and out of contact with the mattress of the crib, so that a child lying on his or her abdomen will not suffocate due to contact with the mattress, its cover, or a pillow. This situation could arise given the less yielding and more obstructing nature of a mattress and associated blankets and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeping surface has reinforcing straps for opposing excessive deformation due to weight of the child.

Abstract: A linen securing device for securing bed linen, such as sheets, blankets and/or comforters to the mattress of a bed is disclosed. The linen securing device of the present invention comprises a strap that is mounted diagonally across the corner area of the bottom surface of a mattress in at least one corner of the mattress. The strap has an interior surface facing the bottom surface of the mattress and an exterior surface, may be elastic, at least in part, and serves to secure the corner area of a sheet against the bottom surface of the mattress. During use of the linen securing device of the present invention, a flat bed sheet is draped across the top surface of the mattress. The corner area of the sheet is gathered and is placed over the exterior surface of the strap of the linen securing device and is then tucked underneath the linen securing device strap in a "reverse tuck" position between the interior surface of the strap and the bottom surface of the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a mattress having a network of grooves at the top covered within a soft covering layer, a control box, a water piping arranged within the network of grooves and connected to hot and cold water reservoirs inside the control box, the control box having a semiconductor chip controlled by a control circuit to heat the hot water reservoir and to cool the cold water reservoir, and hot and cold water pumps respectively controlled by the control circuit to send water from the hot or cold water reservoir to the water piping in regulating the temperature of the mattress.

Abstract: A water bed having inner communicable air chambers is provided. The water bed has a mattress body formed of an upper and a lower sheet with an air inlet, a water inlet, and an air vent provided thereon. A plurality of mutually communicable long air chambers arranged in parallel are sealed inside the mattress body by means of radioheating to longitudinally divide an inner space of the mattress body into a plurality of alternate air and water passages. The air chambers each have an oval-shaped cross-sectional contour that permits the air chambers to change their shape in accordance with the amount of air filled therein. The mattress body is thereby maintained in a soft, elastic, stable condition. The air chambers reduce the amount of water required to fill the mattress body and thereby reduce the weight of the mattress body and shorten the time required to heat or cool the water bed.

Abstract: A bed bridge (10) for converting a pair of beds (12) and (14) into a larger sized bed comprising a platform member (16) and an elongated protrusion (18) projecting downwardly from the center of the platform member (16). When the platform member (16) is placed upon juxtaposed portions of the top surfaces (20) and (22) of two adjacent mattresses (24) and (26) of the beds (12) and (14), the elongated protrusion (18) will extend down between the sides (28) and (30) of the two adjacent mattresses (24) and (26). When the two adjacent mattresses (24) and (26) are pushed together, the elongated protrusion (18) will then cause the platform member (16) to properly position itself on the juxtaposed portions of the top surfaces (20) and (22) of the two adjacent mattresses (24) and (26).

Abstract: A new and improved convertible bed comprised of a stationary bed frame having a U-shaped mattress extending along two horizontal support frames thereof. The U-shaped mattress has a locking means secured to an inner portion thereof. A wheelchair support frame has a pivot portion secured to opposing sides thereof. Each pivot portion has a vertical notch and a horizontal notch therein. A lower support of the wheelchair support frame has an axle extending outwardly from end portions thereof. Each axle has a wheel coupled thereto. A foot support frame is pivotally secured to lower portions of the wheelchair support frame. Contained in the device is a back support frame having two support legs. Each of the support legs has a locking pin theresecured. Each locking pin selectively corresponds with the vertical notch or the horizontal notch of the pivot portion of the wheelchair support frame. Each of the two support legs has a handle theresecured. Each handle has a notch therein.

Abstract: A dynamic temperature compensation method for a turbidity sensor in an appliance for washing articles is provided. The method includes the steps of: retaining substantially particle-free liquid upon completion of cleansing operations in the appliance, reading initial values of temperature and turbidity of the liquid, measuring additional values of temperature and turbidity of the liquid at predetermined time intervals, and calculating a temperature coefficient, based upon respective ones of the initial and the additional values of temperature and turbidity, for characterizing a temperature response of the turbidity sensor over a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A method of producing a custom-fitting article such as a custom-fitting footbed (for example, a removable insole), a custom-fitting hand grip, a custom-fitting body pad, and a custom-fitting orthopedic cast. A member for producing same and a composition for use in connection therewith are also provided. A member, such as a gel pad or gel-filled envelope, is provided which comprises a body of formable material having a minimum setting temperature greater than 130.degree. F. and being setable by heating for a period not exceeding 30 minutes and subsequent cooling. The member is conformed by biasing it against a body part of a person or mammal with sufficient pressure to conform the member to the shape of the body part. The member is then heated for a period not exceeding 30 minutes and thereafter cooled so that the formable material is set and the member remains flexible while resiliently retaining an impression of the body part.

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: A portable golf ball washing device includes a generally elongated cylindrical container within which a pair of bristle modules are disposed with the bristles of each module including a short bristle segment and a long bristle segment to define two separate concentric zones within the container. A ball carrying paddle is provided with a ball receiving opening adjacent one end thereof and a closure member with appropriate handle means attached thereto at the opposite end. The paddle is dimensioned to extend into the receptacle and support the ball for rotative movement during the washing action. An appropriate cleaning solution is disposed within the container for assisting in the washing action when the paddle is moved longitudinally of the container and the ball engages the several bristle zones.