Abstract: An improved braked or snubbed joint assembly for use for supporting a grapple, clam shell or like device, is disclosed. The present braked or snubbed joint assembly includes a first member including an element defining an elongate cylindrical bore therethrough having a central axis, and first and second outwardly tapered or conical convex axial end faces. A second member having first and second arms defining a space therebetween receives the first member, and an axial pin rotatably joins the first member and the second member. The second member includes an element located in the space which has a correspondingly tapered or conical concave axial end face positioned in spaced opposed relation to the first outwardly tapered or conical convex axial end face and the second arm includes an element located in the space which has a correspondingly tapered or conical concave axial end face positioned in spaced opposed relation to the second outwardly tapered or conical convex axial end face.

Abstract: Disclosed are topical compositions providing a high level of hydration and which comprise a vitamin B3 compound and a conditioning component for regulating the condition of skin.

Abstract: Excellent adhesion of vitreous enamel to steel can be achieved via an intermediate layer formed on the steel by bringing it into contact with a liquid composition that contains water and a component of solute selected from the group consisting of dissolved silicates and dissolved borates and, optionally, surfactant. The modification of the steel surface achieved by treating it with silicates and/or borates is also effective for improving the adhesion of steel to other protective type coatings such as paint.

Abstract: A new Kalanchoe cultivar named ‘Forever Midi Pink Starlet’ characterized by the combined features of the unique color pattern on flowers with a light lavender-pink area in center parts of petals and deeper lavender-purple at edge and center of petals, excellent basal branching, and superior keeping quality.

Abstract: A new Kalanchoe cultivar named ‘Forever Midi Salmon Pink’ characterized by its pink colored flowers, large leaves, semi-mounded growth habit and excellent basal branching.

Abstract: A new Kalanchoe cultiver named ‘Forever Maxi Antique Pink’ characterized by its large deep pink colored flowers, large leaves, semi-upright and tall growth habit and excellent basal branching.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Buddleja davidii named ‘Santana’, that is characterized in having yellow to golden leaf margins and purple-red flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Spathiphyllum plant named ‘Grand Dad’ particularly characterized by its large size and large, wide, dark-green leaves. The leaves of ‘Grand Dad’ are particularly shiny and relatively flexible, making them less prone to damage from transport. Plants of ‘Grand Dad’ are large and ideally suited for pot sizes of 20 cm or larger.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plant named ‘Fischerry’, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized by the combined features of light-red to cherry-red flower color; numerous compact inflorescences; light, medium green, slightly zoned foliage; medium-tall; well-branched; round, only semi-trailing plant habit; and early spring flowering response.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plant named ‘Fisblizrose’, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized by the combined features of pink, single-type flowers, medium-green, zoned foliage, and with tall, trailing, though well-branched and bushy, plant habit.

Abstract: ‘Fisnova’ is characterized by medium to dark-red bract color which are medium-sized, ovate, and weakly to moderately lobed; dark-green foliage which is ovate-shaped with weak lobes; early flowering response; and medium growth resulting in a medium tall and relatively compact plant habit during the vegetative stage of growth.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Spathiphyllum plant named ‘Spalifa’, characterized by its large upright plants that are outwardly arching; large, glossy, dark green leaves that are oblong/elliptic in shape; numerous inflorescences that are positioned upright and above the foliage on strong and erect scapes; large white spathes; year-round continuous flowering; and good post-production longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of geranium plant named ‘Fisrowi’, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized by the combined features of round, semi-double, white flowers, medium-sized, round umbels borne well-above the foliage, fresh-green foliage without, or with only traces of, zonation, early to medium spring flowering response, and vigorous and bushy growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens walleriana plant named ‘TiCher’, characterized by its large cherry red fully double flowers, flowers that are positioned above or beyond the foliage, good heat tolerance, dark green foliage and mounded, freely branching and dense plant habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica), which has the following unique combination of desirable features, that are outstanding in a new variety. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as, pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. 1. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 2. Fruit with a high degree of attractive red skin color. 3. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 4. Fruit with good handling and shipping quality. 5. Fruit holding firm on the tree 7 to 10 days after shipping ripe.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Pruns var. nucipersica). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95 in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consists of the following unique combination of features that are desirable in a new variety: 1. Vigorous upright growth. 2. Regular and heavy production of fruit. 3. Late maturity of fruit. 4. Fruit with an attractive blush that partially covers a bright yellow ground color. 5. Large size of yellow flesh clingstone fruit. 6. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 7. Fruit with firm flesh, good storage and shipping qualities. 8. Fruit that has the ability to remain firm on the tree 12 to 14 days after maturity, (shipping ripe).

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var. nucipersica). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consists of the following unique combination of features that are desirable in a new variety: 1. Regular and heavy production of fruit. 2. Vigorous and upright growth. 3. Fruit having an attractive red skin color. 4. Early maturity of large size fruit. 5. Fruit with firm flesh, very good flavor and eating quality. 6. The fruit having good handling and shipping quality.

Abstract: A new Kalanchoe cultivar named ‘Forever Maxi Red’ characterized by its large scarlet colored flowers, almost-rounded petals, semi-mounded growth habit and excellent lateral and basal branching.

Abstract: A new Kalanchoe cultivar named ‘Forever Midi Frosty Red’ characterized by the combined features of red colored flowers and silver-green colored foliage with cream variegation and excellent basal branching.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Tiarella plant characterized by unique leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Tiarella plant characterized by unique compact form, distinctive foliage shape and outstanding bloom color.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of prune tree (i.e., Prunus domestica) is provided that resulted from a controlled breeding program. Quality early-maturing fruit is formed that is particularly well suited for the dried fruit market. The tree is regular bearing and vigorous. Dark purple fruit with a medium waxy bloom is formed that, when compared to the fruit of the ‘Improved French’ cultivar (non-patented in the United States), is larger, matures approximately 7 to 10 days earlier, and possesses a lighter, more complex fruity taste with a higher sugar content. The fruit stone is nearly free and machine pits well.

Abstract: A health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by reminding a person to take medication includes a generally vertically upstanding housing. The housing includes first and second adjoining sections. The first section is provided to removably hold an instrument, such as a toothbrush, for use in a daily activity. The second section is provided for holding a material, such as medication, to be taken by the person. When a person reaches to use the toothbrush, for example, the person is reminded to take the medication due to its proximity in the second section.

Abstract: An energy discriminating apparatus and method is disclosed for use in connection with digital radiography and fluoroscopy. In use of the detection system and method an x-ray source is actuated to direct x-rays through a patient's body, the x-rays including both higher and lower energy radiation. A first detector element, including a plurality of segments, is positioned opposite the source to receive and respond predominantly to x-rays in a lower energy range, the remaining x-rays, being generally of higher energy, passing through the first detector element. A second detector element, also including a plurality of segments, each segment including a phosphor coating layer and a sensor, is positioned to receive and respond to the higher energy radiation passing through the first element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for thermally altering the near surface characteristics of a material are described. In particular, a repetitively pulsed ion beam system comprising a high energy pulsed power source and an ion beam generator are described which are capable of producing single species high voltage ion beams (0.25-2.5 MeV) at 1-1000 kW average power and over extended operating cycles (108). Irradiating materials with such high energy, repetitively pulsed ion beams can yield surface treatments including localized high temperature anneals to melting, both followed by rapid thermal quenching to ambient temperatures to achieve both novel and heretofore commercially unachievable physical characteristics in a near surface layer of material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ram type blowout preventer wherein the outer ends of guideways radiating from the bore of the body to receive the rams are closed by bonnets bolted to the body and sealed with respect to the body by a seal assembly received in a recess in the inner face of the bonnet for sealing between the inner face of the bonnet and the outer face of the body about the outer end of the guideway to contain internal pressure in the preventer.

Abstract: A pair of DRAM chips 1A and 1B are mounted opposedly to each other with wiring means such as lead frames put therebetween, the lead frames being substantially integral with external terminals 3B. Then, these DRAM chips and lead frames are connected together by the conventional wire bonding method. Plural pairs of the thus-connected DRAM chips and lead frames are stacked and corresponding leads of the lead frames are connected in common to form a laminate. The plural DRAM chips thus mounted are activated selectively in accordance with a predetermined chip selection signal. Additionally, partial DRAM chips capable of partially functioning normally are combined together by utilizing the above chip mounting method to constitute a single DRAM package.

Abstract: An instrument panel has an integral door cover for concealing a supplemental inflatable restraint system in a vehicle passenger compartment. The door cover includes a flap that is an integral part of a flexible plastic skin of the instrument panel. The plastic skin is cast in a special mold with a raised apexed rib that forms grooves outlining the flap that have a thin tear seam at their bottom.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck has its electrodes biased with respect to the self-bias potential induced by the plasma on the wafer, thereby providing improved resistance to breakdown in spite of variation of the wafer potential during processing. An alternate embodiment further suppresses the formation of vacuum arcs between the back of the wafer being processed and the body of the chuck by the interposition of a conductive guard ring at the self-bias potential, thereby defining an equipotential area between the closest electrode and the wafer.

Abstract: In a developing device included in an image forming apparatus, a toner cartridge has a body and a replenishing member disposed in the body. The cartridge makes it needless to adhere or otherwise affix an elastic piece to the edge of the base of the replenishing member that slidably contacts the inner periphery of the body. The replenishing member is capable of scooping up toner while being held in sliding contact with the inner periphery of the body under a constant pressure.

Abstract: A genomic fragment harboring the gene phaG was cloned by phenotype complementation of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 mutants, defective in the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA) synthesis via de novo fatty acid biosynthesis but not affected in PHA biosynthesis via fatty acid &bgr;-oxidation. The 885-bp phaG gene encodes a protein of 295 amino acids with a molecular weight of 33.876 Da. The transcriptional induction of phaG could be observed under conditions of PHA synthesis via de novo fatty acid biosynthesis whereas no induction was detected under conditions which favor PHA synthesis via fatty acid degradation by &bgr;-oxidation. The phaG gene is useful for the production of PHAs in bacteria and plants.

Abstract: Garments and methods for making those garments by cutting a woven fabric along a bias (6) and then seaming (9) the fabric parallel to the actual grain (5) of the fabric thus forming a tubular or conical shaped garment. This method can be used in a variety of garments such as dresses and skirts.

Abstract: A hat constructed of woven fabric capable of reflecting radiant energy from the exterior thereof and of releasing thermal energy from the interior thereof, the hat comprising a side band having a top panel and a double ply outer brim attached to the upper and lower peripheral portions thereof to shield the head, neck and face of the wearer from the elements and to allow heat to escape from the interior thereof.

Abstract: A pair of pants, for use by an infant to facilitate crawling by the infant, the pants having a front, a rear, a main portion, and a pair of leg portions extending from the main portion. The main portion has a waistband, a crotch, and a rear seam connecting the waistband and crotch. A support handle is attached longitudinally along the rear seam to allow an adult to partially support the infant's weight in order to properly position the infant for crawling. Anti-skid pads are provided on the front of the leg portions to facilitate crawling. Padding is provided within the leg portions to enhance the comfort of the infant while crawling.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a waist adjusting device, in which the number of components is reduced, an assembly thereof is not necessary because of its simple structure so as to achieve reduction of production cost and the adjustment operation is very simple. An adjusting belt has a multiplicity of adjusting protrusions on the surface thereof and a slider has a through portion which the adjusting belt can be passed through in the right and left direction. Engaging protrusions which are capable of engaging the adjusting protrusions, when the adjusting belt is passed through an upper section of the through portion, are provided on both sides of an inner face of a through hole provided on a rear plate thereof. Attaching holes whose inner side is expanded are provided in a surface plate and a fixing device has two attaching posts, which are inserted into the attaching holes and fixed by crushing, at a rear face of a cap.

Abstract: A helmet for protection against non-motorized injuries comprises a number of arched segments with ventilation spaces between them, the arched segments being shaped to extend about and engage the skull. The helmet is constructed to cover the apical as well as the frontal, temporal and occipital basilar skull. The arched segments are convex on their outer surfaces, have flat, curved inner surfaces, and are made of a cushioning, impact absorbing material such as plastic foam. Reinforcing elements extend in longitudinal passages in the arched segments to provide resistance against forces which are only partly absorbed by the cushioning material. In an alternate embodiment, support straps extend over the apical skull, and an impact resistant helmet is worn over the apical skull.

Abstract: A padding member is made from soft material and comprises a main ring portion, a connecting portion extending from an outer side of the main ring portion for engaging with a main frame of a pair of swimming goggles, and an annular contact flange extending from an inner side of the main ring portion for intimate contact with a wearer's eye socket. The connecting portion includes an engaging piece extending radially inward from an inner periphery thereof, the engaging piece including an engaging edge. An engaging portion extends radially inward from the annular contact flange, thereby defining a cushioning space between the engaging piece and the engaging portion. The engaging edge of the engaging piece and the engaging portion are bonded together to seal the cushioning space.

Abstract: A removable volume control apparatus 140 for a pressurized water closet 10 comprises a generally right circular cylindrical 150 insert open at both ends having a plurality of slots 154 in the bottom edge 152 thereof. A flange 142 depending from an annular valve seat 108 of the water closet 10 has a plurality of tabs 144 depending therefrom that engage the slots 154 of the insert 150 whereby the insert 150 is disposed circumferentially around a flush valve 110 of the water closet, thereby preventing the flow of a portion of water in the system into the bowl.

Abstract: A new showering device for enabling a user to shower for extended periods of time without using a substantial volume of water. The inventive device includes a housing unit having a hollow interior, a pump having an inlet and outlet, the pump being disposed within the housing unit. A heater is included within the pump to heat water passing through the pump. An elongate intake hose has an output end connected to the pump inlet and an intake end extending outwardly from the housing unit. An intake nozzle is connected to the intake hose intake end and has an intake opening for positioning within a reservoir containing water. An intake filter is provided within the intake nozzle to aid filtration of water passing into the intake nozzle. An elongate output hose is connected to the pump outlet at its intake end and has a shower head nozzle connected to its output end. The shower head nozzle has an opening to permit showering using water passing through the output hose.

Abstract: A water outlet (10) for an ablutionary device has a member which is moved to open and close a vent into the body of the outlet (10). In one embodiment, the outlet (10) is a shower head (10A) having a discharge opening (26) which serves as the vent. A perforate shower plate (12A) located in the opening closes the vent while the shower (10A) is in operation so that water issues from the opening (past the plate (12A)) as a spray. When the water supply is turned off the shower plate (12A) is moved out of the opening (26) to open an annular vent (14A) into the interior of the body of the shower head (10A) to aid drying of the interior. When the water supply is turned on the plate (12A) is moved back into the opening (26) to close the vent (14A).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable playyard for an infant, which is capable of expanding for play use and folding up for downsizing and benefiting storage. The present invention introduce a safety pin located at the joint element of lower frame of the foldable playyard. The safety pin will play an important role on keeping the foldable playyard in its expanding status, and will prevent the foldable playyard from malfunction which causes an unwanted folding up. The safety pin can also carry a pulled element to a released position and unlock the restrict of the joint element. The foldable playyard comes to foldable again.

Abstract: A towel-mat includes a frame member being formed from a flexible twistable material, a first membrane and a second membrane. The first membrane has a perimeter portion to which a frame member is attached. The second membrane has a perimeter portion. The second membrane is removably attachable to the first membrane.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a seat, couch or a bed utilizes a rotatably mounted eccentric in a round disc connected to the motor via a gearing. The round disc has an external tooth system that meshes with an internal tooth system a ring. A rod is connected to the ring is adapted to transmit adjusting force to one of the base sections of the seat, couch or bed. The adjusting device provides a more compact adjustable drive with the feature of single-base drive.

Abstract: An improved waterbed having a waterbed mattress and a bed protecting cover with airbag protecting sides. The waterbed mattress has a plurality of internal, transverse partitions welded by high-frequency heat sealing, arranged at intervals in single or double rows, with water openings. When the water is filled and the air is inflated, the partitions buffer the water forces to increase the stability and maintain the bed mattress firm, straight and in shape. The level of compressing force towards the waterbed mattress can be changed by increasing or decreasing the air pressure in the airbag protecting sides to adjust the softness and hardness of the waterbed mattress.

Abstract: A mattress (10) with interactive elastic elements, comprising a number of hollow polyhedrons (11) with an octagonal base, made of an elastic and/or yielding material, arranged in longitudinal rows (12), interconnected and held in position within each row (12) by linings (30) made of a textile material enclosing the individual rows (12) of polyhedrons (11) or by guide bars (13) attaching to them by coupling devices (14) arranged on two lateral faces (15) opposing each other. Under the weight of an outstretched body (30) on the surface (21) of the mattress (10), each elastic polyhedron (11) compresses while bulging out transversally and exerting a pressure on the adjacent elastic elements (11), thus expanding them in length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for the wet-processing of textile material, essentially comprising a vessel (1) comprising a fabric inlet (2), at least one nozzle (3) for applying a treatment liquor, an intensive zone (4) and a fabric outlet (5), wherein the vessel does not include a scray and has a minimized dead space through accurate fitment of the nozzle (3) and the intensive zone (4) into the vessel (1), and to a process for the wet-processing of textile material in the apparatus.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device having (a) a tooth cleaning head, including: (i) a housing with sides that straddle the tooth along both long faces and defining a longitudinal axis extending between the sides thereof and along the long faces; (ii) gears affixed along respective inner surfaces of the sides of the housing; (iii) tooth cleaning elements affixed along the inner side of the gears and being operatively spaced apart from one another, along the longitudinal axis of the tooth cleaning head, to form a gap therebetween; and (iv) a drive mechanism including: a drive shaft affixed to the inner surfaces of the sides of the housing and spanning the housing, a drive wheel connected to the drive shaft, and transfer gears affixed near ends of the drive shaft and aligned with the gears; and (b) a handle connected to the tooth cleaning head, wherein as the tooth cleaning device travels along a row of teeth, the drive wheel rotates along the biting surface of the teeth, thereby rotating the drive shaft and the transfer g