Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the miniature class is provided which abundantly forms attractive small red flowers which are stable and well retain their coloration upon the passage of time. The plant is erect and exhibits a compact and regular growth habit. The blossoms possess no fragrance. The plant can be grown as attractive ornamentation in the landscape or as a decorative pot plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of red raspberry plant named `Wilhelm`, which is particularly characterized and distinguished by its very attractive fruit and its high yielding capacity on both primocane and floricane crops.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of evergreen azalea plant named `Baby Buds` which is a bud sport of the evergreen Kurume hybrid azalea cv. `Mother's Day` and differing therefrom, being particularly characterized by its diminutive size, nearly full-sized flowers, and its low growing and dense branching habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of aster plant named Sunrio, characterized by its white ray floret color; yellow-green tubular discs; tall and sturdy stems, each of which carries many flowers; excellent branching, and symmetrical, conical-shaped main and lateral stem shape.

Abstract: An iron sight for night, day time and transition light sighting having a luminous source for night sighting and an accurately defined circle of a predetermined thickness surrounding such luminous source for daytime and transition light sighting and in one form having the luminous source supported in a receiving bore by an elastomeric material with the luminous source being accurately centered in the elastomeric material which is of a predetermined desired thickness to provide insulation from shock loads and a desired thickness and accurate circular shape for day time and transition light sighting.

Abstract: A system for breeding fleas comprises a blood reservoir with a feeding membrane and a cage adjacent to the feeding membrane and containing a screen which supports the fleas during feeding, divides the cage into a feeding chamber and an egg collection chamber and provides access by the fleas between these chambers. The fleas are confined in the cage and stand on the screen to feed by penetrating the membrane with their mouth parts to obtain blood from the reservoir. The access between the feeding and egg collection chambers allows the cage to contain more fleas than if such access were not provided and open interiors of the feeding and egg collection chambers allow easy cleaning and egg collection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of resistive sheet transfer recording using a recording member and an electrode head comprising oppositely aligned electrode pair trains embedded in the insulating support member and also relates to an electrode head use therefor, wherein abrasive wear of the electrode pair by sliding contact of the recording member is optimized in a manner that the resistive sheet usually contacts to a fresh surface of the electrode pair train.The present invention makes it possible to give a high quality image with high recording speed and high sensitivity.

Abstract: A method of measuring the distance of an examined surface from a reference plane, by: (a) directing a parallel beam of radiation along a first optical path in which the parallel beam is focussed as a spot on the examined surface and reflected therefrom; (b) converting the reflected beam to a parallel beam; (c) directing a part of the reflected parallel beam through a second optical path in which the spot is focussed on a surface of a first detector located such that the position of the spot on the first detector includes both drawback errors caused by variations in reflectivity, scattering, and/or interference in the examined surface; and a plane displacement error, representing the distance between the plane of the examined surface and the reference plane; (d) directing another part of the reflected parallel beam through a third optical path in which the spot is focussed on a surface of a second detector located such that the position of the spot on the second detector includes only the drawback errors; (e)

Abstract: A welder's helmet having a plurality of photovoltaic cell panels, responsive to light produced during welding operations, for driving a pair of fans secured to opposing side walls of a head protecting shell. The photovoltaic cell panels are angularly mounted to the shell beneath a viewing window provided therein so as to permit the head of the wearer to be turned away from the welding area without affecting fan output. During operation, each of the paired fans impels air through an opening in the shell into the interior space defined by the shell. An optional battery pack, electrically connected to the fan motors provides an electrical power back-up for energizing the fans in the event that insufficient light is available to the photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: A palmar anterior thumb support for use with a glove or mitten includes a molded thermoplastic insert which extends distal of the wrist on the palmar side of the hand and the thumb. The support covers substantially all of the palm of the hand and substantially all of the palmar side of the thumb. The palm portion of the support is contoured to maintain a correct web space between the thumb and the index finger. The thumb portion of the support is contoured to support the palmar side of the thumb and is provided with two or more upstanding extensions or tabs for laterally supporting the thumb. At least one of the tabs preferably extends partially onto the dorsal side of the hand in the web space between the thumb and the index finger. The palmar support supports not only the thumb, but the CMC, MP, and IP joints and is more comfortable than a dorsal support.

Abstract: The shin pad, for use in ice hockey and possibly other sports, includes a lower brace element positionable along the front of the player's shin and securable to the player's lower leg, and an upper brace element positionable along the front of the player's lower thigh and securable thereto. A shin shield is secured outside the lower brace element. The lower and upper brace elements are pivotally connected to each other by pivotal connections on lateral and medial sides thereof, the pivotal connections being positionable on lateral and medial sides of the player's knee, in general alignment with the axis of the player's knee joint. To restrict or prevent hyperextension of the knee, the shin pad includes a stop arranged to prevent rotation of the upper and lower brace elements beyond a selected maximum permissible extension angle.

Abstract: A swimsuit for a female infant wearing a diaper, includes a tubular main section enclosing the torso of the infant, and a T-shaped flap extending from the lower rear extremity of the tubular main section. The flap includes a relatively narrow strip portion adapted to extend along the crotch area of the infant's body, and a relatively wide triangular portion adapted to extend across the infant's abdomen. Fastener assemblies are provided at the upper corner extremities of the flap for releasably securing the flap to the lower front edge of the swimsuit main section. The fastener assemblies can be disconnected (or detached) for unfolding the flap to expose the infant's diaper for diaper-changing purposes.

Abstract: A multipurpose protective article having both body warming and item toting capacities, and having a front, a back, opposite sides, and a base, all of which are interconnected to provide a generally bag-shaped body open at its top and providing a pocket, the body being constructed of flexible thermal material, a rim on the body extending around the top thereof to provide a closeable opening into the pocket which is configured to have a foot receiving portion and a leg receiving portion for containing respectively the feet and legs of a user or to contain various items, the body further having one or more carrying straps affixed thereto for hand, arm or shoulder supporting of the article, and a closure devices on the rim for either partially or completely closing the opening and allowing the rim, selectively, to snugly surround the legs or to enclose the items within the pocket.

Abstract: An improved shirt/sweater which is reversible and comprised of two different sides, each having fabric of different color, pattern and/or texture. The sleeves are slightly tapered and extended in length over the conventional sleeve lengths so that when simply rolled up they can automatically serve as cuffs (18). The rolled-up cuff feature, while providing extra aesthetic contrast in color, pattern and/or texture, also eliminates the need for making and using separate cuffs (12) which in any case render the extra thick sleeves (because they are two layered) unattractive by necessitating drastic tapering to accommodate them. The shirts/sweaters can further be cut in such a fashion, e.g., in the collar (22) and bottom rim (20) as to simply yet elegantly provide contrast in color, pattern and/or texture in a stylish, comfortable form.

Abstract: Material and fabrication costs associated with disposable surgical gowns and like medical garments are significantly reduced by utilizing a circularly-knitted tubular fabric cuff formed predominantly of a single-ply knitted construction with a small annular turned welt presenting a finished outer cuff edge. The circularly-knitted fabric of each cuff comprises a main body having plural body yarns and an elastic yarn formed in needle loops in circumferential courses and axial wales, the turned welt of each cuff comprising a welt beginning course connected to a welt ending course with a plurality of intervening courses therebetween. Preferably, each cuff's main body has an annular region adjacent the welt having courses of alternating needle loops and yarn floats and courses entirely of successive needle loops and an adjacent annular region having courses of alternating needle loops and tuck stitches and courses entirely of successive needle loops.

Abstract: A helmet having an electrically energized air blowing system for discharging a broad curtain of flowing air along the face of the user for cooling and comfort. The helmet includes a rigid crown section to which is integrally connected a visor and is provided with a vent housing located externally of the domed shell of the helmet and having an air flow chamber terminating at a narrow transverse discharge opening through the helmet visor near the juncture of the visor and the domed shell. An electrically energized fan is mounted within the upper portion of the vent housing and is powered by an electrical circuit having a dry cell battery via manual actuation of an on/off switch. The motorized fan directs a downward flow of air through the flow passage of the vent housing which increases in velocity from the housing inlet to the discharge opening of the housing so that maximum air flow velocity is achieved at the discharge opening.

Abstract: A surgical face mask having a see-through portion and a porous portion wherein the see-through portion is adapted for viewing a portion of the wearer's mouth. The face mask may further include an eye shield which may be pivotally secured thereto. The see-through portion may be formed from a fog-resistant flexible film. The porous portion may be formed from a spunbond/meltblown nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: A form of headwear that is adapted to be worn by a human, generally a child, generally in the form of a cap or visor. Mounted on the frontal section of the cap is the first type of engagable fastener. A doll, which has arms, hands, legs and feet has a second type of engagable fastener mounted on each hand. Connecting of the second type of engagable fastener with the first type of engagable fastener will position the doll about the head of the child with the legs resting on the shoulders of the child.

Abstract: A storage pouch is formed integrally with an outerwear garment such as a pair of shorts, such as by sewing a semi-circular piece of fabric on a front or back, interior or exterior surface of the outerwear garment. For storage pouches formed on an exterior surface of the outerwear garment, a slit is provided in the storage pouch and the slit is closed off by a zipper or a hook-and-loop type fastening device. For storage pouches formed on an interior surface of the outerwear garment, a slit is provided in the outerwear garment itself, and the slit is closed off by a zipper or a hook-and-loop type fastening device. The storage pouch can be formed of the same material (e.g., color, pattern, fabric) as the outerwear garment, thereby substantially camouflaging the storage pouch. The zipper can be covered by a flap of material extending from above the slit, to more fully camouflage the existence of the storage pouch. The storage pouch may have a V-shaped bottom, or may have a box-type bottom.

Abstract: A safety helmet for e.g. motorcycles has its outer shell firmed as a sandwich, comprising outer and inner composite layers each of resin and impact-resistant material separated by an intermediate layer of resilient material. The impact-resistant material is preferably a cloth of high tensile strength fiber such as KEVLAR.TM., DYNEMA.TM., glass fiber, or carbon fiber. The resilient material may be cork or foamed or other resilient plastics material, but is preferably honeycomb material of paper or aluminum. The helmet is made by sequentially laying up, in or over a former, a first composite layer of resin and sheets of impact-resistant material, an intermediate layer of honeycomb material, and a second composite layer of resin and sheets of impact-resistant material. The outer shell has a polyhedral form including a plurality of polygonal faces having abutting edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a protective sheet or substrate on the upper surface of a toilet seat includes a supply storage container disposed at a first end of the toilet seat to store a supply of individual protective sheets, each having an opening, and connected in a continuous fashion. The protective sheet extends across the top of the toilet seat and a take-up container disposed at a second end of the toilet seat opposite to the first end is for taking-up the sheet after use. A mechanism is provided for advancing the sheet and winding it on a shaft.

Abstract: A multiple position bathtub seat apparatus is disclosed for use in combination with the bathtub having a pair of generally parallel longitudinal sides. The apparatus includes a support frame that extends generally between the longitudinal sides. A seat portion is carried by the support frame. Rotatable bearings are attached to the support frame and an elongate track is supported above and extends along at least one of the longitudinal sides. At least some of the rotatable bearings engage the track for guiding the support frame and the seat to move selectively back and forth along the tub between multiple longitudinal positions.

Abstract: A shower mounted body washing apparatus for assisting a user in cleansing various parts of the body. An adjustable shower mounted device having a plurality of rotating cleansing brushes and spray nozzles operated by water pressure for washing the body of a user is provided. An adapter mounted in a water supply line diverts water to an adjustable housing having a plurality of rotatable washing brushes mounted thereon. Water flow through the housing engages impellers thereby driving the washing brushes. A plurality of housing apertures produce spray for cleansing the user. A hand brush is provided for localized cleansing. The hand brush incorporates a single rotating brush driven by an impeller housed within the brush body and powered by water diverted by the supply line adapter. A soap dispenser selectively injects soap into the water supply for optimum cleansing.

Abstract: A one-piece, multi-functional gripping connector is disclosed, to be used as a shower curtain rod attachment in conjunction with a standard shower curtain and curtain rod assembly, to allow the end or ends of the curtain to be turned inward, thereby preventing water from spraying out of the shower enclosure. The sole point of support for the attachment is its connection to the shower curtain rod. The invention is comprised of a single sheet of strong, flexible, elastic material, such as PETG thermoplastic, which is formed into an open-sided, open-ended, tubular shape having rounded edges, and which is also notched and bent 90-degrees at the mid-point to form an elbow configuration. Installation is by hand, without use of tools, and will not damage existing surfaces. Removal of the shower curtain rod is not required. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed, which provide illustrations of the invention's multi-functional aspects.

Abstract: A sink for disabled persons designed for use in the kitchen or in the bathroom. It includes at least one wide side ledge adequate for the placement of a faucet assembly, alleviating the problems associated with rear ledge faucet assembly placement. The bottom of the sink is designed to accommodate one in a wheelchair or sitting position.

Abstract: A frame of square tubular metal includes a U-shaped base and a pair of parallel spaced support members projecting upwardly from the base at an inclined angle for supporting a pair of telescopic arms. A seat extends between the arms and is supported by a pair of brackets adjustably clamped to the arms. Each arm is connected to a corresponding reversible motor driven screw jack which extends vertically under the arm to the base, and the motors are electrically connected for simultaneous operation to move the arms and seat member between an upper elevated position and a lower retracted position. The seat may be removed by lifting the seat from the brackets which also support the seat for automatic tilting. The seat may be a toilet seat with side wings or may be a seat connected to a back support panel.

Abstract: An inflatable flexible pallet having generally rectangular dimensions defined by top and bottom sheets within which an array of structurally interrelated inflatable chambers are formed to support a load when inflated. The flexible pallet is configured to resist lateral and longitudinal shrinkage of the load support surface, resist ballooning and hot dogging, and reduce rotational instability by providing a greater load surface support area having sufficient rigidity to support the desired load, while simultaneously achieving improved air dispersion for a more uniform jacking of the load, and maintaining a preset internal pressure using an automatic self-regulating valve to provide circulatory therapy to a patient lying atop the pallet for an extended period.

Abstract: Playpen and crib construction which utilizes a high modulus fiber-reinforced plastic matrix tubing in the frame, said tubing being made of lightweight, high modulus fiber-reinforced plastic matrix composite tubing having a weight of 0.25 pounds or less per lineal foot and wherein said plastic matrix is a thermoplastic resin or thermoset plastic resin with a minimum modulus of 250,000 psi; a minimum tensile strength of 6,000 psi; and a glass transition temperature of at least 50.degree. C. and wherein said high modulus fiber reinforcement is selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, glass fibers, polyolefin fibers, boron fibers and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum or heat formed cushion having upstanding cells of thin (15-40 mil) wall thickness and having rectangular body sections with upwardly inclined (10.degree.-40.degree.) triangular top panels. The cushions can be attached together to form a mattress or used individually as a wheelchair or other chair or back cushion. The cells of the cushion can all be interconnected or the cushion can be divided in two or more independently inflated compartments. A special wheelchair cushion has cells of different shapes, sizes and heights to promote positioning of a user on a wheelchair. The cushion has openings through the base to allow it to be placed on a manifold so that body fluids can drain away from the patient and conditioned air can be supplied to the patient.

Abstract: A mattress like structure is provided which is designed to not only give good support to an infant while sleeping, but may hopefully reduce the possibility of the infant suffocating while sleeping on its stomach. It includes a generally rectangular shaped rigid frame with a resilient, flexible fabric of special construction tightly stretched over the frame to form a top and bottom surface. The fabric is of an open mesh type with relatively large openings to provide excellent air flow to the infant. The non-open area of the fabric is such that it will support the infant in a very comfortable manner without making any creases or lines in the infant's skin. Moreover, the openings, although relatively large are not so large that the infant's fingers can be caught in the openings. The special fabric is constructed in the form of a generally rectangular shaped sleeve closed at one end and provided with a zipper or other closure means about a portion of its perimeter.

Abstract: A double structure spring mattress with hard spring mattress effect as well as soft spring mattress effect, one side of which mattress is backed by hard springs but the other side of which mattress is backed by soft springs coupled to the hard springs, is disclosed. The double structure spring mattress may be provided with a reinforcing spring for reinforcing the top and bottom edges of the mattress, which reinforcing spring is repeatedly coiled with regular intervals and formed into a zigzag shape having a plurality of coiled portions and fixed to top and bottom guide wires extending in the top and bottom edges of the mattress at the coiled portions using fixing rings. The spring mattress commonly meets taste of peoples preferred to use the hard spring mattress and taste of peoples preferred to use the soft spring mattress.

Abstract: A hospital bed comprises a base, a patient support platform mounted above the base, and a selectively manipulable support integral with the platform. The support is movable to a position above the platform to raise the bed mattress and corresponding body part such as head, lumbar region of the back and/or the feet.

Abstract: A mattress for supporting an infant in a supine position during sleep. The inventive device includes a main cushion member having a central portion top wall tapering into an inclined head wall whereat a head of the infant can be positioned. A pair of lateral guides extend along opposed longitudinal sides of the central portion top wall for engaging lateral portions of the infant to preclude turning of the infant into a prone position. Breathing apertures are directed through both the inclined head wall of the main cushion member and the lateral guides to preclude blocking of the infants breathing during sleep, thereby reducing the incidence of infant sleeping death.

Abstract: A steam cabinet includes a base assembly with a water pan and an electrical resistance heater subassembly mounted in thermally conductive relationship therewith. The water pan includes a water inlet and a water outlet. A cabinet assembly is mounted on the base assembly and includes front, back and opposite side walls. A roof structure is mounted on top of the side walls. The cabinet assembly front wall includes an opening which receives a door for providing access to the cabinet interior. The cabinet body side walls include receivers for mounting hanging rods extending therebetween and adapted for supporting multiple garments on hangers. A control system includes multiple float switches in the water pan which are activated by various water level conditions in the water pan. A microprocessor is provided for controlling the heater and water supply operation and timing the steam cabinet operation.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprising a toothbrush device (100) and a charge device (200) is operative to provide an accurate determination and an adequate indication of the duty performance of toothbrushing. The toothbrush device (100) comprises a supply unit (110), a control unit (120) and a driving portion (130). The control unit (120) is provided with a time-measuring portion (121) for measuring the duty time during toothbrushing, a pressure-measuring portion (122) for measuring the duty pressure during toothbrushing, a position-determining portion (124) for determining the duty position during toothbrushing and a computing portion (123) to compute a duty performance. An accurate determination of the duty performance is achieved in computing portion (123) which computes the duty performance in response of the duty time, the duty pressure and the duty position. "duty" time, pressure and position being the time, pressure and position during operation of the toothbrush during toothbrushing.

Abstract: A modular apparatus, for washing and wiping a windshield of a vehicle which has a hood extending downwardly away from the lower edge of the windshield, comprises at least two modules to be assembled together and to the rest of the vehicle. One of the modules is arranged to contain a screen washing liquid, and defines a reservoir for the latter, while the other module includes a windshield wiper.