Abstract: The invention reduces the amount of force and acceleration transmitted to the vehicle occupant in a vehicle subject to the shock of a land mine explosion. In the invention, a set of crushable composite tubes are placed between the vehicle floor and the seat of the vehicle. As the floor moves due to the blast loading, the crushable tubes deform, absorbing the energy of the blast and reducing the acceleration transmitted to the seated occupant.

Abstract: A sun visor assembly is adapted for attachment in a vehicle having a front windshield and a side door window. The sun visor assembly includes a slide track attachable to the vehicle above the side door window. A slide bracket is slidably disposed within the channel. A sun visor pivotably cooperates with the slide bracket, and is pivotable about an axis. An automatic pivot assembly is operatively connected between the slide track and the sun visor for automatically pivoting the sun visor toward a position in which the sun visor is substantially parallel with the slide track as the slide bracket is moved in a direction away from the front windshield, thereby preventing interference of the sun visor with a vehicle occupant as the sun visor is moved between the front windshield and side door window.

Abstract: A photoconductive switching device is disclosed that has an enhanced speed of response so that its closed (low) and open (high) resistive states are obtained in response to optical illumination in the less than nanosecond regime. The enhanced speed of response is achieved by neutron irradiation of a material preferably comprising GaAs:Si:Cu. An application of the improved photoconductive switching devices is disclosed which allows the realization of a high-power, frequency-agile RF source topology.

Abstract: The present invention, as described and claimed, provides for an integrated wireless telecommunications system. Such telecommunications system integrates functionality and elements that are commonly found in distinct components of conventional wireless telecommunications systems. For example, the telecommunications system may includes a radio controller and switching center.

Abstract: A generic telecommunications system and associated call processing architecture is disclosed herein. Such generic telecommunications system provides for, among other things, a call processing application that can be used with telecommunications systems that incorporate varying different technologies and standards. Such call processing applications may, for example, include a switching center, such as a mobile switching center. The switching center may include multiple agents to process calls from one access technology to another access technology. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a first agent is associated with the origination of a call connection while a second agent is associated with the destination of a call connection. The first agent is operable to convert a call setup message from a format consistent with a first access technology or standard, such as GSM, to a standard format.

Abstract: Compounds for control of insects and arcarids are disclosed and exemplified which are N-(arylalkyl)-4-[bis(substituted aryl)hydroxymethyl]azabicyclo[3.3. 1 .]nonanes and [3.2.1.]octanes, including N-oxides thereof, N-(substituted-oxy) derivatives thereof, and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, having the formula: ##STR1## Certain novel intermediates for these pesticidal compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of toner additive wax particles which comprises the micronization of said particles from a supercritical solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing at least one calibration prompt message to an operator of a work machine is disclosed. Whether the work machine control system is in calibration mode is determined. At least one calibration prompt message containing a detailed description of the calibration step to be performed is read from a memory. At least one calibration prompt message is provided to the operator. Preferably, at least one abbreviated calibration routine message is provided to the operator in a text message on a first display and the calibration prompt message is provided to the operator in a scrolling text message across a second display of the user interface.

Abstract: A vegetatively reproduced buffalograss cultivar named NE86-61 is distinguished from other commercially produced buffalograss varieties by its excellent turfgrass color, cold tolerance, high density, dark green color, low growth habit, and rate of establishment. NE86-61 is also distinguished from other varieties by molecular markers and nuclear DNA content. NE86-61 is suitable for use in low to medium maintenance situations in arid and semi-arid climates of United States and Canada.

Abstract: Poinsettia `799` is a new cultivar, distinguished by dark red flower bracts, large flower clusters, dark green foliage, self-branching characteristics and 91/2-week flowering response time. The new plant produces a very desirable branched flowering pot plant for the mid-season holiday market. Poinsettia `799` is resistant to epinasty after being confined to shipping containers. The post-production foliage and bract retention is excellent even under low light intensities in the consumer's home.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Verbena plant, named Silvena, characterized particularly as to novelty by large, early-appearing purple flowers, and a growth habit that is initially semi-erect but later spreading and hanging.

Abstract: Hybrid tea rose having yellow, edged in orange-pink flowers; attractive, long well shaped bud; long open flowers on long stems; good cut flower production; and glossy, dark green foliage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peach tree, Prunus persica, and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a large sized, vigorous, hardy, self-fertile, productive and regular bearing tree. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described approximately the first week in July, with first picking on Jul. 4th, 1997. The fruit is uniformly large in size, sweet and subacidic in flavor, globose in shape, clingstone in type, firm in texture, white in flesh color, and mostly red in skin color. The variety was developed as a first generation cross using Diamond Ray (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8948) yellow flesh nectarine as the selected seed parent and an unnamed white flesh peach seedling as the selected pollen parent.

Abstract: Poinsettia `Eckabish` is a new cultivar, distinguished by bright raspberry red flower bracts, dark green foliage, self-branching characteristics, and 8-week flowering response time. The primary flower bracts are dentate to serrate and the flower clusters are prominent. The new plant produces a very desirable branched flowering pot plant for the holiday season market. `Eckabish` is resistant to epinasty after being confined to shipping containers. The post-production foliage and bract retention is excellent even under low light intensities in the consumer's home.

Abstract: A new and distinct strain of apple, designated `CB515`, originated as a limb sport on an `Empire` tree. It matures with `Empire` or slightly earlier and develops red color 21/2 weeks earlier than the parent. Other significant improvements over `Empire` include increased color intensity, a higher percentage of red color and increased spur density and cropping.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Panicum plant named `Dallas Blues`, characterized by its large grayed blue-green leaves; large, dense plant habit; moderate to vigorous growth rate; late flowering; rich winter foliage color; and very large panicles that are maintained throughout the winter and into the spring providing ornamental interest.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Yolompoc`, characterized by its uniformly mounded plant habit; freely branching habit giving a full and dense appearance; uniform and early flowering; numerous inflorescences per plant; large daisy spray-type inflorescences that are about 7.5 cm in diameter; red purple ray florets with bright yellow disc florets; and good postproduction longevity with inflorescences and leaves maintaining good substance and color for about three or four weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Yolima`, characterized by its compact and uniformly mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; uniform and early flowering; anemone spray-type inflorescences that are about 5.5 cm in diameter; attractive pink-colored ray florets and light green to dark pink-tipped disc florets; numerous inflorescences per plant; and excellent postproduction longevity with inflorescences and leaves maintaining good substance and color for about four or five weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: An automated interrupt driven system which employs a circular buffer is used to sort materials based on differing electromagnetic radiation absorption and penetration characteristics. The system has a conveyor and a source of electromagnetic radiation which radiates materials travelling along the conveyor. A controller samples detector outputs at various times to evaluate the absorption and penetration characteristics of the materials to be sorted, based on a plurality of samples. Portions of the materials are ignored to obtain accurate readings from the detectors. Based on the detected penetration and absorption characteristics, the controller activates ejection mechanisms causing materials of different compositions to be deposited into different bins. The controller executes interrupts to cause detection, ejection, testing, and system history maintenance at required times.

Abstract: A disk drive assembly in which the suspension, slider and transducer are integrated and fabricated to produce a combination assembly. The combination transducer-slider-suspension assembly is batch produced by forming a plurality of the combination assemblies onto a single wafer. The wafer is then diced to separate the assemblies into individual sections. The transducers are deposited onto the wafer and the air bearing surface formed. Conductors to interconnect each transducer with the external circuits are insulated from the wafer and deposited along a path which will form the suspension. A spring-like resilient layer is then deposited over and electrically insulated from the conductors. The wafer is then pattern etched to remove a portion of the wafer backside to form the suspension and provide a transducer/slider combination having an air bearing surface after the wafer is diced to separate the individual combination assemblies.

Abstract: A direct vent gas baseboard heater has field installable concentric air intake tube and exhaust pipe. The intake pipe and exhaust tube can be cut separately from the remainder of the heater, improving the efficiency of installation. They can also be transported aligned with the remainder of the heater, reducing packaging size. The manufacturer can provide a single size of tube and pipe for a variety of installation situations. The tube connects to a base cabinet through a key hole configuration of tabs and cuts, and is twisted until the tabs meet stops in the base cabinet. An extrusion in an air box in the base cabinet is brought against a gasket on a flange on the tube, fixing the tube and sealing it with the air box. The exhaust tube has a threaded end and is threaded into an exhaust outlet in the air box, sealing is to a heat exchanger. A vent seal kit creates a seal assembly having a resiliently deformable ring seal extending into a wall sleeve with straps.

Abstract: A process by which a package for a memory card is manufactured. The package comprises chiefly two stamped steel covers, (an upper and a lower cover half), each secured to a plastic frame element. The cover halves are secured by extended fingers which wrap around the plastic frame. This provides a double layer of metal at the perimeter of the frame. The two cover halves are situated so as to encapsulate the subject PCB and to affix it in its proper position. The two cover halves are then welded together using sonic welding on the plastic frame. The package has been designed to meet all PCMCIA standards, including polarizing keys and grounding points.

Abstract: In a welding station, particularly for motor-vehicle bodies, the elements to be welded are locked in a precise position by locking devices carried by locating gates. There are provided a number of parts of locating gates, corresponding to the number of different types of structures to be welded on which the station must operate. The gates are mounted on powered carriages which are guided longitudinally on both sides of the conveyor line to allow the pair of gates which are in the operative position to be rapidly interchanged. The elements of the structure to be welded reach the work area suspended to a hook, without being preliminarly connected to each other.

Abstract: A railroad switch stand is provided for operating a railroad switch between two positions. The switch stand comprises a connecting rod connected to an operating mechanism for causing reciprocation of the connecting rod, and a handle connected to the operating mechanism for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between two operative positions. The handle has an open framework having an external configuration which is generally triangular in shape, with the apex of the triangle disposed at the inner end of the handle part where it is connected to a stub portion of the handle. With this configuration, the outer end of the handle presents a portion extending upwardly which can be easily grasped by a railroad personnel when it is desired to throw a switch.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a windshield molding by the extrusion process. The molding includes a pair of extruded side molding parts and an extruded upper molding part integral with and extending between the side molding parts. The side molding parts have large thickness portions where water drain channels are formed. The water drain channels have sufficient capacity to guide fluid such as rain water from the outer surface of the windshield.

Abstract: The closing of tubular casings containing foodstuffs by mounting a binder on a constriction of the casing involves the traditional problem of a high waste percentage due to the binders either damaging the casing material or sliding off the constriction. A method and a binder are proposed which makes it possible to obtain a very strong clamping of the binder without damaging the casing material, and, in connection with tight plastic casings, it is even possible to provide a "super tight" closure, by ranging the constriction with an oblong cross section between opposed straight clamping beams, which are forced together so as to produce a controlled deformation flowing of the casing material.

Abstract: A double twin bobbin four pole motor is disclosed. The motor includes a first and second stack of magnetically conductive stacked laminations. The first stack includes a four pole central portion with a rotor opening and two pairs of spaced side legs, each spaced pair of side legs extending from opposite sides of the central portion generally in mirror image relationship with one another and terminating in an outer free extremity. Each of the stacked side legs of the stacked spaced pair of side legs have a combined predetermined outer cross sectional configuration. The second stack of laminations includes a pair of separate magnetically conductive stacked laminations for attachment to the outer free extremities of each pair of stacked side legs. Each of the second stack of laminations have a combined predetermined outer cross sectional configuration.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device, in which a focus lens is driven for tracking an object-in-motion to obtain an in-focus state, based upon a focus prediction that is executed from repeated distance measurements. Tracking is continued even if the position of the focus lens falls into the predetermined focus allowance, so as to make it possible to take a well-focused photograph at any time.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of selectively enhancing the analgesic potency of morphine and other clinically used bimodally-acting opioid agonists and simultaneously attenuating development of physical dependence, tolerance and other undesirable side effects caused by the chronic administration of said bimodally-acting opioid agonists comprising the co-administration of a bimodally-acting opioid agonist which activates both inhibitory and excitatory opioid receptor-mediated functions of neurons in the nociceptive (pain) pathways of the nervous system and an opioid receptor antagonist which selectively inactivates excitatory opioid receptor-mediated side effects. This invention also relates to a method of using excitatory opioid receptor antagonists alone to block the undesirable excitatory side effects of endogenous bimodally-acting opioid agonists which may be markedly elevated during chronic pain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is a C.sub.4 -C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl; and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: The use of a fatty oil ex Helianthus annuus containing 78 to 92% by weight oleic acid and 2 to 10% by weight linoleic acid for the production of .Iadd.azelaic acid or for the production of .Iaddend.diperazelaic acid .Iadd.from the azelaic acid thus produced.Iaddend., with elimination of enrichment steps with respect to the oleic acid content, by fat splitting, distillation, oxidative ozonolysis of the fatty acid mixture obtained, and .Iadd.in the case of production of diperazelaic acid by .Iaddend.reaction of the azelaic acid thus obtained with hydrogen peroxide to form diperazelaic acid. The resulting diperazelaic acid has improved stability in storage and is obtained in high yields and in highly pure form.

Abstract: A garment (20) for inhibiting relatively moving air from contacting a portion of a person wearing the garment. The garment (20) comprises a first panel (22) for inhibiting relative air movement contact against a portion of the body of the person. The first panel (22) includes a first fabric layer (62), a second fabric layer (64) and a first membrane (66) located between the first and second the first fabric layers. The first membrane (66) is water-resistant. The first panel (22) has an air permeability of not more than 3 CFM/ft.sup.2 and a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 800 gm/m.sup.2 .multidot.day. The garment (20) also comprises a second panel (24) connectable with the first panel (22). The second panel (24) includes a third fabric layer (62a), a fourth fabric layer (64a) and a second membrane (66a) located between the third and fourth fabric layers. The second membrane (66a) is water-resistant. The second panel (24) has an air permeability of at least 6 CFM/f.sup.

Abstract: The veil consists of two pieces: a body portion and a hinging portion. The body portion frames the face and covers a substantial portion of the head. The two pieces of the veil are attached at a central location of the body portion when worn which provides for ease of movement from a covered to uncovered state.

Abstract: A convertible head apparel of unitary construction is wearable in one of two different hat modes and two different turban modes. The head apparel is constructed with two pockets. One pocket conceals the hat modes when the head apparel is converted for wear in either of the turban modes. The other pocket conceals the turban modes when the head apparel is converted for wear in either of the hat modes. A brim may be added to the hat modes.

Abstract: An article of clothing of shorts or pants type, having a pair of front panels, overlying a vent backing panel. The joined central sides of front panels having unjoined portions defining dual vents. The dual vents provide access to the penis through two separate pathways. The dual vent shorts while providing easy access for right-handed individuals as well as left-handed individuals also provide a secure housing to contain the penis during the normal course of activity. The unique design also provides a vent backing panel to serve as a moisture barrier to prevent moisture from soiling the outer garment. Embodiments include applications for boxer shorts, boxer-briefs, and briefs. Fabric for the shorts include woven, knit, and a combination of both woven and knit components.

Abstract: A women's undergarment with rear pouch including a body portion adapted for being worn about a trunk of a wearer below a waist thereof. The body portion includes a front portion and a back portion fabricated of a four way stretch fabric. The back portion includes an interior layer and an exterior layer. A four way stretch fabric band is provided that is adapted for being worn about a waist area of a wearer. The four way stretch fabric band is secured to the body portion. The back portion of the body portion has a pocket formed thereon. The pocket receives a microphone pack therein.

Abstract: A ventilator for use with a toilet has a motor driven fan and an air freshener disposed in seriatim in the customary narrow gap between a raised closet seat and a flush tank, for inducing vitiated air from a closet bowl, and discharging freshened air into the ambient atmosphere. A thin housing, supporting a fan and an air freshener, is attached to the front of the flush tank, behind the raised seat. The large height, width, area and volume, of the gap behind the raised seat, accommodates a large canister, fan, air freshener, and battery to energize the fan motor. The ventilator is relatively unobtrusive for a large ventilator, and often hidden by the raised lid.

Abstract: A toilet stool capable of being seated for use in defecation or urination, and a toilet stool for use in defecation or urination which is characterized by mounting a toilet seat whose opening width can be varied. The toilet stool comprises a toilet seat having two foliar plates capable of freely falling onto the upper surface of a peripheral edge portion of the toilet stool as a pedestal and a toilet lid mounted on the toilet seat; wherein the foliar plates of the toilet seat is linked to the driving portion of the rear portion of the toilet seat so that the foliar plates of the toilet seat vary the opening width of the toilet seat.

Abstract: A collapsible infant bathtub in the present invention is made of a base, a headrest, a footrest and pressing devices. On each end of the headrest and footrest is respectively provided with a slider to receive each head end and foot end of the base. When being pulled outward along each skirt of the base, each slider will touch the slant surface of the button of each pressing device to force each button to shrink inside for each slider to pass on, and then each button will protrude outward the hole of each slider and stop each slider so as to prevent the headrest and footrest from being wholly pulled outward. On the bottom of each slider is provided with a catching member so as to stop against each stopping block of the base to firmly secure the headrest and footrest. After each button being pressed to shrink inward, each slider can be pushed inward along each skirt of the base to a secured position so as to collapse the infant bathtub for storage or carriage.

Abstract: A controlled plumbing fixture comprises a plumbing fixture, an electromechanical valve operably associated with the fixture for regulating water flow thereto, a control operably associated with the valve for controlling operation thereof, and a push button assembly cooperating with the control. The push button has an axially movable plunger, an axially movable signal supplying element, and an elastomeric member disposed about and slidably engaged with the signal supplying element for selectively positioning and maintaining the signal supplying element intermediate axially spaced first and second points. The push button is operably associated with the control for causing a demand signal to be supplied to the control for thereby causing the control to supply a control signal to the valve, so that operation thereof occurs upon actuation of said signal supplying element by movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A dual position fastener for use in attaching a plumbing fitting having an exteriorly threaded conduit to sink decks of varying thickness has an elongated, generally cylindrical body with an interior bore. The bore is threaded. There is a radial extension at one end of the elongated body with the radial extension having oppositely facing generally parallel surfaces, which surfaces are essentially normal to the axis of the bore. One of the parallel surfaces is at the end of the fastener, with the other of the parallel surfaces being axially spaced from the one end. Each radial surface is adapted to abut the underside of a sink deck when the fastener is used in attaching a plumbing fitting. The one radial surface abuts the underside of a sink deck and the elongated body extends away from the sink deck in one position or use of the fastener, with the other radial surface abutting the underside of a sink deck and the elongated body extending toward the sink deck in a second position or use of the fastener.

Abstract: A support structure for beds and the like is described comprising a plurality of components which are easily secured together in a minimum amount of time. The scaffold or support is comprised of a pair of floor cross supports, four vertical legs, a pair of lower cross supports, a pair of left end supports, a pair of right end supports, bed cross pieces, a pair of ceiling beams, and a pair of upper cross supports. When assembled, the floor space beneath the support structure is available for use.

Abstract: A sleeping bag (11) design for providing adjustability of the inner volume and outer exposed surface area of the bag comprises sheathed drawcords (14), preferably elastic, attached only to the top or upper portion of the bag and secured by cord locks (16) A user of the bag can tighten the drawcords during cold weather, thereby providing a warmer bag by reducing the inner volume and the exposed outer surface area of the bag without reducing the thermal protection provided to the lower portion of the bag by an underlying flat insulated pad, as would be the case with drawcords fully encircling the bag. During warmer weather, the user can relax the drawcord adjustment, thereby providing the user with more freedom of movement. Thus a considerably more versatile sleeping bag is provided--that can be adjusted to provide more warmth during cold weather or more freedom of movement during warmer weather.

Abstract: A pillow with cantilever supports for supplying comfortable support for a body part without supplying an undesirable pain generating force against a tender or pain prone body portion located adjacent to the supported body part. The pillow includes a pillow assembly that is positioned within a removable outer cover member. The pillow assembly including middle firmness density foam lower pillow layer member, two identical spaced, firmest density foam center pillow layer members, and two identical spaced, firmest density foam center pillow layer members. The outer cover member surrounds the pillow assembly and includes a pillow assembly insertion opening sealable with a flap.

Abstract: A cushion comprising an orthotic base which has a flexible body of sufficient strength to support a user while conforming to the buttocks and legs of the user and pillars on the bottom of the base to support the same and being of desired height and positioning to position the user in a desired position. The disclosure shows a preferred composite cushion comprising the orthotic base; a foam top on the base with a T-shaped cutout at the rear to accommodate an air cell pad; a balance foam underpad of smaller front to rear measurement than the base and movable from the front to the rear of the base to incline the user in a desired front to rear positioning and from left to right to position the user in a left to right direction; and a cover enclosing the base, the foam top, the air cell pad and the underpad. Removable support members are attached to the pillars beneath the orthotic base at predetermined locations to shape the top surface when a load is applied.

Abstract: An automated weldless inter-locking grating assembly for bridge decks and the like which includes a plurality of primary load-bearing members located laterally, a plurality of transverse secondary load-bearing members and a plurality of trimorphic load-bearing members. Secondary load-bearing structural members are inserted sideways into apertures of primary load-bearing members and trimorphic load-bearing members. Thus, when a horizontal force is applied to alternate primary or trimorphic load-bearing members or any combination thereof, rotation of secondary load-bearing member or members occur to efficiently and automatically lock secondary load-bearing member or members into primary and trimorphic load-bearing member or members completing assemblage thereof into a rigid structural form.

Abstract: Method for building bridges and bridge built according to the method especially a girder bridge with one, two or more girders or longitudinal beams resting on supports at abutments or the like. The novelty lies therein that the girder or longitudinal beams have end portions extending beyond the supports at the abutments and that between such extending ends and the abutments are arranged anchoring devices which after being fixed to the ends of the extending ends of each girder exert a supporting moment to the portion of the girders between the abutments.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a head portion of a medical stethoscope. The head portion of the stethoscope includes a diaphragm capable of transducing medical sounds when positioned during use in juxtaposition relative to a patient. The cleaning apparatus of the present invention includes a housing defining an interior cleaning chamber and having an opening communicating between an exterior of the housing and the cleaning chamber. The opening in the housing permits the head portion of the stethoscope to be inserted into the cleaning chamber. An apparatus is arranged in the cleaning chamber for disinfecting the head portion of the stethoscope inserted through the opening.

Abstract: A scraper tool of one-piece construction is conformable for use in scraping various surfaces and is made up of a generally arched body portion having an intermediate handle section to be gripped by the user and scraper blades at opposite ends of the body portion provided with edges extending in opposite directions transversely across the width dimension at each end so that the application of force in either lengthwise direction to the body portion will cause one of the blades to scrape the materials away from the surface. In an alternate embodiment, the scraper tool may include a handle extension pivotally connected to the body portion and provided with a brush on the handle extension.

Abstract: A Cleaning and Scouring Glove for providing a waterproof glove useful for scrubbing and cleaning. The inventive device includes a waterproof glove including a palm portion, a back portion, finger stalls, and a thumb stall cooperatively joined together to fit a wearer's hand. A generally flexible scouring material is disposed on each of the finger stalls and the thumb stall, and a generally flexible absorptive material is provided on the palm portion of the glove thereby facilitating different types of washing actions with the same glove.