Abstract: Description and specifications of a new and distinct nectarine tree variety which originated from an F2 population of seed produced by a hand pollinated cross of Arkansas Peach Selection 190 (non-patented) and Arkansas Nectarine Selection 178 (non-patented) is provided. This new nectarine variety can be distinguished by its large, attractive, very firm fruit, good yielding abilities, good storage and shipping characteristics, and high levels of genetic resistance to the disease bacterial spot.

Abstract: A distinctive variety of Malus sargentii, most often referred to as a flowering crabapple tree, possesses a compact, upright growth habit, a colorful persistent fruit that remains ornamental long into the winter and is resistant to Apple Scab disease.

Abstract: Description and specifications of a new and distinct nectarine variety which orignated from seed produced by a hand pollinated cross of Arkansas Nectarine Selection 172 (non-patented) and Arkansas Nectarine Selection 176 (non-patented) is provided. This new nectarine variety can be distinguished by its very early fruit ripening, attractive, flavorful firm fruits, good plant vigor and productivity, and its high level of genetic resistance to the disease bacterial spot.

Abstract: A new shrub rose plant which has abundant, white flowers which are present on the plant continually throughout the growing season. Its low spreading habit and very glossy, disease resistant foliage demand limited maintenance, making it ideal for use in landscapes. The variety is suitable for propagation on its own roots, as well as, a traditionally budded plant. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Lavender plant named ‘Bee Cool’, characterized by its upright plant habit; dense and bushy plant form; vigorous growth habit; gray green-colored leaves; and light lavender-colored flower corollas with showy white-colored terminal flower bracts.

Abstract: A vegetatively reproduced seashore paspalum cultivar, selected as a mutation from the cultivar Adalayd®, is named ‘SEA ISLE 2000’. It is distinguished by high tolerance to salinity, dark green color, extremely fine leaf blades that are generally ≦1.5 mm in width, and the ability to tolerate mowing to {fraction (5/32)} inch height. These distinguishing characteristics make ‘SEA ISLE 2000’ particularly suitable as a turfgrass for lawns and golf courses, especially golf course greens.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Dieffenbachia plant named ‘Bryant Compacta’, characterized by its upright and outwardly arching growth habit; very freely clumping habit, full and dense plants, with typically about 20 offshoots per plant; and numerous and relatively small leaves with distinct green and light green and white variegated patterns.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct winter planted short day variety of strawberry known as ‘BG-424’. This new variety is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the southern coast of California. It is particularly characterized by its moderate vigor and dense plant. ‘BG-424’ has a medium to large cylindrical to wedged shaped berry. Seeds are positioned below the surface of the berry with a narrow band without achenes under the calyx. The fruit is medium red in color with good flavor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct winter planted short-day variety of strawberry known as ‘BG-269’. This new variety is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the southern coast of California. It is particularly characterized by its strong vigorous plant with high yields, large berry size and fruit and flowers visible above the plant throughout much of the season. The fruit is dark in color with acceptable flavor, good juiciness and moderately firm texture.

Abstract: A measuring device for the measurement of workplaces has a base frame with a workpiece receiver to receive a workpiece to be measured, and at least one measuring unit for the measurement of the workpiece. In order to utilize the measuring device as flexibly as possible, and permit the measurement of different workplaces in as simple a manner as possible, the measuring unit can be brought into at least two different positions.

Abstract: A water cooler having a container with a reservoir for storing water has a thermoelectric module operable to cool a conductor plate and form ice in the reservoir. A temperature sensor connected to the plate senses the temperature of the plate and activates a timer when the temperature is below the temperature at which water freezes. The timer operates a selected period of time to allow a block of ice to be formed on the plate. A photoelectric sensor operable to sense a selected size of the block of ice functions to actuate a switching device that changes the polarity of the electric power supplied to the thermoelectric module to supply heat energy to the plate to release the block of ice from the plate. The released block of ice floats in the water in the reservoir and cools the water.

Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer mechanism (22) includes friction clutches (24,36 and 26,38), jaw clutches (28,14b,16b), self-energizing ramps, (13f,13g,13h,13i and 29e,29f,29g,29h), and springs (33) to limit the maximum self-energizing or additive force provided by the ramps. The ramps act between a shaft (12) and jaw clutch (28). A shift flange (32) is rotatably fixed to the jaw clutch (28) by splines which allow relative axial movement against the force of the springs (33). The jaw clutch (28) and the shaft (12) include mating splines (29,13) divided into spline portions (29a,29b,29c,29d and 13a,13b,13c,13d,13e) to define the ramps to control limited relative rotation between the jaw clutch (28) and shaft (12), and to provide surface area and structural strength for transmitting full torque to the shaft and gears.

Abstract: A method of contacting a substrate having a surface containing hydroxyl groups with a non-aqueous solution containing a material having a chrolosilyl group; washing if desired; coating the substrate with a non-aqueous solvent containing a compound having a fluorocarbon group and a chlorosilane group or a solvent containing a compound containing a fluorocarbon group and an alkoxysilane; and baking the substrate if necessary in order to form a fluorocarbon-based polymer coating film chemically bonded to the substrate surface. The hydroxyl groups on the substrate surface and chlorosilyl groups are reacted to form a thin film having a large number of silanol groups (—SiOH) capable of connecting the polymer coating film to the substrate to form a heat-, weather-, and wear-resistant film on various surfaces.

Abstract: Film and sheet materials, and articles made therefrom, such as bags, pouches, trays, etc., comprise one or more layers of a thermoplastic, homogeneous alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer, preferably an ethylene/styrene copolymer. The alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer has properties which can can provide a desired performance characteristics such as impact resistance, printability, RF sealability, free shrink, optics, as well as many others. The homogeneous alpha-olefin-vinyl aromatic copolymer may be present in a mono-layer film, either alone or in a blend, or may be included in one or more layers of a multilayer film. Also included is a multilayer thermoformable article comprising a web having a film of such alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymers thereto. Finally, also included is an RF-sealable film comprising such copolymers.

Abstract: A bulk ionically conductive polymer gel is prepared by dissolving a salt such as lithium trifluoromethanesulphonate (which would provide lithium ion conductors) in an organic compound such as N-formylpiperidine. The organic compound dissolves the salt at 20° C. but is not a solvent at 20° C. though it is at 215° C.) for polyethylene terephthalate. The last-named is a crystallizable polymer which is added in a minor amount at a high temperature to the other components and provides the required mechanical rigidity for the product at lower temperatures.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material has a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.

Abstract: A golf club shaft grip having a polyurethane layer bonded to a felt layer. The bonded-together layers are configured as a strip which is spirally wrapped about the shaft. A cap is then telescopically applied over the upper end of the shaft to prevent unraveling of the strip from the shaft.

Abstract: An engine control system is operable to provide an engine fueling rate equal to the larger of a first engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine torque is limited by a maximum input torque capacity of a presently engaged gear ratio of the transmission and a second engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine torque is limited by a nominal input torque capacity of the transmission. The foregoing technique can be enabled at all times, or alternatively only after determination that the vehicle is experiencing deceleration under heavy engine load conditions. The engine control system may be further operable to determine a third engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine output torque is limited by a maximum operating torque capacity of the transmission propeller shaft, as well as a fourth engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine output torque is limited by a maximum operating torque capacity of the drive axle connected thereto.

Abstract: Thermal treatment apparatus for thermally treating selected tissues of a subject located in or near a body cavity, includes a catheter insertable into the subject's body cavity and having a proximal end formed with an inflatable anchoring section for anchoring the catheter in the body cavity, a distal end to be located externally of the body cavity, and an inflatable heating section adjacent the proximal end to be located near the tissue to be heated. The catheter is formed with passageways extending from the distal end to the inflatable heating section for circulating heated fluid through the inflatable heating section but not through the inflatable anchoring section, and a further passageway from the distal end to the inflatable anchoring section for inflating the inflatable anchoring section with a non-heated fluid.

Abstract: A bib positionable on a person's torso includes a back portion, a neck portion extending from the back portion, a strap extending substantially perpendicularly from the neck portion, and a collar flap extending from the neck portion, the collar flap foldable with respect to the neck portion to facilitate securement of the bib to the person's torso.

Abstract: Apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear, which is collapsible into its sleeve to form a fanny pack, shoulder pack, hand pack or back pack configuration which includes a releasable fastener which retains two (2) outwardly extending ends of an adjustable belt member attached to the apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear. The length of the adjustable belt member is readily adjustable by the user to permit the apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear, to be carried as a fanny pack, shoulder pack, hand pack or back pack, as desired by the user, when the apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear, is not in use. When it is desired to use the apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear, it is quickly and readily converted from its fanny pack, shoulder pack, hand pack or back pack configuration into apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear, ready for use.

Abstract: The modular cap assembly of the present invention consists of a visor component and a crown component which may be worn separately or together. One or more of the crown panels may receive detachable insignias and detachable pockets. Other accessories may also be attached to the visor and the crown.

Abstract: A clothes-adjusting apparatus capable of adjusting the dimension thereof in a wide range includes a second cloth member joined to a first cloth member at one edge thereof. A third cloth member is joined to the first cloth member at another edge thereof. The first, second, and third cloth members are joined to a waistband. A dimension-adjusting part is defined by overlapping a predetermined length of one end portion of the waistband on the other end thereof. A slide fastener is provided between a side of the second cloth member which is positioned opposite to the first cloth member and a side of the third cloth member which is positioned opposite to the first cloth member. The second cloth member and the third cloth member are joined to each other at a joining portion by overlapping a lower end portion of the second cloth member and that of the third cloth member on each other.

Abstract: A shape enhancing hosiery for thickening and enhancing the shape and curvature of a wearer's legs includes a sleeve having a closed lower end, an open upper end, a curved plastic insert, and an adjustable strap coupled around the open end.

Abstract: An infant sock for crawling infants includes a generally tubular sock member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a toe surface forming a closed end, and an open end. An elastic band is attached at the open end receiving an infant's foot. A gripper member covers at least a portion of the upper surface, the lower surface and the toe surface and has an increased coefficient of friction.

Abstract: An adjustable protective helmet for sporting activities comprising a first and second shell component, each having respective cooperating overlapping segments extending transversely across the top portion of the wearer's head for connecting together to form a helmet shell assembly circumscribing the wearer's head. The shells are movable relative to one another in the overlapping segments to provide size adjustability of the helmet. The protective helmet includes a shock absorbing pad assembly inside comprising at least two padding sections, one padding section comprising an opening, the other padding section comprising an extension loosely fitting within the opening and shaped to allow relative longitudinal motion between the padding sections; the padding sections further comprising stopping means to limit the relative longitudinal motion between them.

Abstract: A high energy shock absorbing and dissipating device designed to be mounted on existing shoulder pads for football, hockey, dirt bike riders, etc. The head of the wearer is in a spaced relation to the inside surfaces. It consists of a crown structure and a lower support structure with vertical shock absorbing springs in between. An energy dissipating foam annular band is in a plane at the forehead level to attenuate the forces from whiplash-type movements. The possibility of the wearer receiving a concussion is virtually eliminated and will have the maximum of protection against devastating spinal cord injuries.

Abstract: A transportable and foldable toilet seat attachment device for use with a conventional toilet, the toilet including a bowl with an upwardly facing rim onto which is pivotably engaged a conventional toilet seat cover. The attachment device includes a first generally arcuate shaped portion having an established length, width and thickness and a second likewise arcuate shaped portion being a substantially a mirror image of the first portion and being pivotally attached to the first portion at first and second respective and opposing ends established along a common axis. The first and second arcuate shaped portions each have an outer extending edge, a spaced and inner extending edge defining the width of the arcuate portion, an upwardly facing surface and a downwardly facing surface, the first and second arcuate portions further defining therebetween a central opening of a selected dimension.

Abstract: Non-slip ergonomic pads are disposed on opposite sides of the upper surface of a toilet seat for supporting the gluteus maximus of a user while helping to align the pelvis and spine when the user is seated on the toilet seat. The pads are formed of a durable non-slip material which deforms slightly when sat upon and has a memory to return to its original form when the pressure of the user seated on the toilet seat is removed. The pads may include a single layer or multiple layers of open celled sponge rubber or other material. When the pads have multiple layers, the layers may exhibit a continuous gradient of values of indentation force deflection. The material should be of substantially uniform thickness so as to provide uniform pressure distribution and firm support. The pads have non-slip characteristics without being sticky to the touch. The pads may have a cloth surface layer to provide a printable surface to contain printing, advertising or a design.

Abstract: A shield for a toilet has a shaft adapted at one end to be fixed to an inner wall of the toilet bowl. The shaft extends horizontally into the bowl. A sleeve is mounted for rotation on the shaft. An arm extends from the sleeve inwardly and downwardly into the bowl. A strike pad is mounted on the end of the arm in an approximately horizontal position above the standing water level. A lever extending upwardly form the sleeve is engagable against the underside of the seat for angular displacement of the sleeve during rotation of the seat into the down position to move the strike pad to an approximately vertical storage position at the rear of the bowl and is disengagable from the underside of the seat during rotation of the seat to the up position to allow the strike pad to move to an approximately horizontal use position.

Abstract: A rectangular flexible shield that is placed into the toilet bowl shielding the back and sides of the bowl to prevent or reduce urine spills. The urine shield is removably attached to the raised toilet bowl seat by a generally u-shaped hook.

Abstract: Water-saving device for flush toilets comprises a bracket which can be mounted on the exterior of a toilet water tank directly behind the flush handle on the front wall of the water tank. The device comprises a bracket body, having a lever pivotally secured thereto, one end of the pivot lever has a vertically adjustable set screw which can be moved up or down to engage the end portion of the flush handle, designed to limit the flush handle to a predetermined amount of downward travel in the short flush mode, whereby allowing a smaller selected amount of water to be dispensed when the flush handle is held down for a predetermined time before releasing it. In the full flush mode the pivot lever is manually moved counter-clockwise and away from the normal path of the flush handle to allow the entire content of the water tank to empty into the toilet bowl.

Abstract: An inlet valve and a discharge valve are operatively coupled by a coupling element so that when the discharge valve is closed, the inlet valve is open, and when the inlet valve is closed, the discharge valve is open. A biasing element biases the inlet valve closed. Upon closure of the discharge valve, a releasable retaining element retains the inlet valve open and the discharge valve closed against the action of the biasing element, thereby enabling the inlet valve to fill a tank with a fluid. A float responsive to the level of fluid in the tank engages and releases the retaining element when the tank is full, thereby enabling the biasing element to close the inlet valve and open the discharge valve, thereby discharging the fluid from the tank. In one aspect, the retaining element comprises a clamp mechanism that releasably clamps either the coupling element, the inlet valve, or the discharge valve.

Abstract: An adjustable diverter device situated in a water tank regulates the water level in the tank. The water enters the device at one end and a flow exits through a first vent into the tank. A second vent is located at the opposite end with an adjustment valve rotatable in the second end. The valve restricts the flow through the second vent and forces a greater amount of water to flow into the water tank.

Abstract: A galley waste disposal system is provided for use with an existing vacuum collection system. The galley waste disposal system includes a basin for receiving galley waste and a discharge valve connected between the basin and a collection tank. The discharge valve is vacuum-operated and has an actuating port. An electrically-operated vacuum control valve is connected between the actuating port and a vacuum source. A flush element is also provided that is actuatable to produce a discharge command. A controller is operably connected to the control valve and is selectively operable in response to the discharge command to place the actuating port in fluid communication with the vacuum source, thereby to open the discharge valve. In addition, the discharge valve, vacuum control valve, and controller may be housed in an enclosure suitable for mounting remotely from the basin.

Abstract: A portable toilet apparatus includes a seat elevating structure; an annular seat structure having an open middle and resting on the seat elevating structure, and including a sack securing mechanism; and a waste collection sack having a closed sack lower end and an open sack upper end removably secured to the annular seat structure with a waste collection sack engagement structure. The seat elevating structure preferably includes an annular bellows having a tubular accordion outer bellows side wall and a tubular accordion inner bellows side wall spaced inwardly from the outer bellows side wall, and an annular upper bellows wall and annular lower bellows wall integrally joined to the inner and outer bellows side walls to define an annular bellows interior space for releasibly trapping air, the upper bellows wall being sized to fit and fitting within the annular seat structure and providing a yielding, resilient cushion effect when the annular seat structure is sat upon.

Abstract: The pool cover is made of multi-layer light weight construction having a translucent top layer to permit sunlight to pass through an opaque bottom layer for absorbing sunlight passing through the transparent layer. In addition, a plurality of pockets are formed in the opaque layer having air encapsulated therein. When in use, the opaque layer becomes heated by sunlight thereby transferring heat by contact to the body of the water in the pool while also blocking light from the body of water to inhibit algae growth. The heated trapped air also serves to conduct heat to the body of water while also acting as a thermal insulation barrier during non-daylight hours. The pool cover may also be turned upside down in use. In other embodiment, all layers may be opaque.

Abstract: The present invention is a light weight, easily used device designed for folding, storing and unfolding a floating solar swimming pool cover. In its preferred embodiment, the solar cover folder is an expandable, elongated loop which can be placed on the top surface of a floating swimming pool solar cover. After folding approximately the first two feet of the cover up and over said folder, said folder and the cover can then be folded back repeatedly until the entire cover has been rolled on the folder. Once the cover has been completely rolled onto the folder, it may either be left floating at the edge of the pool, lifted to rest on the side of the pool or removed to a remote location for storage.

Abstract: A tub cover support device for preventing the collapsing of a tub cover. The tub cover support device includes a foot for positioning on the bottom wall of a tub. A pipe is generally hollow and has an open first end and open second end. A coupler is attached to the foot and removably couples the first end of the pipe to the foot. A support portion is removably coupled to the second end of the pipe. The support portion has a pair of bars extending outward horizontally with respect to a vertical orientation of the pipe when the support portion is coupled to the second end of the pipe. A bottom surface of a cover abuts the support portion when the cover is positioned over an open top side of the tub.

Abstract: An integrated eye wash and sink faucet connected to cold and hot water supplies. The integrated eye wash and sink faucet includes a valve having a body with first and second openings provided therein, and a spindle having an arm integrally connected to a chamber. The spindle is slidably provided in the valve body. The first opening of the valve body is controllably in fluid communication with the cold and hot water supplies. The second opening of the valve body fluidly communicates with the cold water supply when the spindle chamber is provided at a predetermined location of the valve body. The integrated eye wash and sink faucet also has a sink faucet integrally formed with the valve body and in controlled fluid communication with the cold and hot water supplies, via the first opening of the valve body.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for bathing body parts, such as the feet. The apparatus includes a bath chamber for containing fluid, such as water, and receiving the body part therein. The bath chamber includes a bottom surface and a wall structure extending upwardly therefrom, wherein the wall structure has a contact area adapted to be exposed when fluid is contained in the bath chamber. A heating member is provided on the contact area for providing heat, such as infrared rays, to the body part when the body part is placed on the contact area. In addition, the bath apparatus can include at least one massage attachment adapted to be received on the contact area for massaging the body part when the body part engages the massage attachment.

Abstract: This interactive urinal is for improving sales and provides revenue from the restroom, especially in an establishment that sells beverages. The urinal is coin vended to provide amusement and also to provide income from obligatory restroom requirements. The Urinator allows an owner to permit the dispensing of rewards to promote equipment or products for sale elsewhere. It is envisioned that the Urinator may provide tickets for free products upon the attainment of certain amounts of a customer urine output coordinated with appropriate accuracy. Coin operation and anti-cheating devices are disclosed.

Abstract: An upper front annular frame and a lower annular frame have pivotally connected front portions, and a seat overlies the frames and has a rear portion pivotally connected to a rear portion of the upper frame. A pair of scissor linkages are connected to corresponding opposite side portions of the frames and have forwardly projecting arms supporting rollers engaging a bottom surface of the seat. A motor driven screw jack is supported by a bracket mounted on one side portion of the lower frame and is connected to tilt the upper frame between a horizontal position adjacent the lower frame and an elevated inclined position while the scissor linkages automatically move the seat between a horizontal position and an inclined elevated position projecting forwardly of the frames.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture adapted to be installed from the top side of a sink deck through a sink deck opening includes a valve body having an exterior threaded portion of a size to pass through the sink deck opening. There is a shoulder on the valve body which is adapted to seat upon the sink deck when the threaded portion extends through the sink deck opening. A threaded collar is mounted on the valve body threaded portion with the collar being of a size to pass through the sink deck opening. A collapsible sleeve is coaxial with the valve body and positioned thereon between the collar and the shoulder, the sleeve having an outer diameter, when collapsed, which will permit the sleeve to pass through the sink deck opening.