Abstract: A rare-earth-doped waveguide device which exhibits stable cw laser and amplifier operation for near-infrared optical pumping in a room-temperature environment is provided. The waveguide device is comprised of an x- or y-cut LiNbO.sub.3 substrate on which metal-diffused channel optical waveguides are formed parallel to, or nearly parallel to, the crystallographic z-axis. The LiNbO.sub.3 substrate is rare-earth doped either by thermal diffusion of single or multiple rare-earth ions. Alternatively, the rare-earth doped substrate is doped with rare-earth ions during the growth of the crystal from which the substrate was prepared with additional thermal diffusion of rare-earth dopants as required. This orientation of the waveguide channel substantially parallel to the crystallographic z-axis permits reliable laser and amplifier action without the destabilizing effects of photorefractive optical damage.

Abstract: Fischer-Tropsch fuels having low levels of sulphur and other impurities are applied as fuels for use in fuel cell systems.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Poinsettia plant named `Duenia`, characterized by its bright red flower bracts that are oak-leaf shaped and angled upright with respect to stem axis; freely branching plant habit; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the hybrid tea class having high-centered red flowers presented singly (one to a stem), numerous thorns, vigorous, upright, well branched habit of growth, and dark green, leathery foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named `Kicarl`, characterized by its numerous reddish purple-colored flowers; upright and somewhat spreading growth habit; very freely branching, dense and bushy plant haibt; and dark green leaves with dark purple-red lower surfaces.

Abstract: The new cultivar is a variety of shrub rose plant having a broad bushy growth habit. The single flowers are very small to small and white in color.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of strawberry plant (Fragaria.times.ananassa) named `NJ8826-11`, which is a short day cultivar similar to `Earliglow`, but which is exceptional for its combination of very early season harvest of attractive and extra large fruit, with high productivity, good plant vigor, and disease resistance. The plant is well adapted to matted-row, ribbon-row, and high density planting systems, and performs consistently in diverse environments. The fruit size is much larger than that of `Earliglow`, the major cultivar in its season, and the fruit flavor is good.

Abstract: A mortar and debris collection device for a cavity wall construction has a non-water absorbent body formed with circuitous paths therethrough making the body water-permeable. The collection device has a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass therethrough but insufficient to permit mortar and other debris to pass therethrough to weep holes or other water channels covered by the collection debris. The device may be freely placed on the wall base within the cavity to cover the opening of a weep hole, or may also be placed on existing wall ties within the cavity.

Abstract: The floor mat of the present process is a pliable multilayer structure having an upper face layer and a base layer. The base layer has a main body section bordered by an edge section. Preferably, the main body section is relatively thin and the edge section is relatively thick. A surface of the base layer is adapted to confront flooring overlaid by the mat. The edge section has a channel extending longitudinally thereof, and preferably opening from the bottom surface of the edge section. A portion of the main body section can have a channel molded therein such that a portion of the main body section is disposed above the remainder of the main body section to provide a decorative and aesthetically pleasing design in the main body section.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a generator connected with an output shaft extending from the internal combustion engine, an electric motor axially aligned with the output shaft, an output gear assembly connected to an output shaft driven by the rotor of the electric motor and positioned between the generator and the electric motor, a clutch adapted to connect and disconnect the generator to/from the output gear assembly, a differential gear unit, and a counter shaft oriented in parallel the output shaft driven by the rotor.

Abstract: A method of cancelling ghosts from NMR images. The method involves estimating a phase difference function .DELTA. (n.sub.1, n.sub.2) and using that function to solve a linear system of equations to find the magnitudes of the true object densities at the true image and ghost locations x(n.sub.2,n.sub.2) and x(n.sub.1,n.sub.2 +N/2), respectively, where the image has dimensions N.times.N.sub.s. Experimental values of .DELTA. (n.sub.1, n.sub.2) for a variety of objects indicate that its variation along n.sub.1 is considerably larger than along n.sub.2. Thus, for each column n.sub.1, the phase difference function .DELTA. (n.sub.1, n.sub.2) can be modelled as a one-dimensional function of n.sub.2 with two parameters .alpha. (n.sub.1) and .beta. (n.sub.1), which are estimated from the pixels in the 2-D FFT processed reconstructed image Y(n.sub.1,n.sub.2). These parameters are then used to estimate .DELTA. (n.sub.1, n.sub.2), which is ultimately used to de-ghost the image.

Abstract: A moving-image signal encoding apparatus includes a transmission buffer memory. A first quantization step size for a normal block other than a refreshed block is determined on the basis of an occupied capacity of the buffer memory. A second quantization step size for the refreshed block is determined on the basis of the first quantization step size. A refreshment instruction signal is generated. One of the first quantization step size and the second quantization step size is selected in response to the refreshment instruction signal.

Abstract: A fastener used to secure an object on a channel including a channel nut which may be entered into a slot in the channel and then turned about an axis of rotation to extend in a generally crosswise position relative to the slot for engagement of portions of the nut at locations generally adjacent opposite ends of the nut with edges of the channel. A retainer for the nut has a body and a flange integral with the body which may engage the channel at opposite sides of the channel slot for preventing the retainer from being pushed inwardly completely through the slot when the nut is turned to a crosswise position in the channel and when an object is being fastened to the channel. Resiliently deformable spring elements on the body of the retainer are so sized and arranged as to be engageable with the channel for holding the nut in its crosswise position against slippage lengthwise of the channel slot.

Abstract: An accumulator head for a blow molding machine uses an electromechanical drive assembly for the purging and programming functions. The purging actuator of the drive assembly includes a ball screw and nut assembly in which the ball screw is rotated by an electric motor to move the ball nut assembly vertically and operate the plunger of the accumulator. A second ball screw and nut assembly is included in the programming actuator of the drive assembly for moving the mandrel vertically, thereby controlling the size of the die outlet opening of the accumulator. Preferably, the ball screws of the programming and purging actuators are axially aligned with the nut assemblies each carried by a yoke that travels on guide rods. Four support rods are provided to maintain alignment and provide stationary mounting for the respective motors. The structure has sufficient rigidity to supply the force required for the purging operation, but uses no hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: A method for compressing a digital audio input signal to provide a recording signal in which the input signal is divided into frames comprising plural samples. Each frame is transformed into a block of spectral coefficients, which are divided into plural bands. For each band, block floating is applied to the spectral coefficients therein; a block floating coefficient is generated; the spectral coefficients are quantized with an adaptive number of bits to provide quantized spectral coefficients; and a word length is generated. Finally, there is added to the recording signal a block of data derived from the block of spectral coefficients and consisting of the quantized spectral coefficients, a main word length and a main block floating coefficient for each band, and a reserve word length at least for each lower frequency band. In a variation, zero bits are allocated to quantize the spectral coefficients in bands higher in frequency than a highest usable band.

Abstract: A face shield to be placed in front of the face of a wearer includes at least one light transparent part and a holding device for holding on to the face shield, the face shield includes at least one air deflecting device which is arranged, with the help of the directional effect and kinetic energy of the exhalation air to lead away the exhalation air from the region where the nose and mouth of the wearer are to be positioned, and that the inhalation air is supplied to the region where the nose and mouth of the wearer are to be positioned in essentially different directions to those in which the exhalation air is led away, so that a separation of the inhalation air and exhalation air is achieved.

Abstract: This application discloses a bib 10 having a strap 24 for being worn around the neck of an infant 12. The bib 10 has a compartment 18 within it which houses an irregular shaped wedge 20 made of foam-like material. The wedge 20 can be placed in different positions within the bib 10 so as to change the angle of a bottle 14 in communication with the infant's mouth. Multiple releasable straps 16 connected to the bib 10 hold a bottle 14 or sip cup 38 onto the outer surface of the bib 10. Means for connecting the ends of the straps 16 are disclosed, including buttons 32, snaps 34, hooks 36, and hook and loop material 28. Also mating pieces of hook and loop material means 26 are disclosed for connecting the neck strap 24 of the bib 10 to the back of the neck of the infant 12. An alternative embodiment discloses multiple elastic straps extending from one side of the bib 10 to the other for holding the bottle 14 or sip cup 38 to the bib 10.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a post-surgical garment for use following breast or chest surgery wherein the garment 10 has straps 16 having a length of hook and loop material attached at overlapping ends 18 whereby an individual user 12 drapes the garment 10 over the shoulders and extends the back straps 16 down the front where the ends of the mating shoulder straps 16 are secured with hook and loop material 18 at a comfortable user selectable length which may be about half way between the top of the patient's shoulders and the patient's breasts. The main body of the garment 10 being open in the center and also having overlapping ends having a length of hook and loop material attached thereon, is secured at the front 14. Another length of hook and loop material 20 is located along the hem of the garment which acts as means for attaching a number of attachable and detachable bags 22 provided as means for holding other collection devices 28, bags or, e.g.

Abstract: The control-enhancing material of the present invention includes a plurality of recesses, such as suction cups, positioned on the palm portion of the bowling glove. The areas covered by the control-enhancing material include the underside of the index finger, the underside of the thumb, the underside of the little finger, and the underside of the middle and ring fingers. Basically, the control-enhancing material is positioned at all or some of the areas on the glove that contact the bowling ball when the glove is worn on the hand of the user and the user is holding a bowling ball. The control-enhancing material works to grip the surface of the bowling ball by a suction force and a friction force. The additional grip is maintained even though the user moves his or her hand slightly either away from, towards, or laterally with respect to the bowling ball.

Abstract: An insulted glove includes a bladder having an air chamber defined therein. The insulated glove also includes an inlet valve which is in fluid communication with the air chamber. The insulted glove further includes an outlet valve which is in fluid communication with the air chamber. The air chamber of the bladder has a number of baffles positioned therein so as to direct a flow of air from the inlet valve to the outlet valve. The insulated glove also includes an inner lining and an outer liner with the bladder being positioned therebetween. Moreover, the insulated glove includes an insulation layer disposed between the bladder and the outer lining. A method for warming a hand of a user is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal article, in particular a filling type patternized glove, includes an outer layer, a lining inner layer, a filling medium layer disposed intermediate of the outer and inner layer, and a filling medium filling and discharging controller. The outer layer has a surface provided with various decorative patterns of one or more colors formed by dyeing, printing or coating. The patterns together with a changeable filling medium in the filling medium layer enhance the decorative effect of the glove while providing a health-promoting function. Besides, the glove is made of a foldable material to facilitate carrying.

Abstract: Protective ear covering and method of producing the same, comprising enclosing a flexible, cupshaped insert which may be turned against a biasing force to bulge from a position wherein an ear is insertable through an opening of the insert to a position wherein the insert is attached around the ear, the method including that the insert is attached to the wrong side of the stitched clothing and then turned through its own opening together with the clothing for turning the clothing right.

Abstract: A pants having frayable leg bottoms is provided by provision of at least one circumferential thread stitching proximate each leg bottom. The circumferential thread stitching provides a defined boundary for fraying and cutting the leg bottom to a selected length. The pant legs are cut below the stitching line to define the fabric area for fraying in the pant legs. Fraying in the legs is then provided by separation of yarns at cut bottoms in normal wear and laundering of the pants. In a preferred embodiment, the pant legs include multiple circumferential double needle top stitching rows of thread which are spaced apart from the leg bottoms.

Abstract: A circularly knit hosiery member and garment formed therefrom and a method for producing both. The member has a first tubular portion with a lateral portion having a plurality of courses with short lengths. The garment is formed from a pair of the members disposed in a side-by-side relationship, slit along a part of their length and joined at paris of the edges thus formed to provide a panty section with front, rear and lateral portions. The lengths of the stitches in the courses in the lateral portions are shorter than the stitch lengths in the front and rear panty portions so that the panty section has an arcuately shaped leg profile within the lateral portions. The method includes forming the panty pantyhose combination garment from the two separate tubular members with the stitches in the courses of the lateral portions made smaller than the stitch lengths in the rear and front portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective bicycling helmet with a rear support structure having at least two generally vertical columns mounted in the rear portion of the helmet body for providing improved ventilation while retaining or improving the rigid structural integrity of the helmet.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. The outer casing is made of an elastic material that is overfilled to its elastic limit to act in the manner of the preferred embodiments. In a second set of preferred embodiments, the outer casing of the pads are actually filled no more than a simple gravity fill (i.e., 100%) and preferably are under filled (e.g., 90%) to less than a gravity fill. This second set of pads is preferably used in combination with a hard, outer shell. Variations of the basic feature of the first and second sets of pads are also disclosed. The pads of the present invention are lightweight and washable and can be adapted and integrated into a wide variety of items.

Abstract: A hollow toilet seat having a plurality of inlets in its bottom surface is pivotably secured to a hollow attachment device mounted on a commode. Slots in the toilet seat are in positional correspondence with slots in the attachment device to provide fluid communication for air/gas flow from within the commode, through the inlets into the toilet seat and to the attachment device at least when the toilet seat is in the down position adjacent the bowl of the commode. A selectively operated vacuum pump is in fluid communication with the attachment device draws air/gas from within the bowl of the commode to an exhaust location.

Abstract: A dispenser system for dispensing a variety of soluble agents in the cistern of a sanitary device including toilet and the like. The system comprises members supporting a dispenser container removably attachable to a wall member of the cistern and partially submerged in the water of the cistern. The dispenser container includes means in the lower portion of the dispenser for confining a soluble agent such as a cleaning agent or a deodorizing agent. When the sanitary device is flushed, the cleaning agent or the deodorizing agent exits the dispensing system and mingles with the flushing water near the end of the flushing cycle. A barrier in the dispenser container serves to help form a concentrated reservoir for the aqueous solution of the soluble agent. In another embodiment of the invention, accessory compartments holding different soluble agents are provided by a plurality of removable partitions.

Abstract: This invention relates to dispensing systems, such as lavatory cleansing systems, particularly dispensers suitable for placement into a liquid containing vessel whose level of liquid is capable of changing from an upper level to a lower level and vice versa, such as a toilet tank. These dispensers dispense and deliver a conserved amount of lavatory cleanser, into the liquid containing tank by controlling the rate at which water enters the dispenser. This invention also relates to a controlled solubility lavatory cleanser for use in conjunction with the dispenser.

Abstract: A collapsible plunger includes an elongated tubular handle having a plunger member at an end thereof. The tubular handle is comprised of a plurality of telescoping sections each of which may be locked in an extended or retracted position relative to the adjacent section. The handle may be removably secured to the interior of an accompanying bag allowing the collapsed plunger to be easily and concealably transported from one location to another.