Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy hibiscus plant named ‘Fireball’ is the result of a unique hybridization. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized primarily as to novelty by its extreme cold hardiness to Zone 4, its large, rich red flowers of an extremely overlapping nature, its very deeply lobed, palmate leaves wit a purple cast, its vigorous and uniform growth habit, its floriferous nature from midsummer until frost, and its overall improvements over ‘Lord Baltimore’ (unpatented) in refinements.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Phlox plant named ‘Red Feelings’, characterized by its upright plant habit; panicles of reddish purple persistent inflorescences that do not shed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Balgalbrio’, characterized by its outwardly spreading and mounded growth habit; freely basal branching habit; dark green-colored leaves with a distinct zonation pattern; and red purple-colored semi-double flowers.

Abstract: A new variety of mandarin citrus is described that is distinguished by fruit having few seeds, a late fruit ripening period, red-orange fruit and an oblate shape.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘Carolina Burgundy’, characterized by its upright, uniformly mounded and compact plant habit; freely branching, full and dense plants; short response time; and dark red purple-colored ray florets with bright yellow-colored disc florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Duesurimrovein’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely basal branching; and single flowers that are dark pink in color with red purple-colored venation.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Double Impatiens plant named ‘Balfieplos’, characterized by its compact, upright, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; and light pink-colored flowers that are fully double and positioned above the foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘Dueurostar’ characterized by its inflorescences with inflorescences with red-colored flower bracts; dark green-colored leaves with red purple-colored petioles; uniform and rounded plant habit; early flowering; large number of cyathia per corymb; and excellent post-production longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Double Impatiens plant named ‘Balolestop’, characterized by its compact, upright, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; and red purple and white bi-colored flowers that are fully double and positioned above the foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named ‘Soul’, characterized by its compact and upright plant habit; freely flowering habit; light purple-colored flowers; dark green leaves; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Yoursula’, characterized by its upright, mounded and rounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plants; uniform and freely flowering habit; decorative to duplex-type inflorescences; light purple-colored ray florets; and early flowering, natural season flowering in mid-September in the Northern Hemisphere.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Balgalfroe’, characterized by its outwardly spreading and mounded growth habit; freely basal branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; and light purple-colored semi-double flowers with a red purple-colored eye.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Double Impatiens plant named ‘Balfiedeor’, characterized by its compact, upright, outwardly spreading and mounted plant habit, freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; and dark orange-colored flowers that are fully double and positioned above the foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘Duepre’, characterized by its inflorescences with inflorescences with red-colored flower bracts; dark green-colored leaves with red purple-colored petioles; uniform and rounded plant habit; early flowering; and excellent post-production longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘Red Fox 811’, characterized by its inflorescences with inflorescences with large red-colored flower bracts; dark green-colored leaves with red purple-colored petioles; uniform and rounded plant habit; early flowering; and excellent post-production longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘Carolina Orange’, characterized by its upright, uniformly mounded and compact plant habit; freely branching, full and dense plants; short response time; and dark orange-colored ray florets with bright yellow-colored disc florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Ossorio’, characterized by its erect flowering stems; yellow flowers with red apices and dark purple spots; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Double Impatiens plant named ‘Balolesal’, characterized by its compact, upright, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; and light red-colored flowers that are fully double and positioned above the foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct Antirrhinum plant named ‘Balumorew’, characterized by its orange and yellow bicolor flowers, mounded and trailing habit, and dark green leaves.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘Karma Corona’, characterized by its erect, straight and strong flowering stems; dark green foliage; early flowering; double inflorescence form; golden orange-colored ray florets; excellent garden performance; and excellent inflorescence longevity.

Abstract: A new plant variety of Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis named ‘SATIN PILLOW’, characterized by a warm, satiny pink flower with a red “eye.” The plant habit is upright and compact and is free-flowering. The foliage is glossy and dark green.

Abstract: A novel seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus) cultivar (‘BT-l’) is disclosed. The ‘BT-1’ cultivar is characterized by enhanced turf quality under mown and high traffic stress conditions; improved, darker green leaf color; lower growth habit; denser, more tightly knit sod; low mow height tolerance; finer-textured leaf blades; and increased saline and drought tolerance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Fern plant named ‘Crocodyllus’, characterized by its upright and outwardly arching plant habit; numerous fronds; and dense and bushy appearance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Guzmania plant named ‘Esquire’, characterized by it upright and outwardly arching plant habit; small stature; dark green-colored foliage that is flushed or streaked with purple; inflorescences held upright and above foliage on strong scapes; inflorescences with closely-spaced bright red-colored flower bracts and tipped with white; and long-lasting inflorescences that maintain good coloration for about two to three months in an interior environment.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named ‘Bela’, characterized by its upright and mounded plant habit; double flowers that are dark pinkish red in color and held above the foliage; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named ‘Betulia Light’, characterized by its upright and mounded plant habit; single to semi-double flowers that are white in color with pink centers and held above the foliage; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named ‘Binos’, characterized by its upright and mounded plant habit; double flowers that are light pinkish red in color and held above the foliage; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A brush (200) has a straight stem (201) defining a main axis (X—X), a flexible core (202) having a first end integral with the stem and bristles (204) implanted radially in the core. The ends of the bristles define the surface (205) of the brush, this surface having a first face. The intersection of any meridian plane passing through the main axis with the surface of the brush defines two peak lines (207) having a specific curvature. The core is curved, the peak lines (207) are concave and the first face (207.1) is substantially straight and parallel to the main axis (X—X).

Abstract: An adjustable anchor wing is provided for an agricultural bagging machine which not only acts as an anchor against premature movement of the machine as the bag is being filled, but also controls the density of the material being packed in an agricultural bag. The adjustable wing is supported by a pair of longitudinally movable cables with the cables being connected to the wing to enable the wing to be moved from a fully retracted position to a fully extended position.

Abstract: A the magnetically anisotropic magnetic powder having an average particle size of 1—1000 &mgr;m and made from a magnetically anisotropic R-TM-B-Ga or R-TM-B-Ga-M alloy having an average crystal grain size of 0.01-0.5 &mgr;m, wherein R represents one or more rare earth elements including Y, TM represents Fe which may be partially substituted by Co, B boron, Ga gallium, and M one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Nb, W, V, Ta, Mo, Si, Al, Zr, Hf, P, C and Zn. This is useful for anisotropic resin-bonded magnet with high magnetic properties.

Abstract: A dispensing head for dispensing a product of liquid to viscous consistency. The head has a fixed part (10) fixed on a dispenser reservoir (3) and a movable part (4) separated from the fixed part by a peripheral cutout and connected thereto in a pivotable manner by a hinge zone (7). The movable part has a connector with a free end (11a) to cause the movable part (4) to communicate with the dispenser valve (2) and actuate the opening of the latter. The cutout (9) is situated substantially between the hinge zone and the fixed part (10), and is situated in a plane perpendicular to an axis of the connector in a position substantially corresponding to the position of the free end (11a) of the connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head for dispensing a liquid product in the form of an aerosol. The dispensing head includes a push-button, at least two ducts housed in the push-button and at least two nozzles provided in the push-button. At least part of each duct is radial, and another part of the duct communicates with the nozzle and is orientated parallel to an axis of the nozzle. The nozzles are arranged so that the sprays leaving each nozzle strike each other in order to provide a single and homogeneous spray. The invention also relates to a dispenser equipped with such a dispensing head.

Abstract: An attachable electro-impulse de-icer for de-icing an aircraft structural member includes an inductor coil disposed in proximity with the outer surface of the structural member. The coil is supported by a flexible, ice-accumulating support member (surface ply) that permits the coil to move relative to the structural member. Preferably the coil and support member are formed in an integral construction that can be attached to the leading edge of the structural member. The coil and support member are rapidly, and forcefully, displaced away from the structural member upon passing a short-duration, high-current pulse through the coil. The current flow creates an electromagnetic field that induces eddy currents in the support member (if made of metal), and the structural member (if made of metal). Upon collapse of the electromagnetic field in the coil the support member is pulled rapidly to its rest position adjacent the structural member.

Abstract: A high speed high precision laser based alignment sensor system for use on surface mount component placement machines. A laser system is utilized to correctly align and position component parts which range between 0.02 inches and 2.0 inches in size. The laser sensor system consists of a laser light source which is passed through a collimating lens and then through an aperture to create a stripe of collimated laser light which is focused past the component being aligned to strike a multi-element CCD sensor array. The sensor system is mounted directly on the carrying mechanism for the surface mount component placement machine. During transit of the component between the bin of components is to be placed, the component is rotated and the shadow which falls on the detector array is monitored.

Abstract: A developing device for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or the like to develop an electrostatic latent image on an image carrier includes a toner carrier which moves while carrying a toner on its surface, and a regulating member for regulating the amount of toner on the toner carrier by applying a moving force to the toner in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the toner carrier. In a regulating portion defined by the regulating member, a convey force received by a toner portion, which does not contact the surface of the toner carrier, from the regulating member is larger than a convey force received from the toner carrier.

Abstract: Biological agents such as secretory cells are encapsulated in a hydrophilic gel made of agarose or collagen-agarose and gelatin sponge-agarose combinations. In a preferred embodiment, semi-solid beads are formed from a suspension containing collagen, agarose and secretory cells such as pancreatic islets, the collagen is polymerized to form solid, agarose-collagen beads and the solid beads are coated with agarose. Coating is preferably by rolling the solid beads in about 5-10% agarose, contacting the rolled beads with mineral oil and washing oil from the beads. Beads containing secretory cells can be transplanted into a mammal to treat a condition caused by impaired secretory cell function.

Abstract: Tools for genetically engineering Pasteurellaceae are provided. Replication-conditional plasmids which are useful for the Pasteurellaceae have been isolated and characterized. The plasmids can be utilized for delivery of DNA segments into the Pasteurellaceae in situations where control of extra-chromosomal replication desired, such as in achieving allelic exchange or site-directed mutagenesis. A restriction endonuclease, HsoI, was isolated from a bovine lung isolate of Haemophilus somnus. The enzyme was found to be a true isoschizomer of HinPI, a commercially available enzyme originally isolated from Haemophilus influenzae PI. Commercially available HhaI methyl transferase was found to protect against cleavage by both enzymes. Methylation of foreign plasmid DNA was found to enhance transformation of Haemophilus somnus in excess of four orders of magnitude.

Abstract: In a chem-mech polishing process for planarizing insulators such as silicon oxide and silicon nitride, a pool of slurry is utilized at a temperature between 85° F.-95° F. The slurry particulates (e.g. silica) have a hardness commensurate to the hardness of the insulator to be polished. Under these conditions, wafers can be polished at a high degree of uniformity more economically (by increasing pad lifetime), without introducing areas of locally incomplete polishing.

Abstract: An A-mode ultrasound echography method is employed for monitoring the position of a patient during hyperthermia treatment. A therapy apparatus includes a therapy device having at least one ultrasound therapy transducer and at least one monitoring ultrasound transducer, where the ultrasound monitoring transducer is linked to an electronic circuit for processing A-mode signals and is part of an A-mode echography device. The therapy apparatus further includes a device for causing the ultrasound transducer operating in A-mode to transmit a brief signal and to receive the echo of the brief signal. A comparing device compares the echo received with a reference echo, and transmits the result of the comparison to a control device.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an adjustable disposable garment protector is provided and includes a protector support adapted to support the garment protector from the neck of a user; a protector cover supported at its first end by the protector support in a position covering a front portion of the chest and stomach of the user; and, a pouch positioned on the second end of the protector cover, the pouch being formed to fold to one of a first closed position for storage and a second opened position having its top end opened and positioned to collect particulates and liquids moving downwardly along the front surface of the garment protector. The disposable garment protector may also be fabricated as a convertible food bag.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a surgical gown, includes a garment body defining sleeves. A cuff may be secured at respective ends of the sleeves. A circumferentially extending band is disposed on the sleeves at a distance from the end of the sleeve or cuff. The band has a raised profile such that an end of a glove pulled over the band is inhibited from rolling or sliding back over the band and down the sleeve. The band may be formed of a low-tack surface modifier. The sleeve may also include a coating or application of a surface modifier, such as a low-tack adhesive, applied to the region between the band and cuff or sleeve end.

Abstract: Support for attaching an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin to an undergarment and disposed between a sanitary napkin and an inner surface of a crotch region of the undergarment. The support is formed by a first sheet and a second sheet overlying the first sheet. The first sheet 6 is elastically flexible and stretchable in its longitudinal direction and the second sheet has its longitudinally opposite end portions bonded to longitudinally opposite end portions of the first sheet and elastically stretchable at least in the longitudinal direction. The inner surface of the second sheet is formed so that the outer surface of the napkin may be fixed thereon.

Abstract: An inflatable liner for a helmet. The liner has a first elongated cell and a second elongated cell extending substantially parallel to the first elongated cell. Passages extend through the first divider to permit air to pass between the first and second cells during an impact event. The second elongated cell is divided into separate sub cells and a single air inlet is provided for introducing air into the liner.

Abstract: Swimming goggles, comprising: two lens frame main bodies, each lens frame main body accommodating a lens, and, at two opposite ends of a longer side are a first joint and a second joint; at least one string that is sequentially pulled through the first and second joints of the aforementioned two lens frame main bodies, maintaining an appropriate separation between the two lens frame main bodies, and winding along the rims of the lens frame main bodies. By these structural characteristics, the user will be able to adjust the distance between the two lens frame main bodies, in order to adjust the length of the nose bridge; meanwhile, the length extending from the winding string will serve directly as a headband.

Abstract: A flowable material dispensing system is disclosed which includes a container (5) for holding the flowable material, the container (5) having a downwardly directed lower outlet opening (510) which can be located within an outer container being either a cistern of a flushing system or within a cabinet (40,41) that is connectable to a flushing flow path of sanitation apparatus, the container (5) being so located that a portion of flowable material within said container (5) is discharged therefrom during each flushing operation of the sanitation system.

Abstract: A shower head (8) is disposed in a ring-shaped seat (2) and connected via a conduit (20) to a warm water preparation device (2) that is also arranged in said seat (2). The warm water preparation device (2) is arranged at least in the front part of the seat (2) and has a water chamber (24) in which an electric heating element (26) and a thermostat (28) controlling said element is arranged. It is possible to regulate the temperature in a simple and precise manner and also makes the seat warmer for the user.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and related method of use is disclosed that may be used in a shower to remove dead skin from a foot of a user. The apparatus generally is constructed of a lower surface that is releasably engaged with a floor and an upper portion with a selectively applicatable upper surface for removing dead skin of a foot of a user.

Abstract: A stone-top sink board arrangement includes a sink board having a through hole, a reinforcing panel overlappedly mounted underneath the sink board, wherein the reinforcing panel has a guiding hole coaxially aligning with the through hole of the sink board, a mounting unit arranged for securely mounting the top surrounding edge of the bowl to the reinforcing panel, and at least two supporting flanges. Therefore, by securely mounting on inner sides of two supporting walls respectively of a cabinet, the reinforcing panel is substantially supported on the supporting flanges while the sink board is sitting on top of the cabinet.

Abstract: A taping knife includes a continuous shaft having a blade on a first end thereof, and a hammer on a second end thereof. A handle surrounds the shaft with the blade extending from one end thereof, and the hammer extending from the other end thereof. The handle preferably is constructed with a molded inner core and a soft molded rubber overlay. The hammer includes a hammering surface generally perpendicular to a central axis of the handle. The inner core is preferably constructed of a molded thermoplastic, and the overlay is preferably constructed of an injection molded rubber. The handle may include a bit storage slot for receiving and storing a screwdriver bit. The overlay may include a plurality of flexible fingers adjacent to the bit storage slot for securing a screwdriver bit in the slot. The hammer may include a sleeve for receiving a screwdriver bit with a working portion of the bit extending from the sleeve.

Abstract: A composite pliers has crossed levers, each including a non-metallic body with an exposed metal cutter blade. The pliers includes strengthening and/or retaining structure around a pivot joint which does not extend into handle portions of the levers. This structure strengthens the pivot joint and can help confine the pliers parts in the event of failure. In one embodiment, each lever has a pivot joint strengthening structure insert molded therein, the structure extending into a jaw portion of each lever and protruding from the non-metallic body to form a workpiece engagement surface, such as a cutting blade. In one form, the jaws have more than one row of teeth with adjacent rows offset from each other. When the pliers is assembled from two identical lever members, each row of teeth on one lever will face the offset row of teeth on the other lever so that the peaks of the teeth on one lever fall within the grooves between the teeth on the opposing row.