Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Pulmonaria characterized by very large flowers on a compact scape; distinctive flower color and arrangement; and extended bloom.

Abstract: A new plant variety of Chrysanthemum producing small white flowers.

Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum producing red daisy-type flowers.

Abstract: A new plant variety of Chrysanthemum producing yellow anemone-type flowers.

Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum producing small yellow daisy-type flowers with yellow ray florets.

Abstract: A new plant variety of Chrysanthemum producing pink flowers with coral centers.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of the Baccharis plant named `Starn` is provided. The new variety was selected as a single plant from a block of hybrid seedlings. The new variety is a staminate plant that does not produce the white floss (pappus) and seed associated in large quantity with Baccharis plants. The new variety is heat tolerant, possesses drought resistance, exhibits procumbent growth habit and displays green foliage coloration. The characteristics of this new variety of plant make it particularly well-suited for growing as a ground cover in urban desert landscapes and regions with limited water supply.

Abstract: Floribunda rose plant having long lasting flowers of a clear, light pink color; dark green, powdery mildew resistant foliage; well formed bud and flower; and vigorous upright growth habit.

Abstract: A miniature rose plant, a spontaneous mutant of `KORkleiva`, having novel flower color, the petals being a yellow-orange on their upper surface and pink on their lower surface with a yellow-orange rib.

Abstract: This column, of the type having a cross-undulating lining, includes means for returning liquid to the vicinity of the edges of the lining and liquid and gas distribution means which contribute to decrease substantially the height of the column. Application to plants for separating gases from air.

Abstract: An image stabilizing apparatus for correcting a blur of image by using correcting optical means supported in a manner capable of relative displacement in relation to the lens-barrel is adapted to include: detection means for detecting the state of the relative displacement of the correcting optical means in relation to the lens-barrel; amplifier means for amplifying the output of the detection means at an amplification degree corresponding to the state of the relative displacement of the correcting optical means in relation to the lens-barrel; and judging means for judging the state of the relative displacement of the correcting optical system in relation to the lens-barrel in response to the output of the amplifier means.

Abstract: A sense circuit for reading EPROM and ROM type memory cells employs a circuit for generating an offsetting current which is exempt of error during transients and which thus permits to achieve a reduced access time. On the other hand, the sense circuit maintains the intrinsic advantages of a current-offset sensing architecture which is represented by a substantially unlimited operating voltage range toward the maximum value VCC.sub.max. The current generating circuit is driven by means of a supplementary row of cells which is decoded at every reading and which replicates, during transients, the behaviour of the row selected for the reading.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for verifying an authorized user of a credit/identification card. The method includes the steps of scanning the card with an apparatus having a plurality of scanning devices for scanning a bar code, scanning the card for evidence of tampering, scanning at least one fingerprint on the card, and any other detectable information, and comparing the scanned information on the card to information of the owner stored on at least one accessible database in communication with the apparatus. Data transmissions between the apparatus and databases are protected by an encryption system. If the information on the card does not match the information germane to the owner of the card which is stored in the database, the card is withheld from the user. Otherwise, the user of the card is free to use it for a desired purpose.

Abstract: The character reader device of the present invention is capable of reading as read data characters written in a portion corresponding to a given read field on a manuscript; detecting a reject character in the read data; generating a pattern image corresponding to the reject character; displaying the read data, the reject character, and the pattern image; computing the position of a display area for the read data; deciding whether or not the computed display area is overlapped with the display area for the pattern image; shifting the pattern image to the area which is the outside of the display area for the read data if overlapped; and displaying it on the latter area.

Abstract: A photographing light quantity controller for an endoscope, which is used to control the quantity of illuminating light when a photograph is to be taken through the endoscope. The photographing light quantity controller comprises a device for supplying light for illuminating an object to the endoscope, a device for detecting a quantity of light that is reflected from the object and for outputting a signal in accordance with the detected quantity of light, and a device for amplifying the signal, with the amplifying device having a plurality of amplification factors which can be selected as desired. A photographing light quantity control device is provided for controlling the quantity of illuminating light that is supplied to the endoscope when a photographing operation is conducted, on the basis of the output signal from the amplifying device.

Abstract: A cranial remodeling orthosis is shaped to extend across the top of the head with depending regions closely confining the temporal bone regions and the mastoid process regions of the cranium. The orthosis is self-suspending and preferably includes an elastic band for imparting ear-to-ear rigidity to the device.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant garment, having a top end and bottom end, for covering and protecting vital portions of a human body, which includes at least two panels having at least a first panel and a second panel which are adjacent and overlie one another in which each of the panels is constructed of a plurality of at least two layers of ballistic resistant material. The protective garment also includes a multiplicity of multi-panel securement stitches disposed in a row through the panels connecting the panels together in which the row is positioned in a direction angularly displaced from a substantially vertical direction determined generally between the top and bottom ends of the protective garment.

Abstract: Bullet Deflection, Fighting Position Body Armor incorporates a novel bullet defeat mechanism approach different than conventional armor's objective of stopping bullets. Many rifle bullets that are used for military assault rifles are designed to turn or tumble on contact allowing maximum energy to be imparted on the target in minimal penetration distance. Exploiting this bullet/rifle design, deflecting bullets becomes a new attractive solution rather than stopping bullets because significantly less weight required to deflect an "unstable" bullet. Fighting position body armor can be mounted on the user's arms, shoulders and helmet. These locations are not normally protected by conventional body armor thereby providing significant protection when the soldier is in firing/fighting positions. Designs can be made to integrate the Bullet Deflection, Fighting Position Body Armor areas of protection with conventional body armors to optimize weight and areas protected.

Abstract: A shield that is configured for use with a mask to form a protective article. The mask includes (i) a central portion having a pair of opposed edges, (ii) a first portion joined to an edge of the central portion, and (iii) a second portion joined to the other edge of the central portion. At least one of the central, upper and lower portions is formed from filter media. The shield is flexible and transparent, having upper and lower edges, with the lower edge having at least one projection. It is dimensioned to cover the portion of the wearer's face not covered by the mask. The shield is adapted to be attached to the mask and moved between a first position in which the shield lower edge and the lower edge projection lies in front of the mask central portion, and a second position in which the lower edge projection engages the mask such that at least a portion of the shield lower edge lies behind the central portion.

Abstract: A static electricity dissipation garment where the body of the garment is constructed of fabric within which is woven strands of carbon. The body will be constructed as a smock or as a pant suit. The pant suit garment includes a pair of side seams located between the torso section of the garment and down each leg section of the garment. The smock includes a similar pair of side seams in the torso section. A first embodiment of the garment includes sleeve seams that extend along the entire length of each sleeve of the garment and then along the connection of the sleeve to the upper part of the torso section and then along the collar of the garment. Within each of these seams, along the entire length of the seam, is included an electrically conductive ribbon. The ribbon of the side seam is designed to overlap a substantial length of the sleeve seam. The ribbons of the two sleeve seams and side seams overlap each other in the area of the collar.

Abstract: A manicure glove device for wearing on the hand of a user thereof the device including a main portion for accommodating the palm of the hand and a plurality of finger portions extending from the main portion, each finger portion of the plurality of portions having a proximal and a distal end for receiving therein a finger of the hand. Each of the distal portions defines an opening such that a fingernail of the finger protrudes therethrough Also, the glove device is fabricated from a piece of stretchable fabric.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for converting a conventional crew cap into a tubular article of outerwear. The crew cap includes a flexible outer layer and a flexible inner layer that together forms a crown portion and an opened end. An opening is positioned on and defined by either the inner layer or outer layer. In a first use, the open end of the inner layer is adapted to be worn by a wearer such that the crown portion of the inner layer covers the wearer's crown. To convert the cap into tubular article of outerwear, the layer not containing the opening is completely pulled through the opening to form a tubular article of outerwear having a first and second open end. The tubular article is adaptable to be worn by the wearer as a headband or neck warmer.

Abstract: An article of jewelry attaches to a garment which has a belt loop and a fly closure. The article includes a fly closure fastener adapted to be secured to the fly closure of the garment, a belt loop fastener having an opening and adapted to be positioned over the belt loop of the garment, a first elongate flexible member connecting the fly closure fastener and the belt loop fastener together, and a second elongate flexible member connecting an ornamental body or pouch to the belt loop fastener. The fly closure fastener is typically a closed loop, and may have an openable portion. The belt loop fastener may have a flat base portion and depending branches. In addition, the branches may converge to define a narrower opening to secure the fastener to the belt loop. The elongate flexible members may be provided by chains or strands.

Abstract: In one aspect, a pair of suspenders for being detachably secured to a pair of pants, the pants having first and second panels and at least one fastener that detachably secures the first and second panels together. The pair of suspenders includes at least one strap and at least one anchor, attached to the at least one strap, that is adapted to detachably mate with the at least one fastener. In another aspect, the pair of pants has a front panel and a back panel that are detachably secured so that the back panel can be dropped independently of the front panel. The pair of suspenders includes means for attaching the at least one strap to the pair of pants so that the pair of suspenders directly supports the back panel while enabling the back panel to be dropped without removing the suspenders from the shoulders of the wearer. In another aspect, the suspenders are attached to the pair of pants at only two anchors. The suspenders can be employed with a pair of snowpants.

Abstract: A pair of men's underpants is provided with a pocket for receiving and covering the wearer's scrotum. The pocket prevents the scrotum from direct contact with the groin, to avoid discomfort or diseases caused by perspiration.

Abstract: An eyewear lens frame constructed of plastic and rubber like materials that has the added advantage of collecting, transferring and disposing of forehead perspiration through its member parts. Perspiration runoff is captured via a lip seal where it becomes congregated in a collection trough. Excess run off flows through the absorption cutouts where they amass in the frame canal. These fluids become gravitationally expelled out the ends of the frame arms via an inter connecting network of canals.

Abstract: A male urinal device comprising a housing which includes a top wall portion, a bottom wall portion, and a plurality of side wall portions which define an interior urine-retention chamber. An entrance opening in a first side wall portion is positioned adjacent the top wall portion, the entrance opening being slightly angularly disposed with respect to the vertical axis of the housing to facilitate entry of an upwardly directed stream of urine therein, and to facilitate entry of the penis for urination without (or with only minimal) tipping of the urinal. The urinal includes a urine deflector formed by a portion of the top wall portion of the housing and positioned adjacent the entrance opening, the urine deflector being adapted for capturing the stream of urine and deflecting the stream downwardly and into the urine-retention chamber. Also disclosed is a urinal holder comprising a rigid container having an open upper end, a bottom wall section, and a plurality of side wall sections.

Abstract: A toilet cover assembly comprises a seat (1) and a cover (2) each being pivotally connected with a bracket (3) adapted to be fastened to a toilet bowl by means of two interspaced hinges (6,7). The seat (1) and the cover (2) are pivotally interconnected by means of two interspaced hinges of the pin-b earing type, each comprising a hinge member (6) fixedly secured to the seat (1) and a hinge member (7) fixedly secured with the cover (2). One of the hinge members (6) is provided with a protruding pin (9), whereas the other hinge member (7) is provided with a bearing (12) for receiving said pin (9). The hinge members (6) fixedly secured to the seat (1) and the cover (2) respectively are arranged such that the hinge pins (9) can be brought into and out of engagement with the hinge bearings by axial displacement of the seat (1) relative to the cover (2) when the seat (1) and the cover (2) are detached from the bracket (3).

Abstract: A two-piece water closet ring for receiving a water closet drain fitting extending upwardly through a floor and anchoring a water closet to the floor in fluid communication with the drain fitting. In a preferred embodiment the two-piece water closet ring has substantially coplanar bottom flange surfaces when assembled and is characterized by substantially semicircular first and second bottom flanged ring segments, each end of each ring segment terminating in a slotted flange. The channel-shaped ring segments are fitted around the extending end of the drain fitting to form a circular water closet ring, with the raised slotted flange on one end of each ring segment overlying the straight slotted flange on the corresponding end of the other ring segment. Ring mount screws secure the ring segments to the floor and against the water closet drain fitting.

Abstract: A manually powered swimming pool cover drive for extending and retracting swimming pool covers and which includes a pair of overrunning one way clutch devices for intermittent coupled rotation with and also freewheeling about a drive shaft. A drum rotates with the drive shaft and allows winding of a cover about the drum when retracted from a covered position over a swimming pool. A pair of one way clutches may be trained around a drive shaft and coupled for rotating a cable reel allowing for the winding of cables used to extend a swimming pool cover. The respective pairs of overrunning, one-way clutches are reciprocated back and forth respectively in a type of indexing operation, manually and with long lever handles for rotating the drive shafts.

Abstract: A portable lifting apparatus for lifting and transferring of patients for use in combination with a sling or the like support. Separate motors are provided for control of up and down movement of the lifting arm, clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of the column, extension and retraction of each of the legs individually and divergence and convergence of both legs simultaneously.

Abstract: A playyard system adapted to be used in a conventional fixed mode or as a rocker including a playyard in a generally rectilinear configuration.

Abstract: A foldable infant mattress system with a sleeping recess. A head mattress section is hingedly connected to a foot mattress section. Each mattress sections include an end wall and two laterally spaced apart sidewalls traversed to the end wall. The foldable infant mattress system is deployed in a flat position for sleeping and foldable into a closed position for carrying. In the flat position, the end wall and sidewalls of each mattress section together form the recess which contains an infant to a sleeping area. The walls are of sufficient thickness to allow for sound structural support and effective restraint of the infant. In the closed position, the mattress sections form a compact, easily carried assembly. A closing device such as a combination of straps and a snap is used which also forms a handle for carrying the mattress system. The mattress system is constructed of a foam material which is air permeable.

Abstract: A birthing bed for assisting a mother deliver a baby in a fashion so as to use more natural forces which consists of a tilted surface with a movable back support and a cord means which can be used by the mother to pull upward while pressing downward againist biased foot supports which are connected to the cord means.

Abstract: A cushioning element that has a number of substantially parallel elongate columns which buckle under an appropriate load. The cushioning element may be formed from a soft, easily deformable elastic or visco-elastic cushioning media. As a force is exerted against the cushioning element generally parallel to a column, the cushioning media may compress, and eventually the walls of the column may buckle. This equalizes pressure across the contact area of the object being cushioned.

Abstract: An apparatus, adapted to be attached to a crib having a mattress, includes includes a frame configured to receive and hold an object while allowing the object to be seen, fasteners connected to the frame and adapted to releasably secure the frame to the crib above the mattress, and a depending member connected to the frame and having a length sufficient to extend underneath the mattress from the frame when the frame is secured to the crib by the fasteners.

Abstract: A device for cleaning floors or other hard surfaces is disclosed. The device includes a moving absorbent surface (such as a roller cover), a shear member, and optionally a pump. The absorbent surface contacts a hard surface as it is being cleaned. The absorbent surface is adapted to scrub the hard surface and remove a waste fluid from the hard surface. The shear member may take various forms, such as a fixed blade or a squeeze roller. The shear member selectively contacts the absorbent outer surface of the roller and channels away a fluid previously absorbed in the absorbent outer surface of the roller. The pump conveys away a fluid removed from the roller by the shear member. The device may be used much like a mop for cleaning floors, and is particularly suited for residential use by consumers.

Abstract: A mop for use on a surface to be cleaned includes a handle and a mop head attached to one end of the handle. A pair of parallel, spaced apart, uniquely-shaped rollers are rotatably mounted on the mop head. Each roller has an essentially round first surface and an essentially flat second surface extending tangently from the first surface. A sponge material is interposed and selectively movable between the first surfaces of the pair of rollers and includes a tip for contacting the surface to be cleaned. The first and second surfaces of the rollers are capable of selectively wringing the sponge material, including the tip, of water.

Abstract: A massaging and scrubbing device comprising two elongated arms and a torso contacting device. The arms are fabricated from a water impervious material in a preformed configuration. The arms have a resiliency thereto that permits them to be flexed slightly during use and to return to their original shape when not in use. The arms releasably support the torso contacting device in a substantially immovable position when the device is in use. Therefore, the torso contacting device can be removed and cleaned or replaced as needed.

Abstract: A toothbrush assembly comprising a toothbrush having a first and second end, and a bristle head being positioned on the first side of the first end. A stand in the shape of a pair of feet retains the brush in a vertical position when the stand is placed on a horizontal surface. For additional support, a base may be incorporated with the stand. In preferred form, the handle is in the shape of an animate object conforming with the shape of the foot stand. A cover is provided having the shape of a head conforming with the shape of the handle and foot stand, for selectively covering the bristle head.

Abstract: Rotary brush apparatus usable in the environment of a street sweeper includes a generally circular plate to which are secured brush segments. The brush segments are secured to the plate by pins and lock plates movable vertically upwardly in response to rotation of a bolt. The use of the pin and bolt elements allow for the quick change of the brush segments. The lock plates move vertically upwardly and downwardly and are locked in place to keep from rotating by guide elements used for alignment purposes. Apertures in the plate allow for the visual alignment of the brush segments. Pins extend through apertures in the brush segments. The pins may be secured to the lock plates or may be free pins insertable through both the brush segments and apertures in the lock plates.

Abstract: A washing system using a washing implement including floppy filaments free at one end, which may be in the shape of a ball, together with a surfactant-based cleanser.

Abstract: An topical solution application apparatus for convenient and sanitary application of solutions to body parts is provided. The apparatus includes among its essential elements an elongated body; an elongated arm pivotally attached to the body which is pivotable between extreme extended and retracted positions; an applicator head attached to the arm which is designed to receive and retain an applicator pad; and an applicator container attached to the elongated body for receiving and protecting from contamination the applicator pad retained by the applicator head when the apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: In an automotive vehicle, a dual directional slip clutch couples a windshield wiper arm to an electric motor and is operable to disengage the wiper arm from the drive motor during certain conditions. A range limiting system works in conjunction with the dual directional slip clutch and limits the degree of rotation of the windshield wiper arm. If the wiper arm becomes obstructed, the slip clutch will release the wiper arm from the motor thus preventing the motor from stalling ensures or damage to the system that is driving the wiper. The range limiting system ensures the correct alignment engagement when the wiper arm becomes un-obstructed. A single-direction slip clutch mechanism is provided for those instances where it is desirable to disengage the wiper arm from the motor when the arm is traveling in one direction.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade including an elongated, flexible wiper element having a spine and a tip portion for wiping action against a windshield surface. The spine includes at least one elongated reinforcing and retaining vertebra for restraining the wiper element into a desired longitudinal orientation. The vertebra has an elongated body defining a thin, generally rectangular cross-section. The body is formed of a plurality of generally parallel fibers extending longitudinally internally of the body. The fibers are maintained in tension by cured resinous material which defines the exterior dimension of the body.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a robot system for duct cleaning, by which it is possible to detach and remove dust, dirt, etc. inside ducts almost completely and to reduce personnel cost and other cost, and which can be applied to any type of duct. The present invention provides a robot system for duct cleaning used for detaching and removing dust, dirt, etc. attached and accumulated inside the duct. The robot system comprises a robot unit for detaching and removing dust inside the duct and a hose of a dust collector connected to the duct and used for sucking the detached dust. By injecting the air from the air hose made of freely flexible material in backward direction, the robot is moved forward.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a housing having a floor-engaging nozzle fluidly interconnected with a filter bag in a closed filter bag chamber in the housing through a suction passageway, an exhaust vent in the filter bag chamber to exhaust filtered air exiting from the filter bag chamber and a vacuum motor provided in the housing to draw air from the floor-engaging nozzle to the filter bag. An exhaust filter is mounted in the exhaust vent. A sensor in the filter bag chamber detects a condition representative of the flow of air through the exhaust filter element and an exhaust filter indicator interconnected with the sensor provides a signal to a user when the condition reaches a predetermined level to indicate a clogged condition of the exhaust filter. A sensor and indicator can also be provided for the filter bag so that independent signals can be generated relating to the clogged condition of one or both of the filter bag and exhaust filter.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the lower portion of the chamber (54). A main filter element (H) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.

Abstract: A multi-purpose attachment tool for a hand-held vacuum cleaner combines the functionality of both a crevice tool and an extension wand in a single instrument. The multi-purpose attachment tool for a hand-held vacuum cleaner includes an insertion end adapted for friction-fit slidable mounting into the nozzle end of the hand-held vacuum cleaner, a nozzle end adapted for cleaning crevices and the like, and a self-supporting accordion-joint interconnecting the two ends. The self-supporting accordion-joint, preferably an annular bellows, is both axially extendable and bendable off-axis. When it is in its axially collapsed condition, the multi-purpose attachment tool serves as a crevice tool, but when it is axially extended, or axially extended and bent off-axis, the multi-purpose attachment tool serves as a crevice tool and/or an extension wand depending on the cleaning application.

Abstract: A retractable handle device is provided which includes two sleeves, two inner tubes disposed in the corresponding sleeves, and a handle mechanism that respectively receives the inner tubes on opposing ends thereof. Two position-control devices are located at the bottom end of corresponding inner tubes. The handle mechanism has a press bar mounted in a lower casing thereof. Each position-control device has a locating block fastened to the bottom end of the corresponding inner tube, a flat latch, biased by a spring, engaging a locating hole on the corresponding sleeve to stop the respective inner tube from axial movement relative to the corresponding sleeve.