Abstract: A miniature rose plant having pale, cream-pink flower color; 13/4 inch open flowers borne singly and in clusters of three to five; pointed ovoid bud form; long flower life on the plant; and medium, dark green, semi-glossy foliage.

Abstract: Floribunda rose plant having a light yellow flower color; high flower production; excellent vase life; good shipping qualities; and very vigorous growth habit.

Abstract: Floribunda rose plant having orange flower color; high flower production; excellent vase life; good shipping qualities; and very vigorous growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named `BFP-1520`, characterized by its numerous semi-double bright coral pink-colored flowers; upright and rounded growth habit, basal branching; and dark green leaves with a distinct zonation pattern.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by unique flower panicles, attractive leaf coloration, and large flowers.

Abstract: A black tupelo tree named `NXSXF` having an upright, conical growth habit with a dense foliage canopy, a dominant leader with uniformly spaced secondary branches extending upwardly, consistent red fall color, leaf spot resistance, and the capability of being reproduced reliably by budding.

Abstract: A composite friction unit includes a three dimensional composite body formed of a substantially uniform array of predominately glass strands of primary reinforcing fibers in matrix of phenolic resin material, the reinforcing fibers distributed throughout the body in a predetermined uniform distribution and orientation, and a substantially uniform array and distribution of secondary fibers extending transverse to the primary fibers thereby forming a friction unit having a predetermined size and configuration and uniform distribution and alignment of fibers throughout.

Abstract: A microstructure design for high IR sensitivity having a two level infrared bolometer microstructure, the lower level having a reflective metal film surface such as Pt, Au, or Al to reflect IR penetrating to that level, the upper level being separated from the lower level by an air gap of about 1-2 microns which allows the reflected IR to interfere with the incident IR and increase the sensitivity to a higher level.

Abstract: In a video telephony system, a coaxial cable network, which is preferably a part of an existing cable television system, provides a local link for the transmission of the video telephone signals between each originating and destination location and a respective "head end" located on the cable company premises. Each of the head ends is connected to a "point of presence" of a telephone interexchange carrier so that a connection between pairs of head ends, and thus between a pair of video telephone locations, can be made via a switched digital network maintained by the carrier. Certain of originating and destination locations comprise a standard television set, serving as the audio/video display, and a consumer-type camera or camcorder, serving as the audio/video source. Others of the originating and destination locations comprise ISDN video telephones which are connected to the various points of presence of the interexchange carrier via local exchange carrier telephone networks.

Abstract: In an FM television signal angle modulated with luminance and chrominance information, there exists a high degree of correlation between picture elements occurring one line period apart. In an effort to steer the pass band of a tunable bandpass filter to the instantaneous frequency of the incoming television signal, a steering signal is developed which utilizes this high degree of correlation. For NTSC systems, luminance information is delayed by one-line period (63.5 us in the U.S.A.) and combined with suitable delayed chrominance information to form the filter's steering signal. For MAC systems, one-line delayed luminance and two-line delayed chrominance information are alternately applied to the filter as its steering signal. By steering the pass band of the filter to the incoming signal, maximum signal will be captured with minimum noise, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio of a color television system.

Abstract: A holder holds a mini-disc cartridge and mounts the disc on a turntable. An optical pickup transport holding an optical pickup for applying a laser spot to a signal record track of the disc is movably supported by a guide rod. A magnetic head contacts the disc and applies a magnetic field to the back surface of the disc where the laser spot is applied. A switch judges whether the data record to the disc is to be permitted. The magnetic head is pushed against the disc only when the mounted disc is permitted to record data and the data record is to be performed.

Abstract: An integrated tunable optical filter comprising a substrate made of a semiconducting material. The substrate includes first and second sections. The first section forms a tunable transmission filter, based on a codirectional coupler having a low selectivity. The second section forms a reflection filter with a reflection spectrum containing a number of peaks. A first injector, designed for current injection into said first section, is provided. Thus, the filter response of the first section is shifted in wavelength over a large wavelength range. There is also a second injector, designed for current injection into the second section. As a result, the reflective spectrum of the second section is slightly shifted in wavelength, in such a way that one reflection peak of the reflection spectrum corresponds to the coupling wavelength of the first section. Consequently, the total filter response has a very narrow bandwidth and wide tunability.

Abstract: A light influencing element and the process of fabricating the same is disclosed, wherein the light influencing element is fabricated by disposing a layer of a substantially opaque material upon a transparent substrate. One or more openings or wells may then be cut or formed in the surface of the layer of opaque material. Into such openings a light influencing material is then disposed, preferable said materials are injected thereinto as by ink-jet type injection heads. Liquid crystal displays and subassemblies formed upon the light influencing elements of the instant invention are also provided.

Abstract: A radio telephone apparatus power-supplied with a battery comprises a power supply control .[.means.]. for controlling the battery so as to terminate power supply if the apparatus is not operated for a predetermined time period. The apparatus further comprises .[.means.]. .Iadd.an alerting device .Iaddend.for informing .[.at least.]. a user of the termination of power supply prior to the power being turned off.

Abstract: A human gene termed APC is disclosed. Methods and kits are provided for assessing mutations of the APC gene in hum tissues and body samples. APC mutations are found in familial adenomatous polyposis patients as wel as in sporadic colorectal cancer patents. APC is expressed in most normal tissue. These results suggest that APC is a tumor suppressor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining estimates of the perceived noise masking level of audio signals as a function of frequency. By developing a randomness metric related to the euclidian distance between (i) actual frequency components amplitude and phase for each block of sampled values of the signal and (ii) predicted values for these components based on values in prior blocks, it is possible to form a tonality index which provides more detailed information useful in forming the noise masking function. Application of these techniques is illustrated in a coding and decoding context for audio recording or transmission. The noise spectrum is shaped based on a noise threshold and a tonality measure for each critical frequency-band (bark).

Abstract: Protective air cushion gloves include hollow 3D straight air cushions for finger backs and a hand back disposed in regular rows inside the glove. Each straight air cushion has sections connected with extensible tubes and inflated with inner pressure to permit the glove to have good flexibility and an air buffer function for protecting every part of a hand, including the joints.

Abstract: An improved snake-proof chap is disclosed, for protecting a wearer against snake-bite. The chap is made of a spun polyester duck fabric having a weight between about 14-16 ounces per square yard, coated on its inner surface with a neoprene coating, and includes an improved closure system for closing a slit at the lower end of the chap.

Abstract: The shin guard is generally comprised of a top layer of material and a backing layer of resilient foam material which are joined together by stitching that extends around the perimeter of the shin guard. The shin guard further includes three pads separated by two seams that extend longitudinally along the shin guard. The first pad wraps around the medial side of the shin, i.e., the side facing the opposite leg. A top edge of the first pad lays of the leg beneath the calf muscle so as to not restrict the expansion and contraction of the calf muscle. Inserted between the top layer and the backing layer is a rigid insert that provides added protection from sharp impact injury. The insert has an arcuate shape so as to follow the general contour of the leg when placed in abutting relationship therewith. The center pad also includes an arcuately shaped insert to protect the shin itself. A third pad, also having an arcuately shaped insert, lies on the lateral side of the shin opposite the first pad.

Abstract: A protective garment of the type typically worn by fire fighters with improved water resistance is disclosed. In particular, the present invention is directed to an outer shell material for protective garments that is made from a fire resistant material coated with a durable water resistant coating. The durable water resistant coating is applied to the outer shell in a manner so that the coating will not degrade when exposed to normal wear and tear and even after the garment has been laundered repeatedly. Protective garments constructed in the past typically lost most of their water repellency after being laundered as little as five cycles. It has been discovered that water resistant coatings applied according to the process of the present invention, on the other hand, can survive at least 30 laundry cycles, and in many applications at least 50 laundry cycles without significantly degrading.

Abstract: In a support garment for a patient-worn energy delivery apparatus, a vest-type garment holds an electrode belt in contact with a wearer's ribcage. The garment includes a flap with button holes to permit buttoning in of energy transfer electrodes, thus constituting a wearable electrode system. Additionally, a holster contains the components of a wearable cardioverter defibrillator that are not in contact with the skin. The holster has an adjustment for waist, girth and vertical position of the defibrillator according to the personal preferences of the wearer. The support garment includes a vest-like chest garment and an inner layer which provides support for the defibrillator electrodes. A removable electrode harness is attachable to the support garment in order to accurately position the sensing electrodes on the body of the wearer and energy delivery electrodes for transfer of an electrode therapy pulse to the wearer of the garment.

Abstract: The glove includes a glove body having first and second regions, the first region including approximately the front half of the glove including the front half of all the fingers and all of the thumb region, the first region having a rubber-like softened PVC surface layer which is waterproof and otherwise has characteristics to improve the catching of a football. The second region, which comprises the rear half of the glove, except for the thumb, is made from a material which is stretchable and breathable. A tightening strap is provided at the lower end of the glove on the second region thereof.

Abstract: A scarf having a knot pleat that is formed in the scarf between the center of the scarf and one end of the scarf for providing a quick and simple way to tie or secure the scarf to the user. The knot pleat in the scarf is formed by folding the fabric of the scarf and tacking with a straight sewn stitch a machine tack that is generally applied in the middle of the folded fabric. When worn, the unpleated end of the scarf is pulled to the knot pleat thereby securing the scarf to the user.

Abstract: Ear warmers which are carried by the frame of a pair of eye glasses and comprised of a pair of soft pliable ear covers wherein each of the ear covers has a perforated side panel, a rear flap portion, a tubular sleeve projecting forwardly from the side panel and an attachment strap projecting laterally from the rear flap portion. The tubular sleeves are adapted to receive portions of the templates of the eye glasses proximate the ear pieces to secure the ear warmers to the eye glasses such that upon securing together the extended ends of the attachment straps at the back of the wearers' heads, the side panels and rear flap portions of the ear warmers extend comfortable along and about the wearer's ears to warm and protect the ears.

Abstract: A helmet includes an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner includes a visual indicator to indicate when the helmet has experienced an impact of sufficient force to permanently deform a portion of the inner liner. The visual indicator thus indicates when the helmet no longer offers it's peak level of protection to the wearer and should be repaired or replaced.

Abstract: A protective helmet for active use by a player in a sports activity, such as soccer, includes a shell made of a soft material and which has the general configuration to fit a wearer's head. A device for stabilizing the shell on the wearer's head, such as a chin-strap, is operably connected to the shell. The shell includes a member for allowing a player to actively deflect a ball during a play. The shell further includes a member for dampening the force of impact by the ball over a head region of the wearer.

Abstract: A adjustable closet flange for permitting adjustment of the depth of a closet flange connecting a toilet to a drain conduit. The adjustable closet flange includes a tubular lower conduit with open top and bottom ends, and exterior and interior surfaces. The interior surface of the lower conduit has a threaded region located adjacent the top end of the lower conduit. The lower conduit also has an outwardly radiating annular mounting flange adjacent the top end of the lower conduit. A tubular upper conduit is proved having open upper and lower ends, and inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface of the upper conduit has a threaded region adjacent the lower end of the upper conduit. The lower end of the upper conduit is inserted into the top end of the lower conduit with the threaded region of the upper conduit threadedly engaging the threaded region of the lower conduit. The outer surface of the upper conduit has an annular outer groove therearound adjacent the upper end of the upper conduit.

Abstract: A device for producing a flow of fluid such as water or air in a whirlpool tub, having a rotatable impeller, which aspirates water from the space of the tub via intake openings, and ejects a jet of water or a jet of water and air into the space of the tub via outlet openings. The device further has a drive means for driving the impeller via a drive shaft. The driving means is arranged on the driving axle of the impeller but behind the impeller as viewed within the tub. In addition, the device further comprises a driving means such as a hydromotor, a pneumatic drive or a mechanical drive, that are driven by at least one central power drive, and can be serviced and repaired from within the whirlpool tub.

Abstract: A device for turning or moving a bedridden patient on a bed having opposed sides by pulling a sheet positioned under the patient toward one said of the bed, the device including a support frame with first and second vertical roller support arms, and a horizontal base connecting the support arms; a horizontal roller including sheet attachment clips supported by the support arms; an electric motor mounted on the frame and operatively attached to the roller through the interior of the frame; wheeled legs pivotally attached at their inner ends to the frame; and electrical circuitry controlling the operation of the motor, the circuitry including a timer for stopping operation of the motor after a predetermined time period, and wiring within the frame interior.

Abstract: A foldable bed frame assembly has an upper frame device, a bottom frame device, and four perpendicular rods connected to the upper frame device and the bottom frame device. The bottom frame device has four leg seats connected to the perpendicular rods, two V-shaped rods, four reinforced pipes, four pairs of reinforced tubes, two T-shaped tubes, four connection seats, two U-shaped seats, four U-shaped mounts disposed on the V-shaped rods, four additional U-shaped mounts disposed on the reinforced pipes, and four pivot seats. The upper frame device has four corner seats connected to the perpendicular rods, four upper joints, and a plurality of upper rods.

Abstract: A removable nap mat cover is made of two fabric panels and has one end closed with an end fastener. The nap mat slips between the fabric panels. The end fastener secures the fabric panels together for about 2/3 of their width defining openings large enough for a person's hand to fit through. The end fastener prevents the nap mat cover from coming off the mat. The end fastener may be hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A prone patient apparatus for engaging the front of a body of a patient comprising a unitary support board having a longitudinal medial axis; a first aperture opening extending through the board and on the medial axis sized to receive a face of the patient; a second aperture opening extending through the board and spaced from the first aperture along the medial axis to expose an abdomen of the patient when the head is in the first aperture; and a third aperture opening extending through the board and spaced from the second aperture along the medial axis to expose a groan of the patient when the head is in the first aperture.

Abstract: A support cushion for a person in a lateral decubitus position, comprising a base, two lateral structural supports, and a central concavity, said lateral supports being sufficiently stiff to resist rolling of the person, said central concavity distributing a weight of the person. The support may be adapted for supporting the human flank above a surface, relieving pressure on an upper arm, and having comprising a structural bladder and a support cushion. The support cushion may be employed to limit a pressure on an upper arm and to maintain a patient in the lateral decubitus position during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Fluid-filled, flexible-walled chambers in a variety of shapes are embraceably fitted with elastic loops or girths whereby the overall resiliency and cushioning ability of the chambers is improved. The expanded versatility of the resilient chambers makes possible improved designs of airbed and waterbed mattresses, and of toys, sports and safety equipment.A method for controlling and improving the impact between automobile safety airbags and auto passengers is made possible through the incorporation of elastic girths in the design of the airbag.

Abstract: An independent suspension mattress has an opening in the middle section of the innerspring unit that is long enough along the longitudinal center to provide independence of the sleeping sections on the two sides of the opening. In a coil spring unit the coils adjacent to the centerline and the middle section are untied.

Abstract: A letter opener is coupled to a body of a writing instrument to form a unique combination. The letter opener includes a frame having a tapered finger protrusion extending therefrom and defining a paper accepting channel which has a cutting element positioned therein. The letter opener may include fasteners for removably attaching the frame of the letter opener to the writing instrument, or the letter opener may be formed integrally with the elongated body of the writing instrument.

Abstract: A washing machine having a hybrid sensor and a control method therefor simplify the inner structure of the washing machine by using one hybrid sensor for sensing a laundry weight, a feed water weight, and a dynamic unbalance of a washing tub. In a washing machine including a main body; a water tub provided to inside of the main body; a washing tub rotatably mounted to inside of the water tub; and at least one suspension bar having an upper end coupled with an inner wall of the main body and a lower end coupled with an outer wall of the water tub, and supporting the water tub, the washing machine includes: a hybrid sensor which is mounted to the upper end of the suspension bar and generates signals corresponding to a laundry weight, a water level and a dynamic unbalance on the basis of ascending or descending displacement of the suspension bar when the suspension bar is moved up and down by load variation or unbalance rotation of the water tub.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing method and apparatus for an automatic vertical axis washer. The washer includes a tub ring having a louvered area creating a drop zone through which wash additives are directly dispensed into the wash tub. In addition, the washer further includes a tub ring splash shield and D-ring splash shield. The tub ring and D-ring splash shields, along with the tub ring with the louvered area, act to direct wash additives into the wash tub and to further prevent wash fluid from escaping from the wash cycle.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for a dock leveler which includes a deck pivotable between stored and raised positions and a lip pivoted to the deck for movement between pendant and extended positions is disclosed. The hydraulic control circuit, includes a deck cylinder couplable to the deck for controlling motion of the deck, a lip cylinder couplable to the lip for controlling motion of the lip, a pump for providing a source of pressurized fluid to the deck and lip cylinders, and an operator-actuated switch for selectively directing the pressurized hydraulic fluid to one of the deck cylinders and the lip cylinder.

Abstract: A cleaning device (10) for copper tubing (12) and copper fittings (14) comprising an outside diameter brush assembly (16) to clean an outer surface of an end of a piece of copper tubing (12) and an inside diameter brush assembly (18) to clean an inner surface of a copper fitting (14). A structure (20) is for automatically rotating the outside diameter brush assembly (16) when the end of the piece of copper tubing (12) is inserted into the outside diameter brush assembly (16). A structure (22) is for automatically rotating the inside diameter brush assembly (18) when the copper fitting (14) is inserted over the inside diameter brush assembly (18). An assemblage (24) is for mounting the cleaning device (10) to a stationary object (26).

Abstract: A cleaning pig comprising a forward cup, a rear cup and a connecting central body extending between the two cups, the cups having an outside diameter corresponding generally to the inside diameter of a pipeline to be cleaned by the cleaning pig, a plurality of leaf springs extending rearwardly and radially outwardly from the central body between the two cups and being connected to the central body at their inner ends, a plurality of scraper blocks attached to the outer free ends of the leaf springs and adapted to engage the inner surface of the pipeline wall and being urged resiliently against the inner surface of the pipeline wall by the leaf springs, each scraper block having an outer surface which is curved to correspond with the diameter of the pipeline wall and adapted to engage the inner surface of the pipeline wall as the cleaning pig moves forward in the pipeline, each scraper block having an inner surface opposite from the outer surface and facing the central body, each scraper block having a forward

Abstract: A mopping system is provided including a bucket with an open top having an upper peripheral edge. Mounted on the upper peripheral edge of the bucket is a drain which is adapted to cover only a portion of the open top for permitting access to the bucket with a mop head and further allowing the removal of fluid from the mop head.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided that can easily and effectively remove dental plaque on molars in the deepest part of the mouth, in interdental spaces and on inner surfaces of teeth. The bristle tips form three brush surfaces. The first brush surfaces adjacent the free end of the brush extends upwardly from the free end to define a first bristle peak. The second brush surface extends downwardly from the first bristle peak toward the brush head. The third brush surface extends upwardly from the second brush surface to a second bristle peak adjacent to the attached end of the brush head. The second brush surface and the third brush surface intersect to form a bristle valley located below said first bristle peak and the second bristle peak. The toothbrush preferably comprises six to ten rows of bristle tufts.

Abstract: An improved structure of a bathing towel, and especially a bathing towel which is suitably folded into the form of a bag for placing therein utensils such as a perfumed soap, a bathing brush or bathing balls etc., the bathing towel is provided at a first corner and on the front and bottom surfaces thereof respectively with an engaging button, and is provided at the right and left corners thereof each with a buckling hole, and a buckling ring is provided at the opposite corner to the first corner, the corner with the engaging buttons of the bathing towel is folded upwardly, then the right and left corners of the bathing towel having buckling holes are folded upwardly to lap over and engage with one of the engaging buttons, the bathing towel thus forms a bag for receiving therein bathing utensils such as a perfumed soap, bathing balls, a bathing brush or a toy of a child etc.

Abstract: The invention disclosed a separate type sponge mop that comprises a main body, a sponge, a handle, and fixing mechanisms. The main body is a flat plate with a socket disposed on the top, which socket is pivotally connected with the handle. The main body is further provided with a fixing mechanism arranged near two sides of the socket. By means of the fixing mechanisms, sponges can be attached to the bottom face of the main boy. The fixing mechanism is composed of a hollow set piece and a rotary rod. The set piece is open on the top and has thread grooves formed on the cylindrical peripheral surface. The rotary rod extends through the central hole of the set piece and the main body and is connected with an attachment plate and a fastener on the other end. The sponge has a locating slot on two widthwise sides of the bottom face and a connection slot on two ends. Users can first turn the rotary rod to move the attachment plates downwardly. Then they place the sponge on the attachment plate.

Abstract: A wiper device having a simple structure by which nearly the entire rectangular windshield surface of a vehicle can be wiped.

Abstract: A connection between a wiper arm and the bracket of a wiper blade that is easy to manipulate during wiper blade changes but nevertheless is a secure rotatable connection, for a wiper blade in which a connector is provided on the wiper arm or the wiper rod, is achieved as follows; the connector has a through-hole with inside thread; the through-hole is placed concentrically to a geometric axis running transversely; a screw serving as the hinge pin is screwed into the through-hole, and in this way a releasable frictional engagement between the screw and the connector is created. The screw is fitted on its opposite ends with cylindrical bearing segments which protrude laterally out of the through-hole of the connector and are mounted rotatably in the respective bearing holes in the side walls of he connecting segment of the wiper blade bracket.

Abstract: A lottery ticket scratching device is provided including a housing adapted to contain at least one battery and a motor assembly including a motor mounted within the housing and including a rotor. Also included is a scratch assembly in communication with the rotor and positioned at an opening of the housing for removing a film from a ticket upon the rotation of the scratch assembly. A switch is connected between the motor and the battery for selectively rotating the scratch assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction cleaning device which provides liquid dispensing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, and suction drying in a single, compact, self contained device. The suction cleaning device includes a cleaning device housing, a handle connected to the housing, an absorbent cleaning member mounted on the housing and movable between an extended and a retracted position, and a pair of squeegee blades. The device includes a suction system which draws the water from the floor surface which has been cleaned into a tank mounted on the housing which collects the liquid from the floor surface. A clean water bottle is provided on the housing for delivering cleaning liquid to the floor and a rechargeable battery power source provides power to the suction motor. The cleaning device is compact and lightweight and leaves the floor in a substantially dry state.

Abstract: A connecting element for coupling of the suction pipe (3) of a suction cleaner to a mouthpiece (2) having a suction sole (9) with an abutment surface (10) and an elongated suction slot which debouches on the abutment surface (10) of the suction sole (9), and wherein the connecting element comprises flexible joints (4, 5, 7, 8) which may transmit an angle change of the suction pipe (3) of the vacuum cleaner about the longitudinal axis of the suction pipe to a rotation of the vacuum cleaner mouthpiece in the plane of the abutment surface (10), and also allows a freedom of movement between the vacuum cleaner mouthpiece (2) and the vacuum cleaner suction pipe (3) whereby the abutment surface may freely assume different orientations relative to the longitudinal axis of the suction pipe. According to the invention the flexible joint has a freedom of movement which allows the suction pipe to be freely movable about an axis (8a) which is parallel with the suction slot in an angle (.alpha.