Abstract: A strawberry plant producing large conical fruit on a vigorous plant having good rooting capacity.

Abstract: A new variety of carnation plant producing light orange flowers.

Abstract: A new variety of carnation pot plant producing sprays of white striped picotee violet flowers.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Alegria`, characterized by its daisy-type inflorescences that are about 5 cm in diameter; attractive red purple ray florets and bright yellow disc florets; numerous inflorescences per stem; and excellent postproduction longevity with flowering stems maintaining good substance and color for three to four weeks in an interior environment after one week of cool storage.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Golden Albany`, characterized by its slightly domed capitulum form; decorative-type inflorescences; attractive bright yellow ray florets; numerous inflorescences per plant; uniform flowering in year-round production; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Laguna`, characterized by its medium sized daisy-type inflorescences that are about 8 cm in diameter; attractive dark red ray florets and bright yellow disc florets; and excellent postproduction longevity with flowering stems maintaining good substance and color for three to four weeks in an interior environment after one week of cool storage.

Abstract: A new and distinct Alstroemeria plant variety producing flowers of good quality and attractive coloration, suitable for growing in pots.

Abstract: A new and distinct Alstroemeria plant variety producing flowers of good quality and attractive coloration, suitable for growing in pots.

Abstract: The cultivar is characterized by its dark green foliage and coral bloom. Its strong growth habit, quick rooting time and continuous flowering provide for superb cuttings and also for quick recovery following wet weather conditions. The blooms are slow to shatter and exhibit good post-harvest quality.

Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer mechanism (22) with friction clutches (24,36 and 26,38), jaw clutches (28,14b and 30,16b), and self-energizing ramps. The ramps act between a shaft (12) and a shift flange (32). The shift flange is rotatable relative to the shaft and jaw clutch members (28,30), and defines three reaction portions (32b) which act against three sets of ramps (52a,52b,52c,52d) defined by an annular sleeve assembly (30). The assembly (30) is fixed against rotational and axial movement relative to the shaft. The angles of the self-energizing ramps may be varied to provide substantially the same synchronizing time for several or all of the ratio gears in a multi-ratio transmission. Three circumferentially spaced pins (40) include blocker shoulders (40c,40d) for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw clutches. Three pre-energizer assemblies (42) effect initial engagement of the friction clutches to ensure engagement of the blocker shoulders.

Abstract: A state machine is configured with a phase-locked loop clock signal generator which can operate at a rate faster than an externally generated reference clock signal applied to the phase-locked loop. The output of the phase-locked loop is used to trigger registers coupled to the state machine at a selected rate to enable signals at output terminals of the state machine to be updated at a rate different than the rate of the externally generated reference clock signal.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image processing apparatus includes a first three-dimensional memory for storing first voxel data representing a three-dimensional CT image, a level detector for comparing the first voxel data with CT values of an epidermis, a bone, and a blood vessel, second three-dimensional memories for storing second voxel data (binary) of the epidermis, the bone, and the blood vessel obtained by the level detector, a distance detector for detecting distances between a predetermined projection plane in a three-dimensional space and the second voxel data, a minimum detector for detecting a distance between the projection plane and one of the second voxel data of the epidermis, bone, and blood vessel, which is closest to the projection plane, and a surface image generating circuit for shading minimum values of pixels in the projection plane to generate a surface image.

Abstract: A reflection-type liquid crystal (LC) device having a twisted nematic (TN) LC layer that lets linearly-polarized incident light enter and become circularly-polarized at a reflecting surface, and then linearly polarizes it, after reflecting, with a plane of polarization that has been rotated 90.degree. from the incident light at an light output surface. The TN LC layer allows linearly-polarized incident light to enter at an angle to the molecular plane of light input of the twisted nematic LC, and to linearly polarize the light after reflection. The plane of polarization is rotated 90.degree. from the incident light at the light output surface. The TN LC layer also allows circularly-polarized incident light to enter and become linearly-polarized light at the reflecting surface. Circularly-polarized light after reflection may be rotated opposite the incident circularly-polarized light at the light output surface to provide for reverse on/off states.

Abstract: A self-loading slider supports a transducer proximate a rotating disc. The slider includes a slider body having a leading edge, a trailing edge and first and second side edges. First and second side rails are positioned along the first and second side edges, respectively. The first and second side rails form coplanar air bearing surfaces. A cross rail extends between the first and second side rails to form a negative pressure cavity between the cross rail, the trailing edge and the first and second side rails. First and second trailing edge reliefs are formed within the first and second side rails, respectively. Each relief extends into a portion of the side rail from the negative pressure cavity, at the trailing edge to form first and second rail end portions adjacent the first and second side edges. The first and second rail end portions extend the air bearing surfaces to the trailing edge of the slider.

Abstract: A prophylactic and therapeutic agent for circulatory disorders, comprising a pyrazolone derivative of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, an aryl group, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxycarbonylalkyl group having a total carbon number of 3 to 6; R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, an aryloxy group, an arylmercapto group, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 taken together represent an alkylene group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms; R.sub.

Abstract: The coupling agent is comprised of a pyrrolidyl group capable of being incorporated in the chain of an electroconducting polymer, and a silane group --Si(OR.sup.1).sub.3 which may be chemically bound to a glass substrate in order to form an adherent coating of said polymer. It is obtained by an addition reaction implementing an epoxide function and a primary or secondary amine function.

Abstract: Blood lancet device for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes, in which with the aid of a lancet drive (3) in a housing (1) a lancet holder (6) with a lancet (34) positioned in it and moveable along a predetermined, straight puncture path is moved until the tip (35) of the lancet emerges from the outlet (84), in order to produce a wound in a body part adjoining the outlet (84). The lancet holder (6) also serves to retract the lancet (34) into a position in which the tip (35) is again positioned within the housing (1).In order to make possible a puncture involving especially little pain, the lancet drive (3) has a rotary/sliding transmission system (4) whose input side (16) is formed by a transmission member which is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the predetermined puncture path.

Abstract: A protective helmet including a shell equipped with an optronic unit allowing visualization of an image by a wearer of the helmet. Adjustment of a position of the optronic unit with respect to the sight of the wearer is simplified by prior adjustment of an interpupillary distance of the optronic unit.

Abstract: A ventilated garment is provided having at least one substantially non-stretchable front panel and at least one rear panel, in which the front and rear panels have an opening therein, and in which the front panel includes a substantially non-stretchable, air permeable, vent panel, having a shape substantially corresponding to the front panel opening, affixed to the front panel along the periphery of the front panel opening. The front panel further includes a cover element having a shape substantially corresponding to the front panel opening. A first portion of the cover element periphery is affixed to the front panel substantially along a first portion of the periphery of the front panel opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparel, such as clothing, footwear, fabrics, and the like, which incorporates fabrics or chemicals having a low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the apparel that will minimize the development of blisters, callouses, and irritation of the skin. The invention also includes methods for producing this low friction apparel.

Abstract: A goalkeeper's glove, including inner and upper portions having respectively four inner and upper finger regions and inner and upper hand regions, each upper finger region being connected with a respective inner finger region along their lateral edges, with the outer end inner finger regions having, at a common free end thereof, a finger tip cap provided with an inner hat-shaped plastic compressible padding formed of a rubber material.

Abstract: An eyeshield removably attached to a headgear. The eyeshield manually rotates from a normal viewing position to an out of viewing position above the forehead by means of two sets of pivotal arms attached to a unique bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism. This mechanism applies tension to keep the eyeshield held firmly in place in the normal viewing position, and when the eyeshield is manually lifted toward the out of viewing position above the forehead, tension is applied in the reverse direction to keep the eyeshield held firmly in the out of viewing position. The position of the eyeshield may also be adjusted with respect to the face of the user.

Abstract: An auxiliary shut-off device for stopping the flow of water into a toilet tank, wherein the toilet tank includes a float valve assembly having a float valve which rises within the toilet tank to control the flow of water into the toilet tank. The assembly includes a lever adapted to be pivotally secured to the toilet tank and a control arm having a proximal end secured to the lever and a distal end adapted to engaging the float valve assembly. The assembly is adapted to be mounted within the toilet tank such that rotation of the lever arm causes the float valve assembly to rotate to a stop position and stop the flow of water into the toilet tank.

Abstract: A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating.

Abstract: In a playyard of the type having a frame with an upper rail assembly positionable in a horizontal orientation, the frame also including a lower rail assembly positionable in a horizontal orientation beneath the upper rail assembly, the frame also including four vertically extending corner rails with fixed upper and lower corner brackets pivotally coupled to the upper rail assembly and to the lower rail assembly, the playyard also having vertical fabric panels between the upper and lower frame assembly and a horizontal floor panel coupled to the lower extent of the vertical fabric panels and a support for the lower floor panel including a plurality of straps stitched to the lower surface of the floor panel and secured with respect to the lower frame assembly.

Abstract: A spring assembly comprising a frame, a plurality of rails secured to the frame and a plurality of spaced springs secured to the rails. Each of the rails has a generally U-shaped cross-section and comprises a bottom and two sidewalls. Each sidewall has an inwardly projecting detent creating a receptacle underneath the detent adapted to receive and hold a spring. Each of the springs has a substantially planar lower portion which is generally S-shaped and adapted to be positioned in the receptacles of the sidewalls of the rail and rotated into a snap-fit locked position. In this locked position, the detents of the sidewalls hold the lower portion of the spring against the bottom of the rail and prevent lateral or vertical movement of the spring.

Abstract: A hand-held, multi-purpose implement including a handle provided with a resealable storage container and an adaptor head having at least a pair of insert receiving sockets. A set of interchangeable inserts adapted for storage in the storage container when not in use each have a working end portion and a tang portion receivable in an insert receiving socket. The adaptor head includes a securing device for releasably securing at least two of the inserts in its insert receiving sockets so as to enable the creation of different tools depending on the combination of inserts secured therein.

Abstract: A new and improved cleaning and storage system for a body cavity aspirator instrument includes a holder having a narrow mouth configuration for receiving an aspirator instrument therein for temporary storage purposes between periods of non-use. An inlet disposed in a base portion and spaced apart from a distal end of the holder permits the admittance of a cleaning agent in a sufficient volume into the base portion of the holder to clean the instrument according to the novel method of cleaning. A wiper cap disposed over the mouth of the holder, helps wipe the instrument of residual fluids when being inserted and removed from the holder. A mounting arrangement permits the holder to be supported from any convenient surface in close proximity to a patient/user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screw paint brush (10) consisting of a connector which comprises a connector front and a connector rear having a connector rear opening therein. The screw paint brush (10) further comprises a handle (14) which comprises a handle front (14A) having a handle front fastening, member (14AA) securely attached thereto. The handle (14) further comprises a handle rear (14B) which is securely attached to the handle front (14A) by a handle middle (14C). The handle rear (14B) further comprises a handle rear opening (14BA) therein which functions to accept an extension pole therein. The handle front fastening member (14AA) is removably attachable within the connector rear opening. Alternatively, the handle (14) and brush (16) can be manufactured in a single piece. The screw paint brush (10) further comprises a brush (16) which comprises a brush rear (16B) and a brush front (16A) having a plurality of brush bristles (16C) extending therefrom and securely attached thereto.

Abstract: A soot blower lance tube indexing mechanism including a pinion, first and second pinion ratchet/sprocket assemblies, a spindle, first and second spindle sprockets, and a clutch. The clutch is operable to link the first pinion ratchet/sprocket assembly with the first spindle sprocket to rotatably drive the spindle in a first direction when the lance tube is extended. The clutch is further operable to link the second ratchet/sprocket assembly with the second spindle sprocket to rotatably drive the spindle when the lance tube is retracted. In an alternative embodiment, the lance tube rotates in a single direction regardless of whether the lance tube is being extended or retracted.

Abstract: A system for cleaning carpets and other textiles utilizing an applicator wand with which a cleaning liquid is spray-applied to the carpet and with which the cleaning liquid and loosened debris are removed from the carpet under the influence of a vacuum created by a vacuum pump. The applicator wand includes an operator-controlled aerator valve through which air can be introduced into the flow of cleaning liquid routed to the dispensing nozzles of the wand to thereby permit an operator to readily adjust the condition of the liquid being applied to the carpet between an aerated and a non-aerated condition. In addition, the applicator wand utilizes a flow restrictor valve to limit the strength of the vacuum generated at the lower edges of the wand at an amount acceptable to pull a substantial amount of liquid from the carpet while preventing the creation of an undesirable seal between the lower edges of the wand and the carpet.

Abstract: A caster assembly of a shopping bag is composed of a base for holding the shopping bag, two support frames fastened pivotally with the base such that the support frames can be folded and unfolded, two elastic elements enabling the support frames to return to a folded position from an unfolded position, two casters fastened pivotally with the support frames, and a locating member fastened pivotally with the support frames such that two arms of the locating member are located between the base and the support frames at such time when the locating member is folded, and that the arms of the locating member push the support frames to spread out at such time when the locating member is unfolded.

Abstract: A butt hinge is comprised of first and second swingably coupled hinge plates. At least one of the hinge plates is provided with clearance openings to enable the said one hinge plate to be moved over a given range relative to portions of wood screws passing through said clearance openings. A trim plate overlies the said one hinge plate. The wood screws are tightened, sandwiching the said one hinge plate between a base of a mortise and the trim plate to maintain the hinge plate in proper alignment. Engaging surfaces of the hinge plate and trim plate may be roughened to enhance the clamping therebetween. The hinge plate may be provided with set screws threadedly engaging tapped openings in the hinge plate so as to project from the hinge plate surface to compensate for applications in which a depth of a mortise is greater than the combined thickness of the hinge plate and trim plate to bring the exposed surface of the trim plate flush with the surface in which the mortise is formed.

Abstract: A laptop computer hinge reinforcement apparatus having a support plate and mounting block secured to a hinge. The support plate is fastened to a display panel cover and a support arm. The mounting block is fastened to the opposing side of the support arm. The mounting block has a plurality of threaded bores which are aligned with a plurality of receiving holes of the support arm. The supporting plate also has a plurality of holes and is substantially the same width as the support arm and hinged arm. The mounting block and supporting plate are secured to the support arm by fasteners that extend through the holes of the supporting plate through the receiving holes and into the threaded bores. The fastening means do not pass entirely through the bores of the mounting block. This configuration allows a second set of screws to engage the other end of the threaded bore so as to secure the support arm to the hinged arm.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for rotatably coupling a first member to a second member which includes a friction element for being secured to the first member. The friction element has an internal surface defining a generally cylindrical cavity. The friction element is geometrically configured to have substantially uniform strength. A generally cylindrical pintle for being secured to the second member includes an external surface and is positioned within the cavity with the external surface of the pintle being in facing frictional engagement with the internal surface of the friction element. As such, substantially uniform forces are created between the external surface of the pintle and the internal surface of the friction element to provide torque transfer and angular positional control of the pintle with respect to the friction element.

Abstract: A system for detection of stickiness, neps, seed coat fragments (S.C.F.) and other fiber qualities comprising (i) an autocleaning microcarding device; (ii) a quality video camera for detection of the number and size of neps, S.C.F. and foreign materials per square unit space and of other qualities of the web; (iii) sticky rollers between which the web is pressed; (iv) a vacuum system pulling said cotton web after pressing; (v) at least one computerized stickiness detector; (vi) means for cleaning the rollers from the sticky lint; (ii) and a computer for processing the obtained data.

Abstract: In the blending and spinning processes, 1/f fluctuation signals are imparted to the feed slivers or rovings, wherein the blending ratio of the blended slivers, blended rovings, or blended yarn varies with a correlation, specifically a correlation with a 1/f fluctuation.

Abstract: A positive release bracket (16) for an object such as an electrical connector part (12) includes first and second semicylindrical shells (18,20) which are releasably held together by plates (36,38). On a separation force applied to the connector exceeding some predetermined maximum, one or both plates (36,38) are withdrawn from engagement with the shells (18,20).

Abstract: A system for securing flexible sheeting material S to a series of interconnected frame elements 60 is provided. Multiple frame elements 60 are secured together, such as through end joints 70. The frame elements 60 generally define an enclosure 80 or other structure which is to be enclosed by sheeting S. The sheeting S is then draped over the frame elements 60 until the sheeting S has the desired configuration overlying the frame elements 60. Clamps 10 are then utilized to secure the sheeting S to the frame elements 60. The clamps 10 are "C-shaped" in cross-section and are sized with an interior region 18 thereof similar to a diameter of a cylindrical surface 64 of the frame elements 60. The clamps 10 are sufficiently resilient that the clamps 10 can be flexed to allow the frame elements 60 to pass into and reside within the interior region 18 with the sheeting S interposed between the frame element 60 and the clamp 10.

Abstract: A strap assembly for controlling the inward pressure on ear cups (14) mounted on a helmut (10). A rear strap (22) is rotatably secured to the helmut (10). At each end of the rear strap (22) are a pair of opposed buckles tabs (27). Each buckle defines a slot (36). The tabs (27) have a flexbile pawl (48) formed in a movable cover (44). There are a pair of opposed straps (60) having one end secured to the forward portion of the helmut. The other end of the strap (60) passes through the ear cups (14) and through the slots (36) in the buckle tabs. Each of the straps (60) has a ratchet track (64). When the straps (60) are moved toward one another to increase the inward pressure of the associated ear cups (14) the ratchet track slides under and displaces outwardly the pawl (48) in the tabs (27). Reversal movement of the strap (60) is prevented when the cover (44) is in its closed position.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (20,20') comprising a frame (22), a locking element (30) movably disposed on the frame and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the frame including a locking element receiving opening (28) to receive the locking element when it is moved to its locked position in response to insertion of the tongue (52) having a mating portion (50) which interacts with the locking element, and non-contacting and direct sensing sensor such as a Hall effect sensor and magnet are provided to sense the presence of the locking element with the receiving opening (28).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loosening, cutting, and abrading a web of textile fabric having spun yarns containing wrapper fibers. The textile fabric web is directed under high tension around a rotatable, small diameter tube coated with abrasive particles. Abrasive particles are preferably rounded (nonfaceted) tungsten carbide particles. The tube can be rotated at a slow speed and the surface speed of the tube may be a fixed percentage of the textile fabric web speed. The contact angle of the textile fabric web with the tube is between one (1) and one hundred and twenty (120) degrees. The average pressure between the textile fabric web and the tube should exceed two (2) pounds per square inch (p.s.i.).

Abstract: In an apparatus for needling a fibrous web passing through the apparatus in one direction, which comprises a needle board driven back and forth in a needling direction, and a support opposite the needle board and having a surface facing the needle board, the support surface comprises surface sections inclined in different directions with respect to the needling direction transversely to the one direction and further surface sections following the surface sections in the one direction and inclined in opposite directions.

Abstract: A slashing process for preparing warp yarns for weaving operations including the steps of sizing and/or desizing the yarns in an acoustic resonance box and separating the yarns with a leasing apparatus comprised of a set of acoustically agitated lease rods. The sizing step includes immersing the yarns in a size solution contained in an acoustic resonance box. Acoustic transducers are positioned against the exterior of the box for generating an acoustic pressure field within the size solution. Ultrasonic waves that result from the acoustic pressure field continuously agitate the size solution to effect greater mixing and more uniform application and penetration of the size onto the yarns. The sized yarns are then separated by passing the warp yarns over and under lease rods. Electroacoustic transducers generate acoustic waves along the longitudinal axis of the lease rods, creating a shearing motion on the surface of the rods for splitting the yarns.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ink jet printing head that, based on the face shooter principle, contains a nozzle row arranged in the z-direction in the surface of a plate, allowing an ink jet to be ejected in the y-direction, a membrane plate arranged on a first chamber plate carrying the ink chambers, and paths for delivering and actuators for expelling ink from each chamber. The ink jet printing head also has a second chamber plate in a different level from the first chamber plate. The chambers of the second chamber plate are arranged offset in the x- and z-directions relative to the chambers of the first chamber plate. The overlap of chambers of neighboring levels becomes minimal as a result. After a pre-treatment of the plate material of which the printing head is constructed, a masking and etching of the plates ensues in a parallel plate processing for all individual parts. Separated, finished discrete parts are joined and contacted to form a module.

Abstract: A hemming machine for forming a unitary closure structure from first and second metal panels includes a lower and upper die mounted and moveable relative to each other for edge hemming a portion of the periphery of panels to form a unitary structure. The machine includes a non-hemming jointing device mounted adjacent to one of the upper and lower dies and operable for jointing a portion of the non-hemmed periphery of the panels as the panels are held between the dies.

Abstract: A method of riveting comprises inserting a self-piercing rivet into sheet material without full penetration such that the deformed end of the rivet remains encapsulated by an upset annulus of the sheet material. The sheet material is clamped with a substantial force during the riveting operation in the region around the rivet insertion location. The clamping force is maintained constant throughout at least the major part of the riveting operation and has a magnitude of up to 1.5 tonnes. A riveting machine for carrying out the method comprises a punch, means for feeding rivets successively to the punch for insertion into sheet material to be riveted, a die aligned with the punch for deforming the rivet inserted thereby, and clamping means for clamping the sheet material with a substantial force during the riveting operation in the region around the rivet insertion location.

Abstract: A method of upsetting a headed rivet in a countersunk hole using an electromagnetic riveting machine having two opposed drivers which are impelled against each end of the rivet to upset the rivet with a single stroke of the machine. The movement of the driver at the headed end of the rivet in initiated slightly after movement of the driver at the shank end of the rivet to lift the headed end of the rivet slightly out of the countersink so, when the headed end driver operates, the rivet shank is deformed to fill the rivet hole as the head is driven back into the countersink for good shank interference in the hole adjacent the rivet head.

Abstract: A replaceable bit for a circular saw is provided with a cutting portion of hard metal alloy by machining off the original cutting portion, supporting the remaining base metal portion such that a predetermined selected part extends into a chill mold, melting the surface of the selected part using a plasma arc welding torch, feeding a rod of the hard alloy into the plasma jet of the torch such that melted material from the rod drips into the mold cavity to fill it, the melted alloy mixing with the melted surface of the selected part of the remaining base metal portion in a transition zone, allowing the melted mass of hard alloy to cool and harden into a dome shape in the mold cavity, removing the bit from the mold cavity, and grinding the flank, face and back regions of the new cutting portion to selected final dimensions. Apparatus suitable for performing the process is disclosed.

Abstract: A solenoid actuator, adapted for use in a fuel injector, has a pole member, an armature associated therewith, and an energizable winding associated with the pole member. The solenoid actuator is latchable by residual magnetism between the pole member and the armature without the aid of a permanent magnet. The pole member and the armature are composed of steel having a carbon content of between 0.8% and 1.2% and an RC hardness of between 40 and 60. The armature is reciprocable between a first position in which the armature makes physical contact with the pole member and a second position in which the armature is spaced from the pole member. The armature occupies the first position when the winding is energized and the second position when the winding is deenergized. The armature is held in the first position by residual magnetism between the pole member and the armature when the winding is deenergized after being initially energized.