Abstract: A dwarf avocado tree producing two distinct crops per year of a green-skinned fruit with superior flavor and which said fruit turns black upon ripening.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Heuchera plant named `Petite Pearl Fairy`, characterized by its compact plant form; attractive marbled foliage with dark green to gray veins and silver interveinal areas which fade to green-bronze in the summer; loosely ruffled leaf margins; numerous showy and large flowers; compact, narrow and uniform flowering stems; and excellent garden performance.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Heuchera plant named `Petite Marbled Burgundy`, characterized by its compact plant form; attractive marbled foliage with dark green to gray veins and sharply defined silver interveinal areas which fade to green-bronze in the summer; showy and large flowers; compact, narrow and uniform flowering stems; and excellent garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of New Guinea Impatiens plant named `Duerirest`, characterized by its light pink and red bi-colored flowers; floriferousness; freely and basally branching plant habit; and dark green non variegated foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of plum tree which is distinguished by producing fruit which are mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 16 to June 20 in the San Joaquin Valley of central California and wherein the fruit is small and round with a crisp and firm flesh which does not bruise easily and having a bright yellow-green skin coloration.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of a hybrid tea rose plant named Burwindisary which is characterized by its upright growth habit with flowers borne singly on stems having an ivory cast on lower petals with a raspberry color on petal edges.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of miniature rose, primarily identified by the mauve (lavender) color of its petals and double flowers.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus disclosed enable controlled growth of multicomponent metal oxide thin films, including high temperature superconducting (HTS) thin films, which are uniform and reproducible. The method and apparatus enable a controlled flow and pressure of a gaseous phase of metal containing molecules to be introduced into a reaction chamber, or into an analysis chamber, or into both. The flow into the reaction chamber enables deposition of metal oxides on a substrate and, therefore, growth of multicomponent metal oxide thin films, including HTS thin films, on the substrate. The flow into the analysis chamber enables compositional analysis of the gas. The apparatus also allows adjustment of the gaseous phase flow and pressure into the reaction chamber based upon the results of the compositional analysis. In one aspect of this invention, a heating mantle provides substantially uniform heating throughout the apparatus.

Abstract: Clean burning, non-self extinguishing propellant compositions for use in hybrid automotive air bag systems are disclosed. The propellant compositions are based on a mixture of a crystalline nitramine propellant, an energetic or non-energetic binder and one or a combination of an oxidizing propellant and an energetic plasticizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fibrous suspensions in the wood processing industry and more specifically to a so-called drum cylinder, the basic construction of which comprises a vessel, into which suspension being thickened is supplied and a wire-surface cylinder rotating in the vessel. The drum filter is characterized in that the closure member of the drum filter has a channel for leading gas from the filtrate tubes through the compartments of the distribution chamber to the outside of the closing member. The method is characterized in that the operation phase of the filter cylinder is divided into five separate stages. In the first stage, when the cylinder descends on to the vessel, air and the initial filtrate are discharged from the filtrate components and the formation of the pulp web on the wire surface begins. In the second stage, filtrate is discharged with vacuum and the formation of the pulp web continues.

Abstract: A vehicle in free space or air, with external surfaces primarily fashioned from planar facets. The planar facets or panels are angularly positioned to reduce scattered energy in the direction of the receiver. In particular, radar signals which strike the vehicle are primarily reflected at an angle away from the search radar or are returned to the receiver with large variations of amplitude over small vehicle attitude changes.

Abstract: An optical system for microscopes includes an objective lens for collimating beams of light emanating from an object and an imaging lens for forming parallel beams emerging from the objective lens into an image of the object at a predetermined position, and satisfies the equation:0.5 f<W<1.1 fwhere W is the variable amount of spacing from the contact surface of the objective lens to the surface of incidence of the imaging lens and f is the focal length of the imaging lens. Thus, the optical system for microscopes allows a large variable amount to be secured while holding a good imaging condition and is unsurpassed in extensity of the system to be able to accommodate various modes of observation.

Abstract: A programmable, closed-loop control system that provides for control under normal and seismic conditions. The present system integrates monitoring and control functions and provides for reconfigurable control of these functions. The seismic monitoring and control system optimally controls valve-type fluid flow systems. Separate control algorithms may be programmed by a user to control the system under both normal and seismic conditions. In its broadest aspects, the present system comprises a sensor for sensing a predetermined condition and for providing output signals indicative thereof, a switch, and a programmable controller coupled to the sensor and switch. The controller includes a seismic sensor for detecting a seismic disturbance and providing output signals indicative of the seismic disturbance.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has two units which are engageable with a photoconductive element and provided with a substantially identical configuration. Various electrophotographic process devices including a developing device and a cleaning device and to be arranged around the photoconductive element are selectively arranged in the two units. The photoconductive element is passed over two rollers such that part of the element forms parallel flat portions. The two units and the photoconductive element are rotatable integrally with each other.

Abstract: Male and female members for contact lenses where either member is able to hold the contact lens as it moves from station to station during the hydration process. The female member fits together with the male member forming a chamber. Each of the members contains a line centrally located so that both surfaces of the contact lens are flushed during the hydration process, and drainage takes place radially on the outside of the mated male and female chamber members. These members may be produced on a frame with a plurality of members, usually eight to a frame, to allow ease of processing. Full automation is possible, and complete and positive lens control during and step of the process through the packaging step is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink jet recording sheet which includes a support and an ink-receiving layer coated on at least one side of the support wherein the ink-receiving layer contains a coating composition containing a quaternary salt of dimethylamine.multidot.epichlorohydrin adduct represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## wherein n shows a polymerization degree and is a positive number in the range of 2 to 2000. The ink-receiving layer may additionally contain a (meth)acrylamide-diallylamine copolymer for further effectively inhibiting the color degradation of the image.

Abstract: A method of reproducing multiplex images wherein an electrostatic image is formed on an image retainer by using a common electrostatic image forming device, the electrostatic image formed on the image retainer is developed, the steps of the above are repeated to superpose a plurality of toner images on the image retainer, and the toner images is transferred on a recording paper by one step. The developings other than the first time developing are carried out in such a manner that the surface of a developer layer on a developer feeding carrier does not contact with the surface of the toner image on the image retainer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating submicron lines over a semiconductor material by creating a narrow hard mask over the material using a narrow void-producing process. The narrow void is thus used as a mask to form lines that are narrower than those that can be produced by current lithography techniques. The method can also be used to create sharp emission tips for field effect display devices.

Abstract: A method for protecting against duplication of a document with a color copier comprises providing a background color on a document having an average reflectance value and printing on the background with a contrast color having a spectral characteristic which modulates the average reflectance value by no more than 5% and has an average value equal to the average reflectance value. The contrast color is printed with a printing medium that allows activation by a rub and reveal action or by application of intense light.

Abstract: The cooling pack is a container having a cooling substance contained within it. The cooling pack is generally constructed such that it can be formed in a bowl shape to cover the scalp portion of the users head. By covering the scalp with a cooling pack the lose of hair is minimized during medical treatments such as chemotherapy. The cooling pack may also be used with head wear such as hats, helmets and the like. In addition a head band may have a cooling pack to be worn over the eyebrows.

Abstract: A protective garment for use by an adult with an infant comprises a body portion, a neck opening portion and a fastener. The body portion comprises a first and second edge connecting to form a non-zero angle with respect to each other. The neck opening portion forms an opening in the body portion with the neck opening portion being disposed opposite the non-zero angle of the body portion, such that a line bisecting the non-zero angle to the closest point of the neck opening portion passes through the center of the neck opening portion and forms an axis of symmetry for the body portion.

Abstract: For the collection of hair clippings (21) during cutting of the hair of a person, a collar (1) is fitted around his/her neck. The collar (1) has a surface on which the hair clippings (21) falling from the person's head are caught. The surface is coated with an adhesive for that purpose.

Abstract: The disclosed jacket comprises a layer that is discreet with respect to the visible and infrared frequencies, having a specified thickness, with a specified dielectric permittivity and emissivity close to 1 for the infrared frequency bands considered; a resistive layer, with an electrical resistivity and thickness that are determined so that the inverse of their product gives a specified resistance; a layer of dielectric material with a specified thickness and a specified dielectric permittivity; and a conductive layer with electrical conductivity determined so that it is considered as a reflective plane for the radar frequencies considered.

Abstract: A two-component post-operative compression garment for use in enhancing fluid drainage from a plurality of open micro-incisions in breasts after liposuction surgery has been performed on the breasts. The compression garment includes a first garment component positionable on a person to cause a first magnitude of compression pressure upon the breasts, and a second garment component adjustably positionable in concert with the first garment component to cause an adjustable second magnitude of compression pressure greater than the first magnitude. This second magnitude of pressure is adjustable to thereby provide a pressure adequate to force fluid from the open micro-incisions of the breasts. Methodology of liposuction mammoplasty includes infiltrating each breast tumescently with a fluid that includes a local anesthetic. Thereafter, a plurality of micro-incisions are provided to the breasts and fatty tissue is withdrawn suctionally with operating microcannulas inserted within the micro-incisions.

Abstract: A therapeutic clothing which directs a polarity of a permanent magnet into selected locations of the human to assist in healing of the human body. The permanent magnets are preferably thin members and are positioned to contact the skin of the user. The articles of clothing include a wide variety of apparel including: shirts, gloves, trousers, socks, brassieres, and kneepads.

Abstract: To retain a glove or mitten to a jacket, an elastic loop is sewn into the cuff of the sleeve which is sized to securely receive the barrel shaped cord lock at the end of a glove leash. The narrow glove loop opening prevents the larger cord lock from slipping through the loop, securely retaining the unworn glove to the jacket.

Abstract: A hat having a twist folding brim includes a drape depending from the outer periphery of the brim. The outer periphery of the brim also includes a stiff but flexible member therein, enabling the brim to be twisted and folded over for compact storage of the hat with its attached brim and drape. The drape provides good air circulation about the back of the neck of a wearer of the present hat, due to its distance from the wearer from depending from the outer edge of the relatively wide brim of the hat. The drape also serves to shield the wearer from the sun and other environmental effects. The drape may be permanently or removably attached to the brim of the hat, and may be made in virtually any practicable length, width, and/or material as desired. Adjustment for the length and/or width may also be provided with the hat. The drape may be formed of water resistant, waterproof, or water absorbent materials, with water absorbent drapes providing an evaporative cooling effect when moistened.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an attachment for use with adjusting straps on a cap comprising a sheet of flexible material having a first portion and a second portion contiguous with the first portion. The first portion and second portion each have a width and a length wherein the width of the first portion is greater than the width of the second portion and the length of the second portion is greater than the length of the first portion. The first portion has a widthwise slit having a perimetrical edge and an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sheet. The slit is sized for frictional insertion therethrough of the second portion. The second portion has a first end at the point of contiguity of the first and second portions and a second end opposite the first end. The second portion has an integrally formed engagement region in proximity to the point of contiguity of the first and second portions and adapted for engaging the perimetrical edge of the slit.

Abstract: A structural shell for protective headgear includes a shell-form body composed of a plurality of cells. This structural shell can withstand loads much greater than conventional single walled structural shells, without buckling.

Abstract: A protective device comprising a shell and a liner. The shell includes an interior surface. The liner is associated with the interior surface of the shell. The liner includes a member for enabling control displacement of the preselected regions of the liner upon various degrees of impact of the protective device. The control displacement member comprises a first member and a second member. Each of the first and second members having a top surface, a bottom surface and a different impact absorbing characteristic. The top surface of at least one of the first and second members is associated with the interior surface of the shell. At least a portion of the bottom surface of the first member extends further from the interior surface of the shell and the bottom surface of the second member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable headband for protective headgear with a ratchet mechanism having different resistances. The adjustable headband utilizes a ring gear assembly having a plurality of radially projecting teeth thereon. Each of the projecting teeth of the ring gear assembly has a first tooth side and a second tooth side which is different from the first tooth side. For example, each tooth of the ring gear assembly preferably has a first tooth angle on the first tooth side and a second, different tooth angle on a second tooth side. A spring assembly having at least one spring tooth projecting radially therefrom is connected to the adjustment knob. The spring assembly is positioned such that the at least one spring tooth meshes with the teeth of the ring gear assembly to provide resistance to the rotation of the adjustment knob.

Abstract: Protective sports eyeglasses with a buffer having a shock-absorbing function includes a cushion having a hollow sealed endless shape. The cushion has a 3D tubular space instead of 2D (two dimensions) surface. The cushion is attached on an annular edge of a lens contacting the face of a wearer so as to fit the curvature of the face, and has an inner pressure preset in advance so that the cushion may contact closely and comfortably the face of a wearer with a buffer and a shock-absorbing effect.

Abstract: Each lens member 1 of swimming goggles includes an annular peripheral wall 12 extending rearward from a peripheral edge of a front lens portion of the lens member 1 and a flange 13 formed on a rear end of the peripheral wall 12. The peripheral wall 12 is partially formed with a wall surface portion 14 spaced from a front surface of the flange 13 to define a second groove 16 therebetween and the front surface of the flange 13 is formed with a first groove 19. Each of pad members 2 presents an annular configuration and is formed with a first wall 22 and a first projection 26 adapted to be received by the second groove 16 and the first groove 19 respectively.

Abstract: The Stealth Chest Guard's size is 5"6/8" by 11"3/8" by 3/8" thick, it is comprised of a rubber pad to absorb the hit from an object such as a ball coming off of a bat or a bounce coming from the ground directed to the heart area. The plastic caplike shape that goes over the rubber is to help distribute the impact away from the heart area and give more support to the rubber pad. the soft terry cloth is worn for comfort and to let the skin breath. The flexablity of the rubber pad and the size of this chest guard was a very important factor. The players in the field need protection ,but they need flexability,and protection without the bulk that comes with other protective gear. The Stealth Chest Guard is light weight ,comfortable ,durable, and provides a protection for the players that is not yet available to them.

Abstract: A two flush modality toilet composed of a bowl, a tank connected with the bowl wherein the tank is connected to a water supply, a conventional flush modality for flushing solid waste from the bowl, and a urinal flush modality for flushing liquid only waste from the bowl, wherein the urinal flush modality includes: a bowl valve in the form of a pop-up stopper, pop-up seat and pivot ball assembly at the low point of the bowl; a bowl valve control for selecting between open and closed states of the bowl valve, a passageway for directing liquid waste from the bowl into the sanitary drain; and an auxiliary flush control for supplying a limited quantity of flush water from the tank into the bowl to provide restoration of the trap water in the bowl after a urinal flush modality liquid drainage of the bowl has occurred. A foot pedal selectively operates the bowl valve, wherein when in an open state all the liquid in the bowl is drained. Upon release of the foot pedal, the bowl valve is returned to the closed state.

Abstract: A portable toilet and waste receptacle system is provided including a toilet seat and a conventional bucket for performing toilet functions, said seat being attachable to the upper rim of a bucket for use in locations not having conventional toilet facilities. In one embodiment, a flexible waste container can be placed within the bucket to receive human waste. The flexible waste container can be sealed, stored in the bucket, and a separate sealable lid can be placed onto the bucket to seal-in the waste contained therein.

Abstract: A device is provided for aiding in the removal and replacement of a spa cover atop a spa tub. A pair of lifting assemblies are located on opposite sides of the spa tub. Each of the lifting assemblies includes a spring having an anchored end secured relative to the spa tub and a moveable end. Each lifting assembly employs a lifting arm mounted for rotation relative to the spa tub and including a cover-engaging end attached to the spa cover, a spring-engaging end attached to the moveable end of the spring, and a fulcrum located between the lifting arm ends. The lifting arm is rotatable between extreme covering and uncovering positions in which the spring-engaging end of the lifting arm lies on opposite sides of a straight line extending between the lifting arm axis of rotation and the anchored end of the spring. The lifting arm is rotatable through an intermediate position in which the spring-engaging end of the lifting arm passes between the fulcrum and the anchored end of the spring.

Abstract: A track assembly for allowing movement of a flexible enclosure cover over an area to be enclosed as, for example, a body of water in a swimming pool. The assembly comprises a pair of spaced apart tracks mounted on opposite sides of the area to be enclosed with each being comprised of an elongate strip. Each track strip comprises a cable receiving channel with a gutter or debris trough located generally beneath the channel for collection of debris. Preferably, a slider can be located in the cable receiving channel for locking to the cable and for securement of the cover to the cable. The track can be constructed to also allow for lubrication of the cable receiving channel anabling a slider mechanism to freely move therein. When a slider is used, it extends into each channel at approximately a 45.degree. angle with respect to a vertical direction.

Abstract: A sauna having a substantially airtight room and a heating device is described. The heating device supplies heated air into the room. The sauna includes memory, a detector, and a controller. The memory stores a maximum value and a minimum value of a number of temperature ranges for the room. One temperature range is selected by the user. The detector detects the temperature in the room. The controller selectively activates and deactivates the heating device. The controller deactivates the heating device to lower the temperature of the heated air when the temperature in the room reaches the maximum value of the selected range, and activates the heating device to raise the temperature of the heated air when the temperature in the room reaches the minimum value of the selected range.

Abstract: A shower curtain assembly for enclosing an opening in a shower enclosure in environments where there is a risk that an individual might attempt to use a part of the shower curtain assembly to cause injury to himself or others. The assembly is constructed of a foam plastic curtain support, a shower curtain attached at its upper edge to the curtain support, and releasable attachments that include hook-and-loop fasteners attached at opposite ends of the curtain support to attach the assembly across the enclosure opening. The shower curtain assembly may also include a cover around the curtain support, with the upper edge of the curtain being releasably attached to the cover.

Abstract: A submersible, foldable seat for use in a hot tub. The seat is folded down to be used as a seat and folded up to provide an increased unobstructed area for use of the hot tub for other activities such as exercise. The foldable seat uses pivoting attachment members which allow flush connection to the curved hot tub wall. Frame members of the seat use connectors with transverse apertures to rotatably receive tubular portions of the seat frame to allow folding of the seat.

Abstract: A multi-use children's play set in the form of a simulated vehicle having an elongated, hollow body with front and rear ends and a pair of sides. One side is designed so as to have a plurality of openings with drawers slidably held therein. One of the drawers holds a futon, and a door is provided in the one side to allow a child to enter and exit from a seating area in the interior of the vehicle. A desk and seat for play or writing is provided at one end, while the front end is hollow and may be used for storage or to hold a further futon or mattress. One or more doors may be provided in the hollow front end of the vehicle to allow access into and out of the hollow interior thereof.

Abstract: An upright stand provides lifting assistance to the elderly, the handicapped or the like. It is readily transportable and stowable. The reversible stand may access a variety of furniture items, and it may be successfully employed with sofas, love seats, commodes, chairs, beds, benches or the like. The stand comprises a rigid planar base placed adjacent the user upon the floor or carpet. A specially configured, angled, tower removably coupled to the base supports a handle that is grasped by a user to rise to a standing position. A special knee support on the tower is provided for leg support. For certain patients (i.e., severely crippled or partially paralyzed) it is recommended that the knee support be contacted by the users knees while rising. While simultaneously pulling on the handle a user can deflect his center of gravity forwardly.

Abstract: A lounge chair is disclosed that includes an upper body support portion, an aperture extending through said upper body support portion, and a movable flap secured to the upper body support portion for selectively covering and uncovering the aperture. In particular, the flap can be repositioned to cover and uncover an aperture through a upper body support portion without having to get up out of the chair and without having to reposition the upper body support portion.

Abstract: A cardboard work mat has a pleated configuration, wherein the mat is folded in pleats for storage, and an unfolded configuration, wherein the mat defines a surface area sufficiently large for supporting a mechanic beneath a vehicle. A headrest is formed on one end of the mat by folding over the two or three end-most pleats together and then bonding them together. In an alternate embodiment, the mat is a flexible plastic sheet which has a rolled configuration for storage and an unrolled configuration for supporting a mechanic on the sheet. A headrest is molded or attached to one end of the sheet. Yet again, the pad can be a pleated corrugated plastic pad having a head rest removably attached thereto by hook and eye fasteners.