Abstract: A distinctive cultivar of Lobelia, Lobelia erinus L., plant named ‘Wesstar’, characterized by its cascading and rounded plant habit; short internodes; dense and bushy plant form; vigorous growth habit; dark green leaves; and intense blue-colored flowers.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Brevt’, characterized by its uniform cascading plant habit; freely and continuous branching; and numerous blue purple and white bi-colored flowers.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Hibiscus plant named ‘Marina’, characterized by its upright plant habit; very freely branching; dense and bushy growth habit; freely flowering habit; and attractive and numerous violet blue-colored flowers.

Abstract: A device for use as an aid to computer users. The device is coupled to an associated personal computer and performs various functions which provide the user with concurrent explanations of running software, searches and multimedia integration without interfering with the functioning of the associated computer or its running software.

Abstract: A grounding electrode conductor bonded to the metallic surface of a panel board by a press sleeve connector mounted on said panel board. A clamp is used to contact and secure the conductor to the connector. Both grounding electrode conductor and connector are in conformance with the 1996 National Electrical Code.

Abstract: A radar apparatus of an automotive vehicle includes a radar unit which radiates an electromagnetic wave to a target in a forward direction of the vehicle and receives reflection beams from the target to detect the target. A scanning control unit performs a beam scanning of the radar unit to the target so that the reflection beams during the beam scanning are received. A center direction determining unit detects a distribution pattern of the received reflection beams with respect to respective scanning angles of the radar unit, performs a similarity approximation of the distribution pattern by using an antenna directional gain pattern of the radar unit to produce an approximated distribution pattern, and determines a direction of a center of the target based on a peak of the approximated distribution pattern.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for thermally transferring an ink pattern to a recording medium, comprising the steps of preparing an ink sheet provided with a hot-melt and/or hot-sublimable ink layer and a transparent material sheet provided with a transparent hot-melt material layer, thermally producing an ink pattern on the transparent material layer of the transparent material sheet by heating the ink sheet with thermal head, and thermally transferring the ink pattern to the recording medium together with the transparent hot-melt material layer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are offered for reducing nerve injury pain associated with shingles (herpes-zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia), where intradermal delivery of lidocaine is maintained for a predetermined period of time. The lidocaine appears to specifically affect the damaged nerve fibers, while leaving the undamaged and normal nerve fibers with retention of response to other stimuli. Lidocaine formulations are provided which allow for the necessary dosage of the lidocaine in the dermis during the period of treatment. The formulation may be covered with an occlusive or non-occlusive dressing, which protects the lidocaine formulation from mechanical removal and enhances the transport of the lidocaine into the dermis. Long term relief is realized after maintenance of the administration of lidocaine has been terminated.

Abstract: A variable speed mechanism for propelling an associated lawn mowing apparatus has a variable pitch pulley assembly, a belt which connects the variable pitch pulley assembly to a transmission, a control arm assembly for controlling the variable pitch pulley assembly, and a speed selector for selectively adjusting the control arm assembly. The speed selector is positioned corresponding to the desired lawn mowing apparatus ground speed. This creates tension in a cable which moves a control arm. When the control arm is moved, it rotates about a pivot shaft adjusting the position of a bearing cup which, in turn, adjusts the position of the moveable pulley half within variable pitch pulley assembly. Once the pulley assembly has been positioned, the effective belt diameter is set. If the effective belt diameter is increased, the speed supplied to the transmission is increased assuming a fixed pulley size on the transmission input.

Abstract: Heteroarylpiperidines, pyrrolidines, and piperazines are useful as antipsychotic and analgesic agents. The compounds are especially useful for treating psychoses by administering to a mammal a psychoses-treating effective amount of one of the compounds. Depot derivatives of the compounds are useful for providing long acting effects of the compounds. The compounds are also useful as analgesics by administering a pain-relieving effective amount of one of the compounds to a mammal.

Abstract: In a method for collecting on judgments, zip code data is maintained in electronic form in a memory of a digital computer. The zip code data includes, for each given zip code, a list of respective zip codes all geographically contiguous to the given zip code. Bank data is also maintained in electronic form in the memory of the digital computer. The bank data includes bank identification information and address zip codes for banks covered by the bank data. In implementing the method, a zip code for a judgment defendant is entered into the computer. The computer is then operated to determine (i) a plurality of zip codes contiguous to the entered zip code and (ii) target banks with addresses having one of the entered zip code and the determined contiguous zip codes.

Abstract: A child walking harness made of flexible material comprising a front and rear body panel which are connected through the legs of the child at the crotch portion. The front and rear body panels are provided panel extensions that connect to each other by means of hook and loop fasteners attached to each end thereof. The upper portion of the body panels are provided with shoulder straps which are fitted with releasable securing devices which lock together over the child's shoulder. The rear body panel straps are looped together and fed through a flexible rear adjustment plate which allows the two upper straps to make adjustments to the size of the child and forms a hand-hold at the upper end to support the child while the child is balancing itself to walk and give comfort and safety to the child and relief of back stress to the parent. The adjustment plate provides a separation of the holding straps to prevent closure of the straps around the child's head and neck.

Abstract: An article for communicating at least one message which includes a garment, at least one detachable message, and a securing mechanism for detachably adhering the at least one detachable message to the garment. The securing mechanism is selected from a perforated segment, a snap, Velcro, a button, a magnet, electrostatic forces, a rubber adhesive, and an acrylic adhesive. The garment is formed of a disposable material such as paper or a webbed material or a non-disposable material such as cotton, polyester, spandex, a combination thereof, or the like. Similarly, the at least one detachable message is alternately formed of with a disposable or non-disposable material.

Abstract: A reusable backless, strapless, one-piece bra. The bra comprises an underwire, a light-weight aluminum layer and a rubber foam layer, the light weight aluminum layer being positioned between foam rubber layers. The aluminum enables the bra to be molded to fit the contours of each person. The foam is bonded to the skin with double-sided, disposable dermal adhesive tape. The tape is applied horizontally across the bottom of the bra and attached to the rib cage just beneath the breast. A pad may be provided on an inner surface of-the bra to give the appearance of enhanced breast size.

Abstract: A pocketed vest or a combination vest and backpack garment for carrying school books, notebooks and other loads in a distributed manner such that the weight of the total load is relatively evenly proportioned relative to the front and back of the wearer, where the vest comprises a back body member joined to a pair of front body members, the front body members being releasably connectable, such that the combination of the back and front body members define a pair of arm openings, a neck opening and a waist opening. A relatively large volume rear pocket or compartment is mounted onto the back body member and a relatively large volume front pocket is mounted onto each of the front body members, with the front pockets occupying the majority portion of the front body members. The rear pocket has top, bottom and side panels such that the pocket has a three-dimensional interior.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clothing combination comprising a shirt and a pair of pants wherein the shirt and the pair of pants are fastened together by a self-releasing bond. Preferably, the bond is made using hook strips and loop strips that, in combination, form a hook and loop fastener. The self-releasing bond separates in a reformable manner when subjected to severe tensile strength or shear strength but has sufficient flexibility and bond strength to enable the clothing combination to be useful in sporting activities. Multicomponent kits and processes of making the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A tool gripping assembly for making it easier and more comfortable for a user to hold a tool especially a dangerous tool such as a welding torch. The tool gripping assembly includes a glove having a wrist portion and a hand portion including a thumb member and finger members; and also includes a fastening member being securely attached to the glove; and further includes a tool fastening strip member being adapted to be attached about a tool and being fastenable to the fastening member.

Abstract: The hooded garment of the present invention has an integral, storable mask or goggles for use to protect the wearer against inclement weather, and particularly for use in outdoor cold weather sports, such as skiing or snowboarding. The mask has the shape of a filled-in, upside-down U. The edges of the U-shaped mask, with the exception of one to two inches on either end of the U is attached to the hood, preferably sewn. The mask attachment is preferably recessed from the hood opening but has the shape of the hood opening. When wearing the garment, the wearer has the option of wearing the mask or storing the mask flush against the inside, back of the hood. Further, the mask is versatile enough to keep as much or as little of the head, face, and neck of the wearer covered, as the wearer desires. The hood and mask can be worn loosely, or can be tightened by the drawstring of the hood. In an alternate embodiment, the mask comprises a horizontal separation, which runs across the middle of the mask.

Abstract: A ball cap with attached sunglasses including a cap portion comprised of a head portion and a brim portion. The head portion has an open lower end for being positioned atop a head. The brim portion extends laterally from the open lower end of the head portion. A pair of sunglasses are adapted for being pivotally and rotatably coupled with the cap portion.

Abstract: A ladies' underwear fabrication method and structure that in addition to addressing the difficulty of effectively keeping conventionally fabricated women's underwear in position while worn also provides a newly researched and developed fabrication method that improves finished product appearance and comfort. A double-layer elastic fabric material is overlapped, a punch cutting pattern of a bust-shaped section is traced, breast cups are emplaced, and the fabric material is folded back and cut into shape. Tension-adjustable straps are then attached to the torso band section extending from the bottom of the brassiere and, furthermore, the upper end of the torso band section to effectively provide for stronger positioning and an enhanced bustline profile while the ladies underwear of the present invention is worn.

Abstract: A removable storage pocket is securable to the surface of an object. The pocket includes a front panel and a rear panel secured to one another around the margins thereof to form a pocket. The pocket is secured to the object using a mating fastener having first and second removably mating elements. Optionally, the fastener is a hook and pile fastener. A first element of said mating fastener is secured to the rear surface of the rear panel around a portion of the margin thereof. Optionally, the first fastener element surrounds less than all the margin of the rear panel. A second element of said mating fastener is removably adhered to the surface of said object using adhesive having a bonding strength greater than the force required to disengage the mating fastener.

Abstract: A protective headguard including (i) a protective central pad for covering at least a portion of an athlete's forehead, (ii) a rear pad for covering at least a portion of an athlete's occipital bone, (iii) a sleeve interconnecting the central pad and the rear pad and covering at least a portion of the interior and exterior surfaces of the central and rear pads, and optionally (iv) an adjustment strap system interconnecting the rear pad and the central pad, (v) a packet of cooling material retained by the sleeve, and/or (vi) nubbins projecting from the interior surface of the central and/or rear pad.

Abstract: A body protection/support device is provided for arrangement on a body part. The device has a molded body filling of individual molded bodies (19, 20) accommodated in a receiving enclosure (11). The receiving enclosure (11) in an outer part (13) is substantially remote from the body part and is relatively rigid compared to an inner part (12), which is substantially directed towards the body part.

Abstract: A two layer garment system having an outer layer and a trilaminate inner layer sewn together is used to manufacture fire retardant, or firefighting, textile products, e.g., jackets, pants, gloves, bags and totes. The layers of the trilaminate inner liner insulate, water proof, and provide a face cloth for the firefighting textile product. In the preferred embodiment, the outer layer comprises a woven melamine paraaramid fiber blend blend having a density of about 7.5 ounces per square yard. The inner liner comprises three layers laminated together. A first layer of the inner liner for insulating the firefighting textile product comprises about 6 ounces per square yard of melamine aramid fiber blend knit. A second layer of the inner liner for water proofing the firefighting textile product comprises a commercially available, vapor-permeable moisture membrane material,.

Abstract: A protective uniform for a high-risk or high-impact activity or sport has a rear rigid shell, an artificial spine which may articulate at two sections attached to the shell, and a damper mechanism between the shell and artificial spine. In addition, the artificial spine may be attached to conventional or modified back and hip pads and/or a harness such as worn by rappellers or skydivers. The shell preferably extends from the wearer's head to the tailbone and across the back. The top portion of the shell together with side shields and a face shield form a protective enclosure for the head, inside of which a conventional helmet may be worn. The side shields preferably are movably connected to the rigid shell and are also connected to conventional or modified shoulder pads. The artificial spine is preferably formed in three sections, each section being connected to the other by a limited range universal joint to provide a range of motion comparable to the human neck and the human back.

Abstract: A neck garment comprises a body having two ends, a zipper attached to the body near the ends, thereby forming two flaps which are positioned beneath the zipper. The zipper is not as long as the ends, and the remainder of the ends are stitched together. The zipper is attached to the body at an angle that is about 45 degrees, such that when the zipper is moved into a closed position, the garment enables the wearer to warm their neck, and when the wearer wants to cool down, the zipper is moved into an open position, the ends are separated and remain open, exposing an area of the wearer and enabling the exposed area to be cooled down without interference from the garment. The garment is particularly suited for outdoor activities such as skiing.

Abstract: A toilet flushing system primarily having an actuating assembly, guide housing, funnel assembly and flexible hose. Designed to minimize water utilization, the water inlet is located above the water line in a natural state. With the ability to select the desired amount of water for flushing, the actuating assembly is pushed vertically downward within the guide housing to overcome the upward buoyancy force surrounding the funnel assembly. The flushing cycle may be interrupted by vertically pulling the actuating assembly with sufficient force to overcome the water pressure established over the funnel assembly.

Abstract: A flush toilet having two nozzles located within its bowl. The two nozzles being oriented in opposite directions and alternately providing pulses of flush water into and around the bowl.

Abstract: This invention provides a combination of a bidet and toilet and includes a water tubular means, a softsoap tubular means, a nozzle, a liquid container, a first connector, comprising a valve, a second connector providing the handle control of the sprinkling mixture direction, and the holders. The nozzle means comprises the hollow body, having the transversal wall in the middle of the nozzle, separating the softsoap liquid flow and the water flow, and the apertures for the sprinkling stream outlet.

Abstract: A multi-position (e.g. three way) valve is operatively connected to a combined vacuum/holding tank for a vacuum toilet system, and to a pump capable of pumping both air and sewage. When the valve is in one position air is pulled from the tank through the pump to increase the vacuum level in the tank, e.g. to above 10 in/Hg. When the valve is moved to a second position by either a float or manual switch operation, the sewage is pumped out of the tank through the pump while surrounding air moves through the valve into the tank.

Abstract: A ramped cap unit is provided for installation into a swimming pool in a position covering a main pool drain equipped with an upstanding antivortex safety drain cover plate, wherein the ramped cap unit has a smoothly contoured shape to permit a pool cleaner device to travel thereover without interrupting or obstructing cleaning operation. The cap unit comprises a generally inverted saucer defining a smoothly sloping and convex or ramped upwardly presented surface having a diametric size and shape to fit over the safety drain cover plate. An array of ribs formed on the underside of the cap unit engage an outer periphery of the upstanding cover plate to retain the cap unit in position thereon. A large plurality of vents are formed in the cap unit at spaced-apart locations to permit downward water flow therethrough substantially without disrupting the antivortex and safety functions of the underlying drain cover plate.

Abstract: A bath lift system comprises a seat which is raised and lowered inside of a bath by a lifting device positioned inside the bath. The lifting device provides an aesthetically appealing system with the seat substantially concealing the lifting device, thus obscuring its view. The lifting device reduces leakage while providing straight line movement positioning of the seat from a central position to a position along side of the top rim of the bath. Also, an alternative internal lifting device that eliminates the need for openings through the wall of the bath is provided.

Abstract: A bath lift (10), the lift (10) comprising a housing (12) locatable to a first side (18) of a bath (20). A flexible band (72) is provided which is selectively extendable from the housing (12) across the bath (20) to a second side (86) of the bath (20) such that a person can sit on the band (72). The lift (10) comprises means for selectively feeding the band (72) out or in of the housing (12) such that when the band (72) is fed out a person sitting thereon is lowered into a sitting position to the bottom of the bath (20), and when the band (72) is fed in, a person sitting thereon is raised off the bottom of the bath (20). The lift (10) is arranged to be selectively movable between an in use position with the band (72) extending from the housing (12) across the bath (20), and an out of use condition with the band (72) located at least substantially within the housing (12). The housing (12) lies in a generally flat configuration to the first side (18) of the bath (20).

Abstract: Divan bed comprising a fixed frame (1) which has a movable frame (2) sliding inside it, said fixed frame (1) having longitudinal sections (10) forming, inside them, longitudinal guides (11,12) inside which corresponding means (33) for engaging the movable frame (2) are able to slide, there also being provided elements (23,23a) for resting the movable frame (2) on the ground, which rotate from a raised position to a lowered position and vice versa when the movable frame (2) is in the position extracted from/inserted inside the fixed frame (1), and associated means (40) for operating and actuating said elements (23) for resting on the ground.

Abstract: A bed frame constructed by assembly of rail members with universal caster mounts at points of intersection of the rails, where ends of the rail members are integrally connected to the universal caster mounts without any bracketry or parts attached to the ends of the rail members. The universal caster mounts have a top wall for connection to a rail member, a side wall, and a caster shank receiving ferrule. A slot in the top wall receives a portion of an end of a rail member for direct connection of the rail member to the caster mount. A portion of the end of the rail member engaged in the slot rests upon the top wall, flush with the portion of another rail member attached to the top wall, to provide a truly flush support surface for a mattress box spring. Different frame designs, and a low profile caster mount are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable cross bar for bed rails and frames with at least two relatively movable cross bar members and a clamp positioned over the outboard ends of the cross bar members and entrapping their edges in tracks. The clamp has depending lances formed in a horizontal surface aligned with and engagable with openings formed in one of the cross bar members to lock the clamp and cross bar together. A vertically adjustable leg is attached to and depends from the clamp to support the cross bar members and the clamp.

Abstract: An adjustable face rest for use with massage equipment such as tables and chairs includes at least one handle for locking or unlocking adjustability of the face rest. A cross support member is bent or curved to avoid encroaching a person's chin.

Abstract: An inflatable cervical pillow formed of airtight thermoplastic material comprises a water chamber including a valve projected above the surface thereof, and an air chamber including a valve projected above the surface of water chamber. Pillow is curved about 35 to 45 degrees from the lowest front end to the highest rear end. The chambers are flexibly fitted each other. The air chamber has a corrugated surface such that water in the water chamber is operable to flow toward the corrugated surface of the air chamber. The invention is ergonomic such that musculoskeletal discomfort in the head and the neck of the user is totally eliminated after sleep.

Abstract: A bed is provided including a frame, an accessory mount coupled to the frame, a siderail, and an ambulatory assist arm assembly. The accessory mount is configured to removably couple the siderail to the frame so that the siderail can be removed and replaced with the ambulatory assist arm assembly.

Abstract: A self-inflatable mattress is formed from an open pore foam core and one or more layers of dual melt film. Initially, a layer of dual melt film is placed on top of the open pore foam block such that the side with the lower melting temperature contacts the foam core. A non-stick, heat transferable buffer layer is then placed on top of the film and heat and pressure are applied, preferably through a roller, causing the bottom surface of the film to stick to the top surface of the foam core. The edges of the top sheet are also adhesably attached to the sides of the core using a pair of heated side pressure rollers. Lastly, the cushion is inverted and a second, or bottom, sheet of dual melt film is placed on top of the foam core and attached to the bottom surface and the sides in a similar manner. Finally, a valve, which may be either oral, or one way, is attached to the side of the mattress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring mattress having two superposed layers of springs, which are enclosed in covers, and a method of manufacturing a mattress of this kind. The characterizing features of the invention are that the springs of the upper layer are positioned essentially straight above the corresponding springs in the lower layer, and that the covers are joined together in such a manner that the springs in the lower layer are affected at least to some extent by the spring above, in the upper layer, independently of neighboring springs.

Abstract: A system for sleep surface adjustment is described. The sleep surface is provided by a sleep support system that is configured for at least two users. The sleep surface of the sleep support system is supported by at least two fluid chambers whose pressure is independently adjustable. The fluid chambers are surrounded by an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of side walls; each wall has in interior and exterior surface. The system for sleep surface adjustment generally comprises a topper pad and a base pad. The topper pad is positioned above the fluid chambers and extends between the exterior surfaces of the side walls. The base pad is positioned below at least one of the fluid chambers and is used to raise that fluid chamber to a desired height if necessary.

Abstract: A manual emergency tool assembly including a pair of tools, each of which has an operating head and a handle. The handles are formed to be telescopically engaged with each other. A locking arrangement is provided to secure the handles to each other in a fully telescoped relationship, and in intermediated telescoped relationships. A further locking arrangement provides for limited axial movement of the handles with respect to each other. The locking arrangement also provides for separating the tools for independent use of each tool or for use of the tools together in a configuration other than with the handle in a telescopic relationship.

Abstract: A method for conserving carbon dioxide vapor in a carbon dioxide dry cleaning system employing a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution to clean articles, where the method includes removing carbon dioxide vapor from a wash tank to a vapor tank, storing the carbon dioxide vapor in the vapor tank; and charging the wash tank with carbon dioxide vapor from the vapor tank. The method may be performed as part of a wash cycle that includes filling the wash tank with cleaning solution, washing articles to be cleaned in the wash tank, and emptying the cleaning solution out of the wash tank.

Abstract: In a linen or clothes washing machine having a drum (12) with a substantially horizontal axis, which is internally subdivided into two compartments (14a, 14b) by a partition (16) passing through the axis thereof, the drum (12) is rotated at an angular velocity or speed such that the linen (24a, 24b) is subject to a substantially constant radial acceleration with a mean value between approximately 0.70 and 0.95 g, in which g represents the gravitational acceleration. To this end, the system controlling the rotation of the drum (12) preferably includes a closed loop speed control device. An efficient washing is ensured by making the two linen loads (24a, 24b) drop whenever the drum performs a half-turn.

Abstract: An overhang bracket for preventing the discharge of debris from a structure which contains a bracket deck integrally connected to a bracket frame. The bracket deck and bracket frame preferably each has a length of from about 4 to about 15 feet. The bracket deck is preferably substantially L-shaped, with a horizontal and vertical surface disposed vis-a-vis each other at an angle of from about 60 to about 150 degrees; and it has a load capacity of from about 50 to about 1,000 pounds. The bracket frame contains at least two triangular braces. The bracket deck and/or the bracket frame contains an orifice which extends inwardly.

Abstract: A toothbrush incorporates a directional inertia switching arrangement in its handle and has an electrical pressure switch that responds to bending of the brush. When the brush is used correctly to brush teeth up and down and sufficient pressure is simultaneously applied to operate the switch, LED's are caused to be switched ON and OFF. This switching ON and OFF serves to visually indicate and especially to train a young person to brush his teeth correctly.

Abstract: An oral brush includes a) a body that includes a polymer composition that includes polypropylene and has a melt flow rate of at least about 10 g/10 min, and b) bristles extending from the body.

Abstract: A mop (1) for dry or wet mopping comprises an elongated mop-holder (2) and a shaft (9), which is connected to the mop-holder (2) by a universal joint (7). The universal joint (7) has a first pivot axis (a) extending in the longitudinal direction (A) of the mop-holder (2) and in parallel with the pane of the mop-holder, and a second pivot axis (b) perpendicular to the first pivot axis. The shaft (9)has a handle portion (10) and a coupling portion (11), which connects the handle portion (10) to the universal joint (7) and which is so designed that the longitudinal axis (C) of the handle portion (10) is displaced in relation to the universal joint (7) so as to intersect the plane (AB) beside the first pivot axis (a).

Abstract: A wiper blade for motor vehicle windows has an elongated spring-elastic support element, an elongated, rubber elastic wiper strip which is pressable against a window to be wiped and is held substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis by the elongated, spring-elastic support element, a connection device for a driven wiper arm, the connection device being loaded toward the window and secured to a middle portion of the spring-elastic support element, remote from the window, the connection device being formed as a component which is separate from the support element, and a welding connection which connects the connection device with the support element, the support element being band-shaped, the connection device having a base resting flatly on a side remote from the window of the band-shaped support element and connected to the band-shaped supporting element by the welding connection.