Abstract: A new cultivar of Brunnera named ‘Silver Wings’ that is characterized by gray-green foliage that is variegated with thin cram-white margins and a silver overlay on the surface of the leaves. ‘Silver Wings’ exhibits a clumping habit and small clusters of violet-blue flowers are present in late spring. In combination these traits set ‘Silver Wings’ apart from all other existing varieties of Brunnera known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Fisimp 104’, characterized by its outwardly spreading, tall and uniformly mounded plant habit; freely branching and freely flowering habit; large rounded light red-colored flowers with a small white-colored eye that are positioned above and beyond the foliage; and medium green-colored leaves.

Abstract: A distinct Dracaena plant named ‘0103GJ’ characterized by its compact plant habit, fast growth rate; leaves which are straight with straight tips; and upright growth of green leaves, RHS 139 A.

Abstract: A new variety of mandarin citrus is described that is distinguished by having seedless fruit and occasionally fruit with a few seeds, an early ripening period, and fruit which is orange when fully ripe.

Abstract: A method for restoring exhaust purifying capability of a sulfur contaminated catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine. Catalytic converter efficiency is measured with a first exhaust gas oxygen sensor positioned upstream of the catalytic converter and a second exhaust gas oxygen sensor positioned downstream of the catalytic converter. When catalytic converter efficiency falls below a desired level, catalytic converter temperature is elevated and the engine is operated to produce a rich exhaust gas mixture to reduce the sulfur contamination. Then, to further reduce the sulfur contamination, the engine is operated to produce a lean exhaust mixture.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for measuring pressure, which comprises a pressure communicating device (3) for location at a point (4) at which pressure is to be measured, a primary tube (1) containing a fluid for linking the pressure communicating device (3) to a control point (9) where the pressure information is required, a sealing device for sealing the primary tube (1) so as to form a closed system when the pressure communicating device (3) is closed, a pressure control device (6) for changing the pressure of the fluid within the primary tube (1), a volume measuring device (8) for measuring changes in the volume of the fluid within the primary tube (1) as the pressure of the fluid is varied, a pressure measuring device (7) for measuring the pressure of the fluid at some point within the fluid, and device remote from the control point (9), and a transmitter device for transmitting pressure information from the pressure measuring device to the control point (9).

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device is provided having a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication with a conduction portion of a plurality of external wirings. An external portion is in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes and comprises a conduction layer having a predetermined thickness, the conduction layer being arranged in a predetermined pattern on the external portion and between the external wirings and the external portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reliable modular production quality excimer laser capable of producing 10 mJ laser pulses in the range of 1000 Hz to 2000 Hz or greater. Replaceable modules include a laser chamber; a pulse power system comprised of three modules; an optical resonator comprised of a line narrowing module and an output coupler module; a wavemeter module, an electrical control module, a cooling water module and a gas control module. Important improvements have been provided in the pulse power unit to produce faster rise time and improved pulse energy control. These improvements include an increased capacity high voltage power supply with a voltage bleed-down circuit for precise voltage trimming, an improved communication module that generates a high voltage pulse from the capacitors charged by the high voltage power supply and amplifies the pulse voltage 23 times with a very fast voltage transformer having a secondary winding consisting of a single four-segment stainless steel rod.

Abstract: A video data communication system and method are disclosed which provides for the secure transmission of video data among devices connected to a video data bus. The video data is transmitted with address information corresponding to a particular device or, alternatively, video data is encrypted and transmitted on the data bus without address information.

Abstract: Method of adjusting the lip opening of an extrusion die for stratiform material, with the characteristic that it consists in the combination of, on the one side, the control of the heating of bar shaped elements (9) which act upon at least one of the lips (6-7) of the lip opening (5), in function of the thickness of the formed material, and on the other hand, the common cooling of several bar shaped elements (9) by forcing a cooling medium along these elements (9).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for combiningly performing four important exercises localized to the lower back with the addition of weight resistance: a) the rotation or torsion of the lower spine and the lower back muscles; b) the bending of the spine forward and the exercising of abdominal muscles; c) the bending of the spine rearward and the exercising of the lumbar and erector muscles; d) the stretching and self-postural adjustment of the spine. The user performs the four exercises in the horizontal position with both legs in raised position. A swinging member accommodates the legs and allows the swinging, side-to-side motion of the legs. A second pivotal member helps the bending of the pelvis forward and rearward. A roller support assembly supports and massages the entire back during exercises. The user's body rests on an anatomical cushion support during exercises.

Abstract: A guide apparatus for preparing the femur of a patient with a rotary mill to receive a femoral hip prosthesis includes a V-shaped guide body having a lower end base portion adapted to extend into the intermedullary canal of the femur and an upper end portion comprised of at least two spaced apart struts so that the overall guide body had a configuration substantially the same as the prosthesis body sought to be implanted in the patient. The lower end of the guide body base provides one or more hemispherical receptacles for holding the hemispherical end portion of a spinning mill bit. A preferably removable transverse guide rail has connection pins at one end portion thereof for forming a connection with the upper end of the guide body at one of the struts, the arm having a curved surface that is adapted to guide the mill bit during preparation of the intermedullary canal of the patient's femur for receiving a hip prosthesis thereafter.

Abstract: The semiconductor integrated circuit enjoys a high performance and can be produced at a low production cost and within a short time. A cell has an internal circuit connection such that an output terminal is connected to a plurality of input terminals through source-drain paths of active devices connected in the tree form, and gate electrodes of the active devices are connected to other input terminals. Two such cells having the same internal circuit connection, the same disposition of the internal circuit devices and the same disposition of the input/output terminals are disposed on the same chip, and mutually different logics can be accomplished by changing the form of application of input signals from outside the cells to the input terminals. A chip area of an integrated circuit designed by CAD using a cell library can be reduced and a high speed circuit operation can be attained. The present invention provides remarkable effect for improving performance of an ASIC, a microprocessor, etc.

Abstract: A safety applicator glove system and method is disclosed that is particularly suitable for use in situations where insect repellent and the like must be applied to human skin without contaminating the hands of the person applying the insect repellent. The basic system disclosed includes a glove or mitten with an absorbent outer surface and an internal barrier lining to prevent penetration of liquid on the outer surface of the glove with the person's hand that has been inserted into the glove/mitten. Attached to the glove/mitten proximally to the hand entry point is a protective sleeve/gauntlet that may be extended over the surface of the glove and sealed to act as a containment vessel for the liquid-soaked glove. When retracted, this protective sleeve/gauntlet serves to prevent contamination of the person making use of the glove/mitten system.

Abstract: A set of three driving gloves, each having a different length to be worn by a driver. Each glove has a varying length with finger portions cut away to allow for greater flexibility when driving. The set includes a full length glove, a medium length glove, and a short glove.

Abstract: A golf training aid uses a golf glove having a structure to remind the wearer to hold the target wrist unflexed through the contact part of the swing. The structure provides a tactile reminder if the wrist is flexed. The structure may be a strip installed in a pocket or other holder in or on the glove. The pocket and strip may be adjusted to place an end of the strip near a pivot axis of the user's target wrist.

Abstract: A waterproof glove formed of a flexible inner glove body providing a thermal plastic resin film on a base fabric and an flexible outer glove body of the same fabric is thermally unified after the former is inserted into the later. The glove can also be manufactured by a thermal adhesion of the flexible inner glove body providing outwardly the thermal plastic resin film and a flexible outer glove body providing inwardly the same resin film or by a thermal adhession of the flexible inner glove body coating outwardly a thermal plastic resin film having a lower melting point and a flexible outer glove body after insertion of the former into the later. A glove for a skier or a rider in which the thumb is freely movable to grip a stick or a handle, can be manufactured by thermal adhesion of a thumb portion and an other body portion of the glove which was manufactured separately from the same manner and same materials.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a hat with an adjustable elastic band 20 for infants and small children having interchangeable decorative ornaments 14 and an elastic band 20 that may be adjusted accordingly to maintain the hat on a child's head 12 without increasing the stress applied thereto as the child grows. The elastic band 20 provides for air spaces 34 between the hat 10 and the baby's head 12 to provide ventilation 36 therethrough. A means 16 for removably securing decorative ornaments 14 such as flowers, butterflies, cartoon characters and the like is provided on an exterior portion of the hat. The present invention 10 provides a means for maintaining a hat that will not need to be replaced as often as hats shown in the prior art because the present invention could be adjusted accordingly as the child 12 grows and could also be accessorized to go with different outfits.

Abstract: A pair of disposable boxer shorts is comprised of a back panel, a right front panel, and a left front panel made of a strong tissue paper. The back panel has a crotch between leg portions. Each front panel has a leg portion with a half crotch along an inside edge. The shorts are made by folding down and securing the top edges of all the panels, folding and pressing the inside edge of the left front panel, joining the lower portions of the inner edges of the left and right panels with a seam to form a fly above the seam, securing the edges of the half crotches on the front panels to the corresponding edges of the crotch on the back panel, attaching the front panels to the back panel at the sides, and attaching adhesive strips to the front panels at the waist.

Abstract: Provided is a sanitary panty including a panty body formed with a front part, a back part and a crotch part located between the front part and the back part; and a support member. The panty body has a waist portion formed with an upper edge portion of the front part and an upper edge portion of the back part, and a pair of leg openings. The support member is provided inside of the panty body and has elastic stretchability in a longitudinal direction extending from the front part to the back part. The support member is fitted at both ends only with the front and back parts of the panty body. The support member has a narrower width portion of which the width is in a range of 20 to 40 mm and extending from the crotch part to the back part. The width of the support member gradually increases from a terminal end of the narrower width portion in the back part to the waist portion thereof.

Abstract: An apparel adapted for use in a confined space as a protective headwear generally comprises a crown adapted for close conformation about a wearer's scalp and a protective element for safekeeping of the wearer's scalp from blunt trauma. The crown consists essentially of a soft fabric such as, for example, cotton and is preferably machine washable. The protective element, which is preferably substantially centrally positioned on an interior face of the crown, comprises a resiliently flexible material such as, for example, plastic. The protective element is shaped to disseminate the force of a potentially traumatic impact over a region of the wearer's scalp, thereby protecting the wearer from injury. A short bill is also affixed to a portion of the edge of the crown. According to the invention, this bill should extend no more than about two inches outward from the crown to prevent deflection of the apparel from the wearer's head.

Abstract: A positioning assembly structured to orient a toilet seat in either a raised or lowered position including a drive assembly comprising an electrically powered, reversible drive motor rotationally connected to a drive shaft. The drive shaft rotationally drives a hinge assembly pivotally mounting the toilet seat to a toilet bowl. A control assembly includes a manually operable switch assembly, which may be in the form of a foot pedal or other activatible control facility. The drive assembly, while having sufficient output capacity to move the seat may be of a size which facilitates its mounting on the toilet bowl, adjacent the seat and in direct driving relation to the hinge assembly. The drive assembly may be a integrated component of the toilet seat assembly when purchased or otherwise be structurally adapted for use with existing, previously installed toilet seats.

Abstract: An improved, multi-function, comfort wheelchair is provided with interchangeable padded seats. A bedpan is positioned on a rail underneath a hole in the seat and accesses a waste storage chamber. The bedpan can be emptied through a door in the front of the containment.

Abstract: An anti-litter float or balloon for a swimming pool. The single compartment balloon abuts continuously the containing wall, and the self-mooring balloon prevents litter from being disbursed into the pool water. Flaps and/or element-resistant covers can be used with the self-mooring single compartment balloon to batten down the swimming pool. The self-mooring single compartment float is sloped from the apex of its vertex downward toward the swimming pool's lip.

Abstract: A head support device comprised of adjustable occipital pads which provide cranial support through placement on the mastoid process of the skull. The support device is vertically and laterally adjustable so that the complete weight of the skull is supported by the pads placed over the mastoid process.

Abstract: An illumination device is provided on the back surface side of the bath tab vessel for receiving water formed of a transparent material or a translucent material. Furthermore, in a bath tab unit having a double-hulled structure consisting of an inner vessel and an outer vessel, the inner vessel is formed of a transparent material or a translucent material, and an illumination device is provided in a space between the inner vessel and the outer vessel.

Abstract: A lifting and walking aid having a framework (1) constructed of a lower horizontal frame (2a-2c) provided with small casters (9), an upper horizontal frame (2d-2f) provided with lifting means, and a vertical frame (2g-2n) secured to both the upper and lower horizontal frames (2a-2c) and (2d-2f). The framework comprises a plurality of substantially rectilinear tubular members (2a-2y) which are connected to each other so as to allow for a quick disassembling of the framework (1).

Abstract: A bassinet arrangement is detachably mounted on a playpen which includes a frame body having a top opening defining a surrounding supporting side edge and a storage chamber communicating with the top opening. The bassinet arrangement includes a fabric boundary having a first compartment, a second compartment adjacent thereto and a surrounding edge holder encirclingly provided on the fabric boundary for detachably mounting on the supporting side edge of the frame body of the playpen. The bassinet arrangement further includes a fastening unit provided on the edge holder and the frame body of the playpen for securely mounting the fabric boundary on the playpen and a bassinet adapted for substantially disposed in the second compartment. Therefore, the parent is able to accommodate his baby in the bassinet that is selectively supported on the playpen at home and carried everywhere.

Abstract: A lightweight childbed includes a supporting panel including a first layer having a tension surface and a second layer overlapped with the first layer to define an edge holder therebetween, at least a side panel including a first sheet having a tension portion and a second sheet overlapped with the first sheet to define a receiving groove therebetween, and a bed frame including a boundary flame defining a central main window and adapted to be fittedly received in the edge holder so as to mount the first layer covering the main window to form the tension surface, and at least a side frame, which is mounted on a longitudinal side of the boundary frame, defining a central side window and adapted to be fittedly received in the receiving groove so as to mount the first sheet covering the side window to form the tension portion.

Abstract: A sheet construction adapted to secure a pillow and to fittingly engage a mattress includes a main panel having a first pouch at a first end of the panel and cooperating flaps at the other end. The pouch is sized and shaped to encompass a first end of the mattress, while the flaps are adapted to encompass a mid-portion of the mattress. An auxiliary panel cooperates with the main panel to form a pillow-receiving concealment pocket. The pouch and flaps secure the sheet construction to the mattress, and the concealment pocket maintains a pillow in a desired location during use.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base frame (10) supporting radius arms (15) on either side. The radius arms (15) support an upper frame (20), via cross tubes (16). Linear actuators (30, 31) act on the cross tubes (16) to raise, lower or tilt the upper frame (20). Further linear actuators (32, 33) are provided to profile platform sections (41, 42, 43). The actuators, their control systems, power and other functions e.g. patient weighing, air pumps, lights are all mounted centrally on the upper frame and housed within a single housing located almost entirely within the upper frame. The location of the actuators and housing provide a very low minimum height of the patient support apparatus, the single housing eliminating trailing cables and wires and ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: A pillow with a breathable valley for an infant includes a pillow having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a center portion. The top surface has a smoothly transitioning concave surface forming a top valley. The top valley is positioned about the center portion of the top surface. The top valley has an upper perimeter with a first closed side and a first open side. A first top valley extension projects from the first open side. A breathable semi-porous membrane rests within the top valley and the first top valley extension.

Abstract: An orthotic pillow (10) is disclosed having an outer envelope (11) formed by a top wall (12) and a bottom wall (13), and a tubular, cylindrical interior wall (17) which in combination with the outer envelope (11) defines a central compartment (19) surrounded by a peripheral compartment (20). An unidirectional control valve (21) is coupled to the interior wall (17) to provide a controllable fluid channel between the central compartment (19) and the peripheral compartment (20). The central compartment (19) and peripheral compartment (20) are filled with a fluid which flows from the central compartment to the peripheral compartment to conform to a user's head and neck.

Abstract: A patient self-assist transfer aid provides an open box frame having a base for fitting beneath a mattress of a bed, a riser section extending upwardly from the base for extending around an edge of the mattress and a positioning section for extending out over the mattress from the riser section. The open box frame may be positioned around the mattress end at the foot of the bed to leave the major sides of the bed open for ease of access. A linkage is fitted to the positioning section of the open box frame and may be extended therefrom to position a handle within easy grasp of a person laying in the bed. A spring system urges the linkage outwardly, but is balanced by a motor and pulley system. A handle is pivotally attached to the linkage and for grasping by a patient recumbent in the bed for raising himself with motor assistance or for lowering himself into bed.

Abstract: A communication-controlled washing system and a method for operating the same, wherein at least one washing machine is remotely controllable through a communication unit. A service provider controls the use, operation completion, operation progress and fault diagnosis of a plurality of washing machines individually over a communication network, resulting in a significant reduction in time and effort required for users or managers to limit the use of machines, upgrade programs or repair faults. Further, the optimum washing mode can be performed according to a use history and environmental conditions of each machine.

Abstract: A system for use in constructing a lattice panel bridge, includes a plurality of substantially rectangular prefabricated steel lattice panels joined in end to end relationship to form a main girder for the bridge. Each panel comprises an upper chord, a lower chord of substantially equal length, a plurality of web members interconnecting the upper and lower chords, and joint forming devices at each end of each chord. The joint forming devices at either end of the lower chord mate and receive a transverse pin for connecting the lower chords of adjacent panels together. The joint forming devices at each end of the upper chord comprises a longitudinally facing plate provided with apertures for receiving fasteners for connecting the plates of adjacent panels together. A spacer is inserted between the plates and this reduces the tendency of the bridge to sag. Optionally the spacers can be used to give the resultant bridge an upwardly facing longitudinal camber.

Abstract: A portable stair-step automotive maintenance ramp having a foldable approach ramp which may be folded atop the ramp for compact storage when not in use and unfolded for use. A foldable wheel barrier is also provided to prevent the vehicle from rolling off of the ramp as the vehicle is driven up upon the ramp.

Abstract: The JetNet has a slightly flared bell shaped plastic resin head with wheels at the bottom, and an electric boat motor inside. Attached to a bracket on the head, a removable pool pole is used to move the machine around under the water: A mesh bag is secured to the top of the head with a bungie cord and rubber lip. A cord goes from the boat motor inside the head, through plastic floats to keep it out of the way of the machine by floating it on top of the water, and plugs into the JetPac. The JetPac is mounted on the outside of a milk crate. The JetPac is a sealed metal box containing an electric transformer which converts 110 volt AC power to 12 volt DC power, an on/off switch, a male-female connector, and a power plug for a standard extension cord. The extension cord is used to power the machine simply by plugging it into the power plug on the bottom of the JetPac. The machine is completely Portable and is very lightweight.

Abstract: A deburring tool for performing non-abrasive deburring of metal and other hard-material parts subject to burring. The deburring tool comprises a portion shaped to engage a specific surface on a workpiece, and surfaced with a deburring material comprising the soft, fuzzy, female loop half of ordinary hook and loop fastener. The female loop half of the hook and loop fastening material is non-abrasive, yet is extremely effective at removing small burrs and shavings from metal parts. In a preferred form, the deburring tool forms a two-sided deburring channel or track through which a part such as a hose connector block having a recessed surface needing deburring can be swiped. Both sides of the channel are surfaced with the female loop half of the hook and loop fastener as the deburring medium.

Abstract: An agitator for use with cleaning machines, as well as methods for making the same, are shown and described. The agitator is configured to facilitate the removal of elongated fibers therefrom. In one embodiment, the agitator has a rotatable member with opposing first and second ends, an axis of rotation extending between the first and second ends, and an external surface extending at least partially between the first and second ends. A number of projections are attached to the external surface of the agitator. One or both of the ends of the agitator are configured to rotatably engage the cleaning machine, such as at a bearing or other connector. The external surface of the rotatable member has a first portion that is substantially cylindrical about the axis of rotation, and a second portion separate from the first portion that has at least a first depression.

Abstract: An adapter for windshield wiper arms which is used to couple a wiper arm to a wiper blade is provided. The adapter is capable of accommodating a variety of wiper arm types known as the hook, bayonet and pin type wiper arms, and even the different size hook-and pin type wiper arms. Further, the adapter has vertical wings with protrusions formed at outer surfaces thereof so as to thereby reduce a friction caused between the adapter and the adapter accommodating portion of the wiper blade, and a plurality of embossings formed at inner walls of vertical wings so as to thereby prevent the hook type wiper arm from vibrating.

Abstract: An upright electric cleaning device includes a floor suction tool formed with a long suction opening on the bottom surface thereof. A rotating brush holding chamber holds a rotating brush that extends to this long suction opening. A suction opening leading to the main cleaning device unit is formed toward one end of the rear wall of the rotating brush holding chamber. A rib, formed on the upper section of the rotating brush holding chamber, extends along the length of the rotating brush, near the rotation path of the rotating brush. An air current path is formed to take dust drawn up by the rotating brush and stopped by the rib and suck it into the suction opening leading to the main cleaning device unit. The air current path is shaped so that its cross section is smaller at an end of the air current path remote from the suction opening than it is near the suction opening to increase flow speed at the remote end.

Abstract: A wheel mount assembly for a spring-loaded caster in which a resilient deflecting member serves to mount a wheel supporting lever to a support for deflection to provide relative movement of the lever under varying loads.

Abstract: A hinge giving a neat look to a mounting area of a door is not exposed to an outer surface of the door. The hinge has a hinge spindle unit, buried flush with top and bottom lines on a fixed end of the door and disposed so as to allow protrusion and retraction of a spindle, and a hinge body unit, buried at a position facing the hinge spindle unit of the open frame and in which is inserted the protruding spindle, supporting the door to allow it to open and close.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for use in connecting a cover to a frame of a personal digital assistant (PDA) or the like. The hinge assembly is arranged so that the cover will auto-close or auto-open depending on the angular orientation of the cover.

Abstract: Hinge for connecting doors (1b) to ovens (1,1a) and the like, which comprises a fixed arm (11) engageable with the body of the oven, a movable part (21) which is hinged on said fixed arm (11) and on which one end (23b) of a movable arm (23) is pivotably mounted, there being provided means (15) for fastening the movable arm (23) to the fixed arm (11), said fixed arm (11) having a cross-section in the form of an overturned “U”, between the walls of which there is arranged an idle roller (25), and said movable arm (23) being arranged inside said fixed arm.

Abstract: A hinge device including: a bracket having a shaft hole; a shaft inserted through the shaft hole; a longitudinal insert home diametrically formed on one or both sides of the shaft and a pair of shoulder members formed centrally on the shaft with a fixed distance from one another. A first shoulder member is larger than the second shoulder member. A torsion spring is placed between the bracket and the shaft. A plurality of space washers having holes placed on one or both sides of the bracket. A plurality of disc springs have through holes which have protrusion members that insert into the insert home of the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bracket. A guide washer having a through hole which has protrusion member that inserts into the insert home of the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bracket. A nut screw onto the shaft to stabilize a horizontal position of the attached elements.

Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, a metallic shaft has a rotational axis as a rotational center. A support block is made of a synthetic resin so that the support block rotatably supports the metallic shaft relatively. The support block is relatively rotatable in relation with the metallic shaft by a surface friction resistance between the support block and the metallic shaft. A surface treatment imparts Vickers number (Hv) of 800 or more with an outer surface of the metallic shaft. As an alternative, a hardened layer is provided around the outer surface of the metallic shaft and the hardened layer has Vickers number (Hv) of 800 or more with its thickness at least in 5.0 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A self-locking hinge is comprised of a housing with spaced side walls, and a cogged wheel positioned between the side walls. A pair of slots are respectively positioned on the interior surfaces of the side walls. A stop is connected between the side walls in alignment with the slots. An axle positioned through a center of the cogged wheel has opposite ends positioned in the slots. The cogged wheel is secured in position when it is biased against the stop by springs positioned in the slots and engaged against the ends of the axle. The cogged wheel is pivotable when it is pushed away from the stop against the springs, and is automatically biased against the stop and secured in position when it is released.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing foreign matter from fibers, such as from cotton or flax with significantly reduced damage are disclosed. This cleaning is achieved without any of the condenser, compression rollers, or feed roller and feed plate which are present on conventional lint cleaners.