Abstract: A new and distinct variety of cherry tree, originating from a controlled cross of the seed parent `2N-60-7` and the pollen parent `2N-38-32`, is described. Under growing conditions at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC) Summerland located at Summerland in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada the variety is distinguished by its large kidney shaped fruit, with glossy, wine red to mahogany colored skin with fine light dots, and red to dark red flesh. The fruit has a non-prominent suture and a flat to slightly hollow apex and is borne on medium-long, thick stems. The stone of the fruit is round, is large relative to the fruit, and has an undeveloped keel. The fruit matures late in the cherry season, 12 to 16 days after `Van` and `Bing` and 1 to 5 days after `Lapins`. The fruit is very firm, very large, has a sweet taste, and is tolerant to rain splitting.

Abstract: Hybrid tea rose plant having long stems; novel, greenish-yellow flower color in the bud; good vase life; moderate to strong fragrance; and good cut flower production.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named `BFP-1561`, characterized by its numerous single white and purple bi-colored flowers; upright and rounded growth habit; basal branching; and dark green leaves with a distinct zonation pattern.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Spathoglottis plant named `Lencaract` characterized by its relatively compact, upright, and vigorous growth habit; rapid growth rate; elongated leaves that are upright to outwardly arching; numerous large dark purple flowers on strong and erect peduncles; long-lasting flowers; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named `BFP-1705`, characterized by its numerous semi-double salmon and light pink-colored flowers; upright and rounded growth habit; vigorous and basal branching; and dark green leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named `BFP-1700`, characterized by its numerous semi-double white and dark pink bi-colored flowers; upright and rounded growth habit; vigorous and basal branching; and dark green leaves.

Abstract: In an optically amplified transmission system including a concatenation of optical amplifiers in the transmission path between an optical transmitter and a non-coherent receiver, the transmitter includes, in addition to a modulator for impressing data modulation, a polarisation state modulator for improving the signal-to-noise ratio at the detector.

Abstract: A switching system for handling a plurality of cells, each cell including a header section and a data section, and for exchanging a communication message contained in the data section of the cell between a plurality of incoming highways and a plurality of outgoing highways according to the data contained in the header section of the cell. The switching system includes a unit for multiplexing the incoming highways in time division, a first memory having addressable storage locations for storing cells received from the multiplexing unit, a unit for demultiplexing and distributing data output from the first memory among a plurality of outgoing highways, a second memory for storing an empty address of an empty storage location of the first memory, a unit for controlling the write and read operations of the first memory in accordance with an empty address stored in the second memory used as write and read addresses, and a unit for detecting an error in at least one of the write address and read address.

Abstract: A thin polypropylene sheet is extruded flat, with a thickness in the range of 0.008 to 0.060 inches with a Rockwell hardness between 72 and 90 and a flexural modulus between 55,000 psi and 200,000 psi. The resultant surface may be utilized for cutting and chopping foods. A sharp knife will penetrate, but not perforate, the sheet material to not dull the knife while maintaining the integrity of the surface. When flexed around its longitudinal centerline, the sheet material develops substantial cantilever beam strength, so as to transport food articles after preparation into an appropriate container.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/004,752, filed Sep. 17, 1997, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CRF 1.570(e).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a safe method of commercially producing optically active aminoalcohol derivatives, which serve as intermediates for the synthesis of medicinal chemicals such as the immunopotentiating anticancer agent bestatin, in a simple and easy manner in high yields and with high levels of selectivity.The present invention consists in a method of producing 3-amino-1-nitro-4-phenyl-2-butanol derivatives of the general formula (1) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an amino group protecting group, and a method of producing 3-amino-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid derivatives derivable therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 2,5-dihydrofurans by the homogeneous, liquid phase isomerization of .gamma.,.delta.-epoxyalkene compounds wherein a .gamma.,.delta.-epoxyalkene compound is isomerized in an inert, organic solvent containing a catalytic amount of a soluble copper salt. The process is particularly useful for the conversion of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene to 2,5-dihydrofuran.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus is disclosed for applying latchless surgical clips to body tissue in endoscopic surgical procedures. The latchless clips are resiliently biased to a closed configuration. The apparatus includes a frame which is adapted to be gripped by hand, and an endoscopic section connected to the handle and capable of storing surgical clips in preparation for clipping arteries or other body tissue. The apparatus includes means for advancing each clip sequentially, temporarily opening the clip and advancing the clip further to a pair of distal jaws where the clip is positioned around the body tissue and closes around the tissue. Also included are means for closing the jaws about the clip. When the jaws are closed, the clip advancing means is simultaneously positioned to advance the next clip. The present apparatus also makes it possible to partially close a clip without interfering with the sequential movement of the clip advancing mechanism.

Abstract: A speech signal is input to an excitation signal generating section, a prediction filter and a prediction parameter calculator. The prediction parameter calculator calculates a predetermined number of prediction parameters (LPC parameter or reflection coefficient) by an autocorrelation method or covariance method, and supplies the acquired prediction parameters to a prediction parameter coder. The codes of the prediction parameters are sent to a decoder and a multiplexer. The decoder sends decoded values of the codes of the prediction parameters to the prediction filter and the excitation signal generating section. The prediction filter calculates a prediction residual signal, which is the difference between the input speech signal and the decoded prediction parameter, and sends it to the excitation signal generating section.

Abstract: A free-size cap is disclosed. In the free-size cap of this invention, the gores of the crown are made of double-knit weft knitted fabrics having a weft directional elongation higher than 50%. The crown thus has a high ventilation effect, a high flexibility, a desired tightness, and allows a user to feel comfortable while wearing the cap. The free-size cap is also designed in that one reference-sized cap is commonly and freely usable by users having head sizes different from each other within a difference of about 12 cm. The free-size cap of this invention is further provided with a sweat band made of an elastic woven fabric having both a weft directional elongation higher than 65% and an elastic recovery higher than 95%, thus almost completely overcoming the problem of a row elastic recovery derived from the crown made of such weft knitted fabrics. The elastic woven fabric of the sweat band is manufactured by weaving latex-covered yarns as wefts and non-stretchable yarns as warps.

Abstract: A sock sorting device comprising two clamping elements: the first having identifying indicia on its base and a plurality of solid posts extending therefrom, and the second having a corresponding plurality of internally hollow posts extending from a common base and each ending into sharp closed pointed ends. The interiors of the hollow posts comprise locking channels that are open at the base, extending through said base, and sealed at the closed pointed ends. In use, the solid posts can be received and permanently and fixedly secured in their corresponding locking channels using fastening means provided on the lateral surfaces of the solid posts and the lateral interior surfaces of the internally hollow posts.

Abstract: A method of applique and the resulting article is described that includes forming a first image (20) on a mesh-like material layer (18), forming a second image (24) on an underlying substrate (22), and attaching the mesh-like material layer to the substrate so that the first image overlays the second image. The first and second images are substantially the same images. In one embodiment, the mesh-like material layer is attached to the substrate such that the first image directly overlays the second image. In another embodiment, the mesh-like material layer is attached to the substrate such that the first image overlays the second image at a slight offset. By attaching the mesh-like material layer over the substrate in either of these ways, the resulting combined image appears three-dimensionalized.

Abstract: A belt comprising an elongated strip of material having a first end and a second end; a pouch at said first end of said strip; an attachment means at said second end of said strip for adjustably connecting said first and second ends of said strip; and a loop for holding said first end of said strip and adapted to allow said pouch to pass through said loop when engaging said attachment means. Preferably, the loop or a portion of the loop comprises an elastic material. Preferably, the attachment means comprises a buckle arrangement.

Abstract: A fastener for a belt includes a buckle member adapted to be attached to a first end portion of the belt, wherein the buckle member includes a receiving member having an opening for receiving the belt therethrough, an operating plate provided with a tongue and pivotally mounted to the receiving member, the tongue extending from the operating plate toward a rear portion of the receiving member, and a fixing member pivotally fixed at the rear portion of the receiving member; and a slot member including a plurality of slots and protrusions and adapted to be formed to a second end portion of the belt, wherein the tongue is inserted into one of the slots and abutted against a substantially vertical surface of one of the protrusions by the operation of the operating plate.

Abstract: Feminine garment with sexual stimulation effect characterized in that it is worn on the waist, buttocks and pubis of a woman, including a piece that surrounds the waist, provided with a ring at a front central part to which is joined or attached the front extremity of a perineal necklace having one or more rows of beads passing over the pubis between the legs and buttocks of a woman, the rear extremity being linked to the center of the rear part of the woman's back. The walking motion or the movement of the legs causes a friction on the external genital parts, thereby producing sexual stimulation on the wearer. The garment is intended to provide sexual, ludic or erotic therapy.

Abstract: An ear and eye protection device for allowing a user to protect his eyes and ears simultaneously from the elements. The device comprises an eyewear having a right side and a left side, a pair of temple stems extending backward from the right side and the left side of the eyewear, and a pair of earplugs slidably mounted from the eyewear, such that the earplugs may be pulled downward towards the user's ears. According to the preferred embodiment, the earplugs may be secured to the free ends of the temple stems when the earplugs are not in use.

Abstract: A protective collar apparatus comprising a protective pad operably positioned behind the neck of a user, a torso mounted vest and a pair of flexible and non stretchable connecting straps joining the pad to the vest. An adjustment strap is also joined to the pad and is adapted to be looped around shoulder pads or the like. The adjustment strap allows selective tilting and positioning of the pad. The pad is crescent shaped and has a front side constructed of soft material and a rear side constructed of stiff material. The pad is shaped to cradle the head or helmet when the head is pushed rearwardly relative to the torso of the player.

Abstract: A child accommodating device for attachment to a toilet, the device comprising a toilet seat lid, the toilet seat lid having an upper surface, a lower surface, a right side, and a left side, the toilet seat lid having a child accommodating aperture extending therethrough from the upper surface to the lower surface, the child accommodating aperture being positioned between the right and left sides of the toilet seat lid; a right plate, the right plate having a lower surface and a right side, the right side of right plate being pivotally attached to the toilet seat lid so that the right plate may pivotally move from a first position wherein the lower surface of the right plate overlies the upper surface of toilet seat lid to a second position wherein the lower surface of the right plate faces substantially leftwardly, the right plate being positioned so that the right plate partially covers the child accommodating aperture while in the first position; and a left plate, the left plate having a lower surface and

Abstract: A semi-automatic toilet bowl seat and seat lid operator, comprising a hinge case to be installed to a toilet bowl body; a rotating shaft to support a seat and seat lid of the toilet bowl openably and closably; an output gear mounted on the rotating shaft; a fluid damper having a damper gear in mesh with the output gear; a reduction gear coupled to the output gear by means of a torque limiter; a motor coupled to the reduction gear; and a drive circuit to drive the motor in a range from an opened angle, to a predetermined closed angle, of the seat and seat lid. The drive circuit is provided with a sensor to detect an operation made to open the seat and seat lid, and a timer which is turned on by the sensor to turn on the drive circuit in a predetermined time after the sensor is turned on. The seat and seat lid of the toilet bowl can be opened and closed by hand, and the opened seat and seat lid can be automatically closed slowly with the semi-automatic operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bellows pump for clearing clogged toilets and drains having a cylindrical bellows with handle, preferably releasable, connected to a cylindrical tube, with an adapter having a central aperture throughout. Preferably the cylindrical tube has annual joints to provide flexibility and the adapter is conical shaped, elongated, resilient, and flexible for improved sealing. The device is generally made of rubber or plastic. Preferably the transverse pleats of the bellows decrease in diameter from the top of the bellows to the bottom of the bellows for easier collapsibility. A handle on the top of the bellows permanently attached thereto, allows the bellows to be easily collapsed causing a rush of air or water from the device. The device is reasonably light, durable and can be used in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A drain plug assembly having a strainer removably fitted between a bottom of a drain housing that is to be mounted in the drain of a vessel and a stopper that is mounted to be moved along a central stem between a locked open position permitting flow through the drain housing and strainer and a closed position wherein flow through the drain housing and strainer is blocked.

Abstract: A bath aid for use with a bathtub. The bath aid comprises an elongate body having a top portion and a short leg which together with the body define a cavity for accommodating at least a water spout and preferably the water control knob or knobs of a bathtub. The bath aid is provided with at least one and preferably a pair of opposed attachment devices for securely attaching the bath aid within a bathtub such that the faucet and the control knobs of the bathtub are accommodated within the cavity defined by the bath aid to minimize the possibility of injury to either an adult or a child user. A front surface of the bath aid is contoured to provide comfort to a user while using the bath aid in a bathtub. The bath aid can be provided with a plurality of reinforcement ribs and/or spaces to facilitate use of the bath aid.

Abstract: A shower seat assembly comprising: a seat; a plurality of upstanding legs; a curved member lying in a substantially horizontal plane and supported by at least some of the legs; and the seat being pivotably supported by at least one leg and being mounted for pivotal movement along the curved member.

Abstract: A closure assembly for semi-permanent securement of an edge of the curtain to a wall of a shower enclosure. The closure assembly includes a clamping structure which comprises a mounting bar for permanent securement to a wall of a shower enclosure. The mounting bar includes a wall attachment surface for attachment to a wall of a shower enclosure and a first clamping surface. The mounting bar further including a plurality of first fastener receiving holes. Supported on the mounting bar is an adjustable clamp including a second clamping surface which is disposed adjacent to the first clamping surface. The adjustable clamp includes a plurality of second fastener receiving holes. The first fastener receiving holes of the mounting bar are aligned with the second fastener receiving holes of the adjustable clamp. A plurality of threaded fasteners are disposed such that a threaded fastener engages each of the aligned first and second holes for securing the adjustable clamp to the mounting bar.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling the flow of fluid in fixtures, such as bathroom, restroom, or kitchen fixtures, using a radar detector with a leaky transmission line and fixtures using such methods and devices are provided. A bathroom fixture, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, includes a fluid conduit, a radar detector for detecting one or more characteristics of one or more objects in a sensor field based on reflected electromagnetic signals from the one or more objects in the sensor field, and a controller coupled to the fluid conduit for controlling a flow of fluid in the fluid conduit in response to the detected one or more characteristics. The radar detector in particular includes a leaky transmission line for transmitting electromagnetic signals to form the sensor field and receiving the reflected electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: A toilet seat provides a lifting operation to assist a user to safely engage and disengage a toilet. A toilet seat is pivotally arranged to swing between two positions, an incline position and a horizontal position. While the seat is in the incline position, a user may approach it from a slightly bent standing position. By pushing against the seat, the user's weight loads an energy storing strut and forces the seat to lower gently into its horizontal position. After which, the user may benefit from energy stored in the strut. The seat applies a pressure which lifts the user from the toilet and into a natural standing position. In some versions, the seat is powered by a compressed gas strut which is loaded by a user's weight when the user engages the device. The loaded strut energizes the pivoting seat to provide a force which operates to remove the user from the toilet. Additionally, the seat may be arranged with armrests so the user's arm strength may be used to aid the transition to and from the toilet.

Abstract: A new foot operated faucet system for permitting operation of the faucet by a user using their feet. The inventive device includes a foot pedal movably coupled to a base, a swivel bar coupled between the foot pedal and a mixing valve for permitting adjustment of the passing of a mixture of hot and cold water through the mixing valve.

Abstract: A playyard (10) includes a floor (12) and side panels (20) extending upwardly from the floor to provide an enclosure. At least one of the side panels has an opening (26) therethrough which is selectively covered by a pivotal door panel (30) to preclude access to and from the enclosure. The door panel (30) has a pair of retractable, spring-biased tube assemblies (40) that engage corners (16) which interconnect rails (18) that support the side panels.

Abstract: A sheet designed to cover a crib mattress, in a way in which a child will not be able to unravel the sheet, thereby creating a potential safety hazzard to the child. The present invention comprises a casement style sheet that completely covers the entire mattress. It slides onto the mattress through an opening in one end of the sheet. The perimeter of the opening having a continuous elastic band disposed therein, thereby allowing the sheet to fit tightly and tautly over the mattress without any snagging. The sheet is secured by a flap, which is integrally attached to the open end of the sheet, and is pulled over the encasement opening whereby it is then secured by hook and loop closure means.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes a firm body support portion constructed of foam, with the foam halving a first side for placement on a bed or gurney, and the second side upon which the body of the patient would be laid. The foam apparatus would include a principal upper torso support portion for supporting a patient generally from the top of the patient's head to the lower buttock region of the patient; first and second leg portions which are attachable to a lower edge of the principal body support portion for supporting the legs of the patient, and attachable arm portions secured to the side edges of the upper body support portion for accommodating the arms of the patient.

Abstract: A prop to hold a patient on his/her side while in a hospital bed in which a standard-sized hospital pillow is stowed in a rolled condition within a launderable sleeve having a sleeve-attached flap of approximately eight inches tucked beneath the patient's side which allows limited patient rolling movement against the prop which contributes to patient comfort. The eight inch dimension of the flap keeps the prop close to the patient so that more drastic movement which could cause injury does not occur.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing method of forming a conductively doped semiconductive material plug within a contact opening includes, a) providing a node location and a plug molding layer outwardly thereof; b) providing a contact opening through the plug molding layer to the node location; c) providing a first layer of semiconductive material over the molding layer to within the contact opening, the first layer thickness being less than one-half the contact opening width to leave a first remaining opening, the first layer having an average conductivity enhancing dopant concentration from 0 atoms/cm.sup.3 to about 5.times.10.sup.18 atoms/cm.sup.3 ; d) after providing the first layer, increasing the average conductivity enhancing dopant concentration of the first layer to greater than or equal to about 1.times.10.sup.19 atoms/cm.sup.

Abstract: A hose bridge for bridging a hose extending over a surface, for example a fire hose for conveying water for extinguishing purposes, has a passage for the hose and defines a support surface that can rest on the surface. The transverse dimension of the passage in a direction transverse to the support surface is smaller than the nominal diameter of the hose and the circumferential dimension of the passage essentially corresponds to the circumferential dimension of the hose.

Abstract: An improved cup for use as a part of a pipeline pig is in the form of an elastomeric cup member having an outer circumferential pipe engaging portion defined by a plurality of at least three closely spaced apart integral circumferential lip portions, the lip portions being separately flexible with respect to each other and each of the lip portions having a length that is at least twice its thickness. The multiple-lip cup may be removably attached to a pipeline pig body or be made integral with an elastomeric pipe pig body.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a conventional caulking gun for enabling a user to clean caulk from the user's finger or fingers includes an open-topped receptacle defining an upper edge and a finger-receiving cut-out portion defined within the edge. Clips are connected to the receptacle for cooperating with the caulking gun and removably holding the apparatus in fixed position with respect to the gun so that the user can wipe his finger or fingers across the edge within the cut-out portion to remove caulk from the user's finger and to neatly collect the removed caulk within the receptacle.

Abstract: A toothbrush with silicon rubber bristles is disclosed. The bristles are soft and have both a high polishing power and a high water repellency, thus effectively cleaning teeth without injuring one's teeth or gums. The toothbrush consists of a long handle with a longitudinal opening at one end. A brushing head with the silicon rubber bristles is attached to the opening of the handle. The bristles easily remove foreign substances such as food remnants from teeth or gums and effectively brush the inside, outside and top surfaces of each tooth simultaneously, thus saving time while brushing teeth. The bristles include a plurality of finely rugged bristles.

Abstract: A vehicle washing strip is formed of a length of a semi-rigid core material such as a felt of polypropylene, polyester, or other synthetic fiber. The core is surrounded by a cover of a cotton containing pile fabric, such as a cotton terry cloth. The cover is stitched to the core.