Abstract: Nanocrystalline carbide/diamond-like carbon composite films and synthesis method near room temperature are described wherein combined magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser ablation produce plasma fluxes intersecting on a substrate surface to form metal carbide and diamond-like carbon composite films of about 10 to 50 nm carbide crystallites encapsulated in a sp.sup.3 bonded amorphous diamond-like carbon matrix having a hardness of about 32 GPa and high plasticity, high toughness in contact loading and low friction coefficient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a stainless steel decarburization cess includes a flame emission spatial imaging spectrometer and a telescopic lens system coupled to the spectrometer. The telescopic lens system is positioned to direct light from the furnace flame into the spectrometer. The flame emission imaging spectrometer and the telescopic lens system are located at a remote distance away from the harsh environment of the furnace flame.

Abstract: An optical fiber laser source comprising a polarization-maintaining loop and a birefringence-compensating branch preferably operatively connected to a length-stabilizing element is disclosed. The optical fiber laser source provides soliton pulse compression to reduce the duration of the pulses of the output pulse train to 1.3 ps or less.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film formed of a monolithic polymer and which is embossed. The film has an embossed height of h, a material thickness of t1 at the apex of the embossed height h, and a material thickness of t2 at the base of the film. The film also has a concave cavity below the apex of the embossed height h. The monolithic polymer film is formed using a screen with a perforated pattern. A monolithic polymer is extruded onto the screen in semi-molten film. The screen is rotated such that the film passes over a vacuum slot behind the screen. A vacuum in the vacuum slot pulls the monolithic polymer into the perforated pattern of the screen without perforating the film. The perforated pattern of the screen is transferred to the monolithic polymer film as the film passes over the vacuum slot.

Abstract: A high viscosity, solvent-resistant, thermoset polyetherpolyurethane molded article that includes a methylene-bridged polyarylpolyisocyanate component and a polyether polyol solution combined in catalytic urethane-forming reaction where the polyether polyol solution of the urethane-forming reaction includes a diol first component, a polyether polyol second component, a polyether polyol third component, and a polymer polyol fourth component having a nonaqueous dispersant stabilizer.

Abstract: An implanted cardiac rhythm management device, such as a pacemaker (pacer) or defibrillator provides a lead impedance measurement of the effective resistance of the leadwire connecting the device to electrodes in the heart. The lead impedance measurement is based on the amount of a voltage droop of a capacitively coupled pacing output voltage pulse over a fixed period of time that is shorter than the duration of the pacing pulse. The lead impedance measurement avoids the need for performing a natural logarithm function by using a look-up table of precalculated scaled resistance values corresponding to particular amounts of voltage droop. The lead impedance measurement is enhanced by performing interpolation and correcting for manufacturing tolerances of the particular cardiac rhythm management device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct horticultural variety of petunia. This petunia denominated `Magic Star` is a variety selected and bred from self-fertilized seeds of MS-01, possessed by the applicant. This petunia has excellent cold resistance and resistance to rain and bears bright red purple large flowers with yellowish white margins.

Abstract: A chrysanthemum plant named `Red Refocus` characterized by its small sized blooms with red ray florets and green-yellow disc florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct Alstroemeria plant variety producing flowers of good quality and attractive coloration.

Abstract: A new and distinct Alstroemeria plant variety producing flowers of good quality and attractive coloration.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Ivy Geranium plant named `Klemet`, characterized by its numerous semi-double dark red-colored flowers; trailing, compact and bushy plant habit; vigorous and freely branching growth habit; and medium green leaves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved variety of apricot tr The fruit of the new variety is characterized by an attractive orange color with up to 20% of red blush on fruit exposed to the sun. The fruit is of medium size with an oblong shape and has juicy, firm flesh with sweet flavor. The stone is free. The tree is characterized by vigorous healthy growth and a spreading tree habit. The new variety has been named `Benmore`.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved variety of apricot tr The fruit of the new variety is characterised by an attractive orange color, medium to large size, and firm flesh with sweet flavor. The tree is characterised by moderately vigorous healthy growth and an upright tree habit. The new variety has been named `Dunstan`.

Abstract: The claimed cultivar brings a new color to the Trumpet series of Petunias and is characterized by a deep salmon colored flower delicately accented at its center with green over a medium green foliage. As with all Trumpet Petunias, this cultivar exhibits early flowering with superior branching so that the plant may also be used in a hanging pot.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named `Dapadred`, characterized by its fully double dark red purple inflorescences; uniform growth habit; dark green foliage; and strong peduncles that hold inflorescences above the foliage.

Abstract: An attic hatchway cover wherein a tent-like structure having side walls, a front wall, and a rear wall each having a flange structure are arranged to engage and for securement to a hatchway opening framework employing mounting strips, such that fastening structure secures each mounting strip to each associated flange and simultaneously to the framework. .[.The.]. .Iadd.In a preferred embodiment, the .Iaddend.top wall of the cover employs a flap member selectively securable to the top wall and displaceable therefrom by use of a generally U-shaped zipper to disengage the flap relative to the top wall.

Abstract: There is provided an extruded, modular panel unit for the construction of wall-surface portions, especially of light-transmitting wall-surface portions. The panel comprises two sheet-like major surfaces interconnected and spaced apart by a plurality of web-like ribs dividing the space delimited by the major surfaces into a plurality of subspaces, and at least one joining flange extending in the direction of extrusion and projecting at an angle from an edge of the panel unit. In cross section, the sheet-like major surfaces and the ribs form a truss-like structure of which the major surfaces constitute the chords and the ribs constitute the webs.

Abstract: A mechanism for securely clamping a .[.priming.]. .Iadd.printing .Iaddend.plate (6) to a form cylinder (1), in which a cylinder groove (2) formed in the form cylinder (1) has rotatably mounted therein a clamping spindle (7), which has a gripper edge (10) which clamps a V-shaped chamfer (11) of the leading flange (5) of the .[.priming.]. .Iadd.printing .Iaddend.plate (6). The trailing flange (9) of the .[.priming.]. .Iadd.printing .Iaddend.plate (6) is grasped and clamped in a positive-locking manner by leaf springs (8) mounted to the clamping spindle (7) which are hook-shaped.

Abstract: A display system includes a base, a pair of electronic displays, and an arm assembly that supports the displays from the base in vertical or horizontal registration. In one implementation, the arm assembly is a single telescopic member that rotates relative to the base and locks in vertical and horizontal orientations, the displays rotate relative to the member between corresponding extreme angular positions in which the operative angular orientation of the displays relative to horizontal is maintained, and the length of the member is adjusted to minimize separation of the displays. In another implementation, the arm assembly has separate arms rotating about vertically spaced axes and linked to minimize the separation of the displays automatically when vertically or horizontally registered.

Abstract: A flexible core eddy current probe is disclosed for testing of curved or egular surfaces. The core is comprised of a flexible binder loaded with a powdered magnetic material and then formed into a specific flexible core shape continuously adaptable to irregular or curved surfaces. The flexible core probe has specific application to carbon fiber reinforced composite components having contoured surfaces.

Abstract: A partial response Trellis decoder that performs Trellis coded modulation in a high definition television (HDTV) having a specific and detailed configuration and includes a distance mapper for calculating first, second, third and fourth Euclidean distances between the input signal and a reference value; a Viterbi decoder for Viterbi decoding the first, second, third and fourth Euclidean distances calculated by the distance mapper; a first delay for delaying and outputting the Yiterbi decoded data for each Euclidean distance; a ruler selector for selecting a ruler type signal based on the signals output by the first delay; and a slicer for slicing the selected ruler type signal and the input signal.

Abstract: A heated screed assembly (10) for use with a paving machine (12) includes a screed (16). An elastomeric, electrically-powered heating element (36) is carried on the upper surface (28) of the screed. A retaining member (48) is disposed to overly the heating element, whereby the heating element is retained in contact with the upper surface of the screed during operation of the paving machine. Electric power is supplied to the elastomeric heating element by a generator (44).

Abstract: A cleaning composition including a terpene such as D-limonene and hydrogen peroxide in a surfactants based aqueous solution. The composition in various specific formulations is a micro-emulsion useful for a variety of materials and for both industrial and household applications.

Abstract: A puncture resistant garment (20) which includes a plurality of flexible layers of woven sheets (22) positioned to overlie one another forming a puncture resistant panel (28), in which each of the plurality of woven sheets (22) is constructed of aramid fiber (24) and in which the woven sheets (22) have a weave of at least 60 said aramid fibers per inch in one direction and at least 60 said aramid fibers per inch in another direction transverse to the one direction. The aramid fiber (24) has at least one of the following characteristics of: a) the aramid fibers are constructed of filaments which provide from 50,000,000 up to 90,000,000 filament crossovers per square inch in each of the plurality of woven sheets (22), b) the aramid fibers provide greater than 3 percent of break elongation and c) the aramid fiber provides greater than 23.

Abstract: An improved face protector of a type having a head-engaging strap, a forehead engaging-stiffening member, a facing protecting-lens, and pivoting apparatus. The improvement includes the pivoting apparatus including a pair of studs that extend outwardly through associated pivoting-throughbores in the head-engaging strap, outwardly through associated pivoting-throughbores in the forehead engaging-stiffening member, and outwardly through associated pivoting-throughbores in the facing protecting-lens, and a pair of flat-head screws threadably engaging in the associated shafts of the studs from a direction of the facing protecting-lens and having heads disposed adjacent to the facing protecting-lens for setting friction level of the pivoting apparatus. The shafts of the studs have flats along a portion of their lengths extending from ends thereof so as to form flat portions having D-shaped lateral profiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device intended for reducing the risk and effect of hand and arm injuries during, for example, sporting activities. The protection device comprises a gripping element (2) arranged to be placed at the palmar side of the hand in such a way that at least some of the fingers of the hand can optionally be closed around the gripping element (2) or alternatively be opened and release the grip about the gripping element (2), that the gripping element (2) is so shaped and placed in the hand that the user is influenced to clench the hand around it when, for example, falling and that the gripping element (2) is formed to allow good freedom of movement for the hand so that desired articles can be gripped.

Abstract: A garment designed to be worn about the torso of a wearer, wherein the garment is made from a fabric cut according to a pattern having a plurality of edges which are joined together to form at least one seam on a first side of the garment, a seamless second side of the garment, two arm openings through which the wearer's arms may extend, and a neck opening through which the wearer's neck may extend.

Abstract: A composite wader (10) adapted to be worn by a fisherman includes a breathable upper section (12) together with a lower leg-receiving non-breathable section (14). The section (14) includes a pair of tubular legs (44, 46) each extending from a mid-thigh region of the wearer to the ankle region; in preferred forms, the legs (44, 46) include integral foot-receiving sections (60, 62). The upper section (12) is connected to the section (14) and extends upwardly to envelope the waist and trunk region of the user. Conventional suspenders (16) are used to maintain the waders in place. Provision of the breathable upper section (12) affords significant comfort to the wearer, while the lower non-breathable section (14) has superior durability qualities.

Abstract: At least part of both the back part and palm part of glove body of a golf glove is formed from a stretch material. On the back part side of the glove body, the stretch material continues all the way from the vicinity of the tips of the index, middle, ring and little finger parts to the vicinity of the lower edge at the wrist end. On the palm part side of the glove body, the index, middle, ring and little finger parts, the thumb part and the palm part comprise non-slip patches which afford interior properties of expansion and contraction in comparison with the stretch material but serve to prevent slipping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glove insert (10) which is made of a first textile piece (20) and second textile piece (30) and has a finger portion (40) having a finger radial side (44) and a finger ulnar side (46), a thumb portion (50) with a thumb tip (60) and a finger-side thumb outer edge (55), a palm portion (70), a cuff portion (80) with an ulnar side cuff outer edge (85) on the ulnar side of the glove insert (10) and a radial side cuff outer edge (86) on the radial side of the glove insert (10), a hand entry (90) through which the wearer slips a hand, and a crotch (100) being between the finger radial side (44) and the thumb portion (60). The first textile piece (20) is joined to the second textile piece (30) by a first seam (110) situated on the cuff ulnar side outer edge (85), the finger radial-side outer edge (44) and the finger-side thumb outer edge (55) and running from the thumb tip (60) across the palm portion (70) and cuff portion (89) towards the cuff ulnar side outer edge (85).

Abstract: A headgear which includes a crown put on a head and having an insertion through portion, and a headgear blow-away preventing device including a connection member having one end provided with a clip clipped to a wear. The other end of the connection member has a stopper mechanism for avoiding the connection member from falling out of the insertion through portion of the crown.

Abstract: A pocket added to a scrub pant that is suitable for carrying an unfolded stethoscope. The outline of the pocket approximates, and is larger than, the shape of the unfolded stethoscope. The pocket totally encloses the stethoscope. The pocket provides a convenient, safe and sanitary place for a stethoscope.

Abstract: A protective helmet made from a resilient shell. The shell has a plurality of slits. Each slit has a first end located at a lower edge of the shell and has an adjustable width effective for adjusting the size of the shell. The helmet also has an energy absorbing liner disposed inside the shell. The shell is very stiff to effectively distribute an impact force.

Abstract: An enlarged earcup which occupies substantially all of the helmet eardome and provides greater attenuation of ambient noise, especially low frequencies. The speaker and earseal are mounted onto an adjustable assembly. The assembly is slideably mounted onto a flange which extends inwardly from the earcup's rim. The assembly includes a pair of parallel annular plates which sandwich the flange therebetween.

Abstract: The urine tube has a neck which in use holds itself open and in stowage is flat, has an attachment fixture at the neck, has a sheath which is attached around the neck and which has an output end distal the neck, and has a weighted ring which holds the output end open and secures the output end in a receptacle.

Abstract: A toilet seat and lid, each comprising a rigid insert injection molded of reinforced thermoplastic material. Each insert is then over-molded by injection molding with a thermoplastic elastomeric material which provides the outer surface of seat and lid. The inserts are dimensioned with respect to their over-molded surfaces to be smaller than the finished seat and lid and are designed to give maximum strength to the seat and lid. Each insert is shaped to promote the flow of the over-mold material and to minimize shrinking, swelling or distortion of the insert. The elastomeric material is preferably chemically compatible with the inserts to allow a chemical as well as mechanical bond to take place. The over-molded material provides the desired soft, non-slip, warm to the touch outer characteristics of the seat and lid.

Abstract: The bracket is to be installed to the inner face of the peripheral rim of a bathtub, to attach the latter to the inner peripheral edge portion of a fixed casing. The bracket has a rigid head portion which is fixedly attached to the inner rim of the bathtub, and a downwardly depending arcuate resilient foot which carries at its lower end a foot. When installing the bathtub inside the casing and more particularly inside the casing peripheral edge portion, the tub is downwardly displaced until its rim comes into downward abutment against the casing peripheral edge portion, the bracket slidingly abutting against the casing peripheral edge portion with a corresponding resilient foot deformation, allowing the foot to slide under the casing peripheral edge portion and to snap itself thereunder for preventing vertical displacement of the bathtub relative to the casing peripheral edge portion. Indeed, the casing peripheral edge portion is then wedged between the bracket foot and the bathtub rim.

Abstract: A shower curtain closure system for keeping a shower curtain fully extended across opposite walls of a bathtub area. The shower curtain closure system includes a flexible shower curtain for downwardly depending from the shower curtain rod. The shower curtain has a pair of side edges. The system also include a pair of elongate angle rods. Each of the angle rods has a longitudinal axis, exterior and interior faces, and first and second elongate portions substantially perpendicular to each other such that each angle rod has a generally L-shaped transverse cross section taken from a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respective angle rod. The first elongate portion of the angle rods is designed for coupling opposing wall surfaces adjacent a bathtub such that the second elongate portions of the angle rods are extended towards each other.

Abstract: A decorative sink apron with curved corners. The exposed portion of the apron has brackets attached thereto and a decorative cover is secured to the brackets.

Abstract: A powered lift assist toilet seat assembly is disclosed for assisting physically impaired persons in being raised from and lowered to a position above a conventional toilet to perform normal toilet functions. The seat assembly includes a movable platform having a central opening, a toilet seat secured over the opening, and a pair of handrails secured to the platform on both sides of the toilet seat. An arrangement of link members are pivotally connected between the movable platform and a lower frame for controlling a movement of the platform upon actuation of a drive member. The arrangement of link members is such that the movable platform is pivoted and moved forwardly when the platform is raised by actuation of the drive member. The arrangement of link members includes first and second link assemblies positioned on respective sides of the platform which are interconnected by a pair of transverse shafts to increase a load capacity and stabilize the platform during operation.

Abstract: Device for a mixer tap comprising a substantially tubular central body (15), inside which there is a mixer assembly (21), a first pipe (16) to feed the cold water, a second pipe (17) to feed the hot water and an outlet pipe (19) for the water, a substantially cylindrical connection element (25) being housed inside the central body (15) arranged between the mixer assembly (21) and the water feeder pipes (16, 17) and water outlet pipe (19), means (26, 27, 30) being provided in the said connection element (25) to house at least a non-return valve (35) or a vacuum breaker valve (36).

Abstract: A wastewater drain control for fluid compartments has a waste water discharge port in the bottom thereof and in communication with a vertical drain pipe. A valve seat element is in the pipe below the port and has an inclined annular valve seat surface and a center opening. A spherical valve element has a diameter greater than the center opening in the valve seat surface and is adapted to close the center opening to fluid flow when dwelling on the valve seat element above the center opening. A valve stem is rigidly secured by an upper end to the spherical valve element. The lower end extends downwardly through the center opening and terminates in a lower end. This lower end is connected to a linkage assembly which extends through a seal element in the vertical pipe and extends to a remote location accessible in the environment of the fluid compartment.

Abstract: A chair apparatus includes a base frame, an intermediate frame coupled to the base frame, and a resident support frame including a back section, a seat section, and a leg section pivotably coupled to the base frame and the intermediate frame by a plurality of links to permit the support frame to move from a chair position to a flat position.

Abstract: A patient turning apparatus (10), for laterally rotating a patient (30), the apparatus including an air supply, a pair of inflatable bladders (14), each having a tab (18) extending from one end, wherein the tab (18) is in communication with the bladder (14), a connector (17) extending from each tab (18) and in communication therewith, tubes connecting the connectors to the air supply, a pair of sleeves (12) adapted to house pair of inflatable bladders (14) and adjustably maintain bladders (14) in an overlapping configuration, a head pad (37) removably attached to the bladders (14), wherein the head pad (37) is adapted to accommodate variously sized patients, a calf raiser (42) adapted to accommodate variously sized patients, removably attached to the sleeves (12), a pair of bolster retainers (52) removably attached to the sleeves (12) each having a flap portion (54) and a retaining loop (58), a pair of bolsters (50), adapted to slidably fit into the retaining loops (58), a removable body pad (32) attached to

Abstract: A patient support device for supporting a patient at four points during back-related surgery. The device includes a generally rectangular frame having two opposing end members and two opposing side members. Two front posts are slidably mounted to one of the two end members. A travelling member is slidably mounted to both side members and may be displaced in a longitudinal direction between the two end members. Two rear posts are slidably mounted to the travelling member and may be displaced therealong, in a transverse direction between the side members. A front lead screw assembly is connected to the two front posts and allows simultaneous and opposing displacement of both front posts along the end member so that both front posts may be moved an equal distance from a center axis. Similarly, a rear lead screw assembly is connected to the two rear posts to allow simultaneous and opposing displacement of both rear posts along the travelling member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a patient on a surface and stabilizing the patient's arm. The apparatus includes a rigid board and an arm support extendably attached to the rigid board. The apparatus further includes a rigid board support attached to the rigid board for supporting the rigid board from the surface a sufficient distance to allow the arm support to be extended from a first retracted position to a second extended position.

Abstract: A body rest structure includes a torso support for supporting the torso of a human body in a prone, elevated position which serves to induce a mild stretch of the user's thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The torso support includes an upper chest and shoulder support platform and a lumbar support platform. An open region extends longitudinally between the platforms to provide room for at least a portion of the weight of the chest below the shoulders to pull down on the body between the platforms. The support may include a rear supporting surface to provide lifting support from below the hips and abdomen of the body. A head support for supporting the head of the body in a downwardly facing position when the torso is supported by the torso support is also disclosed. The head support includes a front portion for providing lifting support to the forehead of the body, and parallel opposed side portions for supporting opposed sides of the face.

Abstract: A combination head support and carry bag device having a cover encasing an internal frame assembly, where the frame assembly has a pair of base members pivotally joined to a pair of head support members, and a pair of post members pivotally joined to the free ends of the head support members, where an access opening is provided between the post members, and where the device can be positioned in an extended position with the post members connected to the base members or in a collapsed position with the post members disconnected from the base members.

Abstract: A stress reducing device is defined by a dual use orthopedic pillow having a low density polyurethane foam outer region, a high density polyurethane foam middle region that are provided in removably attachable layers, so that the size of the device may be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and preferences of individual users. The pillow advantageously includes leg clasps for securely engaging the inner thighs of an individual in a sideling position defined by a stem and a pair of crescent shaped buttresses. The buttresses resist rotation to the prone and supine lying positions. The high foam within the stem separates the knees to reduce spinal stress. Advantageously, a supine sleeping position is added by positioning said pillow under the legs to flatten out the spine while supporting the legs at the thigh and calf regions.

Abstract: A portable unit for changing clothes of a baby comprises a substantially stiff base body (2) adapted to support the body of a lying baby and a pair of movable wings (5) rotatably engaged on opposite sides of the base body (2) and shiftable between a closed position in which the movable wings (5) are superposed on the base body (2) and an operating open position in which the movable wings (5) are disposed externally of said base body.