Abstract: A new plant variety of Hydrangea anomala subspecies petiolaris named ‘KASAI’ which is characterized by its White variegated foliage. New foliage of ‘KASAI’ emerges predominantly White with a small amount of Green stippling apparent; as the foliage matures, foliage becomes predominantly Green in color, with some White mottling apparent and White margins; mature foliage is almost entirely Green in color though retaining White variegated margins and occasional White stippling.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Sunny Yomarilyn’, characterized by its upright plant habit; freely branching growth habit; uniform and freely flowering habit; decorative-type inflorescences; and bright yellow ray florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct early flowering Verbena plant with large, dark red colored flowers with a bright eye and dark green foliage. The plant is suitable for growth in pots and hanging baskets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Plectranthus plant named ‘Nicolleta’, characterized by its upright mounded and trailing form, sericeous gray-green foliage and vigorous growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which is characterized by producing a semi clingstone fruit with a red blush coloration and is ripe for commercial marketing and shipment September 9-15 in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. The new variety is clearly similar to the ‘August Red’ nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,363) from which it is a sport but from which it is distinguishable by fruit ripening 4 to 5 weeks after the fruit of the ‘August Red’ nectarine tree and the fruit being somewhat larger in size than that of the ‘August Red’ nectarine tree. The fruit of this instant variety has a very good flavor compared to the fruit of the ‘August Red’ nectarine tree.

Abstract: Petunia plant having a vivid purple coloration.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of magnolia named ‘STRgra’ which is smaller in size than its maternal parent, has an early flowering habit, deep green glossy leaves RHS 146A, 6 month flowering period, and strong sweet lemony scent. The cultivar has a larger growth habit than the closest comparative cultivar Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’.

Abstract: A new and distinct Euonymus japonicus plant named ‘Heespierrolino’ characterized by having green, variegated, and white leaves, stems, and branches; white young leaves and sprigs; year round white sprig production; a broad and erect growth habit of up to 30 cm long; a good winter hardiness; and no flowers. ‘Heespierrolino’ is an evergreen, has been found stable and is reproduced by cuttings. Branches of ‘Heespierrolino’ remain white for a long period and eventually turn green from the base but the youngest part as well as youngest leaves remain white.

Abstract: A new and distinct Impatiens plant named ‘HGI-1043-2’ characterized by having a typical compact growth and small flowers and soft pink flower color with a dark center.

Abstract: A new and distinct Impatiens plant named ‘HGI-1048-2’ characterized by having a typical compact growth, small flowers, small leaves and a dark pink flower color.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a miter saw for placing a work thereon, a miter saw unit having a saw blade mounted thereon, and a support mechanism for supporting the miter saw unit for rightward and leftward pivotal movement relative to the base. The support mechanism includes a first member on one side of the base and the miter saw unit and a second member on the other side of the base and the miter saw unit. The first member and the second member are pivotable relative to each other about a pivotal axis. A stopper mechanism is disposed between the first member and the second member for holding the miter saw unit in a vertical position. The stopper mechanism includes a first pressing member mounted on the first member, a first biasing member for biasing the first pressing member, and an abutting surface provided on the second member for abutment of the first pressing member. The abutting surface has a first recess formed therein.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the content of and preventing formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in harvested leafy plants such as tobacco and marijuana, are disclosed. The methods are directed to subjecting the plant to microwave radiation, at appropriate times in the cure cycle. With tobacco, products suitable for human consumption, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., can be made in accordance with the present invention, having contents of tobacco-specific nitrosamines on a par with fresh-cut, green tobacco. In preferred embodiments, the resultant tobacco products are dried, golden-yellow leaves having almost negligible amounts of the known carcinogens NNN and NNK, in comparison to conventionally cured tobacco.

Abstract: In a snowmobile track suspension, the slide frame is supported upon downwardly and rearwardly angled front and rear suspension arm assemblies. The suspension arm assemblies are of similar construction, length, and orientation, having upper ends connected to fixed pivots in the snowmobile chassis and lower ends pivoted to the slide frame. The lower end of the rear suspension arm assembly has a pivot mount that is movable longitudinally of the slide frame. Movement in the forwards direction being blocked by an abutment which ensures that during suspension travel the front end of the slide frame cannot move higher than the rear end thereof.

Abstract: Garnish members according to this invention are installed and fixed to peripheries of a door opening in the interior of a vehicle body. The garnish members have an air bag therein and include elongate garnish bodies disposed in the interior of a vehicle body fixing portions. The fixing portions are hinged to the garnish bodies at a rear side of the garnish bodies and can be fixed to the body. The fixing portions include brackets capable of maintaining folding conditions of the air bag, which brackets can be ruptured when the air bag is inflated.

Abstract: An improved reticle (20) and method of using it to expose layers of wafers for large integrated circuits (10). The integrated circuit (10) is designed so that nonrepeating patterns are laid out in perimeter areas, distinct from the center area containing contiguous repeating patterns. The reticle (20) is patterned with multiple masks (21-23), with different masks representing the repeating and nonrepeating patterns. The mask (22) representing the repeating pattern may then be stepped and illuminated separately from any mask (21, 23) representing a nonrepeating pattern.

Abstract: A laptop device includes a personal computer, a cellular transceiver, a speakerphone, and a hybrid communications control unit. The device has connectors for attaching a headset, cellular control unit, land telephone line, and additional speakers and microphones. The micro-processor-controlled hybrid communications control unit includes a modem, a data access arrangement, and a tone generator as well as digital, analog, and power switches. The hybrid communications control unit switches the communications components and provides, under program control, the proper protocols, level, and impedance matching to connect the modem, speakerphone, headset, speaker/microphone, or cellular control unit to the landline or to the cellular network via the transceiver. Matching and switching operations are automatic and transparent to the user. The unit can also connect two of the terminal devices or connect the cellular and landlines for call relaying. The device is capable of connecting plural calls at the same time.

Abstract: A protective garment includes a torso portion for covering a person's torso; a lower portion for covering a person's legs and including left and right leg portions, each having an inner edge and an outer edge; a first fastening arrangement at the inner edge of each leg portion for securing the inner edges together to form an apron-like arrangement of the lower portion; a second fastening arrangement at the inner and outer edges of the left leg portion for securing the same around a left leg of the person; a third fastening arrangement at the inner and outer edges of the right leg portion for securing the same around a right leg of the person; and a fourth fastening arrangement at a waist area for connecting and disconnecting the torso portion and the lower portion relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention is an electrode glove used for internal muscle performance evaluation especially for the pelvic floor and rectal muscle groups. The intent is to combine a clinician's sense of touch with his or her knowledge of muscle location to obtain more accurate and rich muscle performance information. Using this device a clinician will know whether contraction readings are from the muscle(s) desired and not surrounding muscles, which side is being read and at what muscle fiber depth. The device is an assembly consisting of (1) an examination glove and (2) surface electrodes attached to the index finger.

Abstract: A perspiration control device includes a headband having opposite outer and inner sides and opposite front and back portions, and at least one elongated seal strip applied on the inner side of the front portion of the headband and having opposite ends such that the seal strip will cross a forehead of a user when the headband is worn by the user and the seal strip will function to direct perspiration toward the opposite ends of the strip and thus toward opposite sides of the forehead and beyond eyes of the user.

Abstract: A tandem riding vehicle safety device is disclosed. The safety device comprises an elongate tension bearing member having a width sufficient for providing a reasonable force per unit area upon a tandem riding vehicle operator when engaged therewith and supporting a passenger of the tandem riding vehicle including a first end and a second end for, in use, being pulled about a front of an operator from both sides to releasably secure a passenger to the operator; a first handle connected to the member and a second handle connected to the member the handles for grasping by the passenger and for use in pulling of the elongate tension bearing member for providing tension therein; and absent a fastener proximate opposing ends of the member for coupling the member to form a closed loop.

Abstract: A shock absorbing pad comprising a molded rubbery elastomeric material having a generally smooth surface on the side adapted to abut a soccer player's head and the opposed face having an open grid structure defined by outwardly projecting patterns of short ribs or patterns of short and midsized ribs with at least some of the intersections of the ribs being defined by outwardly projecting cylinders which are taller than ribs or, if both types of ribs are present, the cylinders are taller than both the shortest and the midsized ribs, top-to-bottom to provide airways or passages for the flow of cooling air and to enhance player comfort.

Abstract: A ventilation system for removing odours from a toilet of the kind having a seat (10) supported on a bowl (114), the seat (10) being ducted such that there are inlet ports (22, 24, 26, 28) located at the inner rim of the seat (10) for receiving the odours and an outlet port (30) at the rear of the seat (10) for transferring the odours out of the ducting (21) in the seat (10) and into piping (18). The piping (18) is connected to an air extractors (20) and, under the suction effect of the air extractor (20), the odours are drawn away from the toilet to a circulating air environment where they can be dissipated.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifting device that allows a user to lift or lower a toilet seat without have to touch the seat with his or her hands. The device has a rope assembly: and a wall mounted plate assembly. The rope assembly extends from the toilet seat to the plate assembly, and controls positioning of the seat. The rope assembly includes an elongated piece of rope having two ends, a loop between the ends, and a pair of clamps se curable to the toilet seat. Each rope end is attached to one of the clamps. The plate assembly has an elongated base, a top hook, a bottom hook, and U-shaped guides. In order to lower the toilet seat, the rope loop is extended upward towards the top hook, under the guides. To lift the seat, the loop is pulled downward over the top surface of the guide toward the bottom hook. To maintain the seat in the lifted position, the loop is secured around the bottom hook.

Abstract: A lock for holding a drain screen in place on the end of a drainpipe has a bolt passing through the screen and screwed into a lateral bore of a cross brace within the drainpipe. The cross brace has an elongated body with a longitudinal bore having left and right threaded rods for easy insertion and the bolt has a non-standard head to thwart removal thereof.

Abstract: A mobility assisting device is bedside durable medical equipment (DME) designed especially for those who do not have full use of all of their limbs; more specifically, for those who have use of only one arm and one leg on the same side of the body. Such people, hemiplegics, have limited capabilities for performing physical acts and are very dependent upon caregivers, in order to perform their basic activities of daily living. The bedside special needs assistive device makes certain simple tasks easier for hemiplegics to perform, and makes difficult, more complex tasks possible for them to perform on an independent basis.

Abstract: An improved shower apparatus is provided where a two-way selector valve is placed between a pre-existing shower head and a pipe to selectively allow water to flow between the shower head and a flexible rubber hose connected to a substantially cylindrical member. The member has a plurality of holes disposed along its length to create a horizontal triangular water spray. The bottom end of the member is removably attached to a wall of the shower and the rubber hose is looped around a retainer housing to provide vertical height adjustment.

Abstract: A shower stall with integral tanning lights is provided. The shower stall has two tanning light units mounted on two adjacent walls of the shower, each containing tanning bulbs behind tempered glass panels. The panels are securely fastened with waterproof gasketing, and are flush mounted into the bath or shower unit stall wall. A waterproof control panel provides for control of the tanning lights and utilizes a timer to prevent over exposure. Other components necessary for proper operation, such as ballasts, reflectors, wiring and the like are mounted behind the shower or bath stall wall, in the wall stud cavity.

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. A hood is attached to the wall structure and is arranged to at least partially cover the bath chamber, and a motor is mounted on an underside of the hood. At least two spaced therapy centers are disposed on the hood, where the therapy centers are operably connected to the motor for providing therapy to the body part when the body part is placed on one of the therapy centers.

Abstract: A space-conscious, functional design for a loft bed. The design serves to optimize space by incorporating multi-functional features, such as drawers, closet space, or cabinet space, within the assembly for the bed itself. Specifically, a plurality of steps are substantially parallel to the length of the bed, and lead upwardly toward the foot of the bed for easy access to same. Such steps incorporate the aforementioned storage space, with access to the drawers or closets from a side position. As such, the unique assembly allows for a desk, computer work station, bar, or additional wide storage space below the bed and behind the steps, adding to the overall versatility of the assembly. Finally, in the preferred mode the unit is modular in nature and may be assembled and rearranged based upon user preference.

Abstract: Aid apparatus for raising a disabled person from a sitting position to a standing position, which apparatus includes a wheeled base in the form of a U-formed frame having a post, which supports a lifting device. The lifting device includes a lifting arm arrangement having a free end, which can be raised and lowered in relation to the base and supports the lifting sling. The aid apparatus may turn over if the person leans at one side in a standing position and a fork-shaped lateral support is therefore arranged, the open end of which opens in the direction from the post and surrounds the upper part of the body when the person is in the standing position. The breadth of the fork-shaped lateral support corresponds to the person's breadth and is not larger than the breadth of the U-formed base. The fork-shaped lateral support being arranged not swingable in relation to an axis, which is perpendicular to the plane of the U-formed base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for handling a patient, such as raising a patient from a sitting position to a standing position or vice versa, and/or moving the person from one location to another, said device comprising top mounting means (51, 52) for suspending the device from suspension means (5), and frame means (1, 2, 3) for supporting the patient, the frame means comprising a supporting lower frame portion (2) comprising a feet support assembly (6) and a knee support (7), an upper frame portion (1) comprising the mounting means (51, 52) and means (12) for attaching a sling (9), and an intermediate frame linkage portion (3) connecting the upper and lower frame portions (1, 2) in such a way that the upper frame portion (1) is vertically moveable in relation to the lower frame portion (2).

Abstract: A retraction control device especially is employed to a baby joyful bed for controlling the retraction processes of the baby joyful bed. The retraction control device includes a shell, a pad, two clips, a plate and an auxiliary stand. When the user would like to retract the baby joyful bed, the user is only needed to pull up the pad. The pad will move the clips and therefore move the plate. In this case, the four bottoms will be released, rotated and retracted downwardly. Moreover, the dynamic forces are delivered via the inclined and curved surfaces of the retraction control device.

Abstract: An infection resistant mat having individual segments containing foam padding and a contiguous cover of impervious material. The cover is constructed by radio frequency (RF) sealing of the seams which eliminates portals of entry of infectious organisms, vermin or fluid. Air channels within the cover communicate between the segments to allow air pressure equalization among the several segments during use. The contiguous cover creates hinges between the segments that allow the mat to be folded for storage. The mat also can be constructed with only one padded section.

Abstract: A heated air mattress for providing a warm and soft air mattress. The heated air mattress includes an air mattress having a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. Each of the walls of the air mattress is substantially flexible. An air valve for filling the air mattress with air is coupled to the top wall and extends into an interior of the air mattress. A tube for carrying water into the air mattress is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The tube is positioned in the air mattress. Each of the first and second ends of the tube extends outwardly through the front wall of the air mattress. The portion of the tube within the air mattress is securely attached to an inner surface of the top wall. Each of the first and second ends of the tube is fluidly coupled to a water heating and pumping device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blanket having a slit through which a person's feet may protrude. The blanket is designed for singles, couples or multiple persons sharing a blanket. The individuals sharing the same blanket can protrude their feet or keep them inside the blanket. The slit is not just a plain opening or cut across the top surface of the blanket but rather, the slit is designed to form an opening that looks like a pocket with an open or unsewn bottom.

Abstract: A medical examination table is adapted to receive at least one two-way drawer assembly with a removable locking mechanism and an articulating backrest. The backrest is controlled by a linear actuator and can be adjusted to any desired position. The backrest requires a relatively small amount of space in the table, and therefore, storage capacity of the table is maximized.

Abstract: A large body stretcher dimensioned to accommodate large-bodied persons and foldable to conserve space. The stretcher provides a patient support surface comprising a first board and a second board that are secured together and foldable along a longitudinal axis. The stretcher may conveniently be secured, via a securing arrangement, to a host cot. The stretcher further provides rotatable backrest portions that permit the backrest of the host cot to be raised in order to assist patients who can benefit from being transported in an upright or seated position. The stretcher further provides a plurality of retaining channels so that the restraining straps of the host cot are available for use with a patient placed upon the large body stretcher. Handholds are provided to allow convenient use of the stretcher as a standalone apparatus.

Abstract: A hand surgery table has a top for supporting a patient's arm during hand surgery. A concave end of the hand surgery table accommodates the attending surgeon's torso so that the attending surgeon may sit comfortably. A tongue-shaped end portion extends from the end opposite the concave end for securing the hand surgery table to a conventional operating table where the patient may lie and rest his or her forearm on the hand surgery table top. Elbow support structures are attached to respective sides of the hand surgery table and have convex peripheries for the attending surgeon and the nurse assistant to rest their elbows and forearms. The elbow support structures are retractable to the underside of the table and are moveable longitudinally along the hand surgery table.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress comprises a flexible bottom layer, a top layer sealed to the bottom layer through a wall, wherein the bottom and top layers and the wall define an outer frame of the inflatable mattress, and a middle layer disposed between the top and bottom layers. The bottom surface of the middle layer is sealed to the bottom layer through a plurality of laterally disposed I-beam structures to form a lower chamber. The top surface is attached to the top layer through a plurality of X-beam structures to form an upper chamber. A peripheral edge of the middle layer may be sealed with the wall to prevent the upper and lower chambers from being in fluid communication with each other. Alternatively, the peripheral edge may be detached from the wall so that the upper and lower chambers are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: An air mattress is formed with a deep pocket adjacent one end portion for storing and concealing various items such as glasses, wallets, flashlights and the like. An inflatable pillow or similar cover member is tethered at one end to the mattress with a flexible hinge and connected to the mattress at its other end with a releasable connection which positions and holds the pillow over the storage pocket so as to cover and conceal the storage pocket.

Abstract: A mattress assembly including an inflatable central support portion and a side bolster. A check valve is configured to prevent fluid flow from at least a portion of the side bolster to the central support portion.

Abstract: An innerspring mattress having an edge support insert that overlaps the upper and lower border wires of the mattress. The edge support insert has a C-shaped cross-section or the cross-section may gradually thicken from interior corners of the “C” toward the center forming a putative E-shaped cross-section. The edge support may be a continuous unit that is installed around the entire perimeter of the innerspring mattress assembly. The simple cross-section allows efficient extrusion manufacturing and is efficiently installed around the innerspring mattress coil matrix.

Abstract: A mattress for comfortably supporting an individual with an abdominal condition requiring minimal contact between the mattress and the individual's abdomen, while also providing a structure for facilitating the turning of the individual between supine and prone positions. The mattress comprises a resilient mattress body including upper and lower surfaces, top and bottom edges, and first and second side edges. An inner abdominal support wall defines an abdominal receiving chamber positioned intermediate the top and bottom edges and extending downwardly form the upper surface of the mattress body. The mattress further comprises an outer abdominal support wall and an inflatable chamber defined intermediate the inner and outer abdominal support walls. An adjustable shoulder support is positioned intermediate the top edge and the abdominal receiving chamber. An adjustable pillow is positioned above the upper surface of the mattress body intermediate the shoulder support and the top edge.

Abstract: A firefighter's axe generally comprising a handle having a top end and a bottom end, a stem forming a portion of the elongated handle adjacent the top end of the handle, and a head having a front end and a rear end. Formed on the front end of the axe head is a blade. Formed on the rear end of the axe head is a sweeping surface that is substantially planar in shape. The axe head further includes a thumb opening with which the user can grip the axe head.

Abstract: A detergent collection tray is provided at a position spaced above a drain port in the sump area of an outer tub of a washing machine, particularly a horizontal axis washing machine. As detergent enters the washing machine during an initial fill operation, the detergent will be caused to flow into the tray and will be prevented from flowing directly into the drain. Therefore, the tray prevents the loss of detergent into the drain by functioning to capture or collect the detergent for use during the washing operation.

Abstract: A washing machine (10) includes a one part sensor (60, 70) mounted to detect passage of a component normally associated with, and rotatable with, the drive shaft (25) of the machine (10) to detect speed of rotation of the shaft (25) and, in turn, speed of rotation of the clothes basket (22) without the need for a second, additional component not normally required for proper rotational operation of basket (22).

Abstract: An apparatus for opening a mechanical bridge. The apparatus includes at least two adjacent bridge spans where the first of the bridge spans is removable from its initial position and the second of the bridge spans is at least partially movable into the space originally occupied by the first span so that at least a portion of the second bridge span can be separated from yet a third adjacent span. This forms an opening between the second and third spans. Alternatively, a span can be moved laterally and then longitudinally to open a section of the bridge.

Abstract: Toothbrushes are taught that may included a main body having a brush portion provided with brush bristles and protrusions for oscillating the brush bristles in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main body. For example, the protrusions may be provided on the main body and on a sliding member so as to generate oscillations when the protrusions slide relative to each other. In addition or in the alternative, an electric motor may be coupled to the sliding member to reciprocally move the sliding member along the longitudinal axis of the main body. Teeth may be brushed by holding the main body in a substantial fixed position with respect to the teeth and simultaneously sliding the sliding member along the shaft of the main body in order to cause the brush portion to oscillate in the direction perpendicular to the teeth.

Abstract: A trowel includes a series of levels embedded in the handle for measuring the inclination of a surface being finished. The trowel includes a flat base plate, with a handle having two ends each secured to the plate to define a grip area therebetween. This construction provides an extremely rigid structure, where the handle and its included levels cannot flex angularly relative to the base plate or blade. At least one of the handle ends, and optionally both ends, includes two mutually orthogonally disposed level indicators installed therein for simultaneously measuring the level or slope of a surface being worked, in two mutually perpendicular axes. The opposite handle end may also include a pair of similarly arranged levels, if so desired. The levels may comprise bubble or spirit levels, electronic levels with audible output, and/or other level types as desired.

Abstract: A windshield wiper drive mechanism, having a drive mechanism, a drive lever (16) whose first end is connected to the drive mechanism so that it can be pivoted about a drive axis (A), a coupling lever (28) whose first end is connected to the second end of the drive lever by a coupling joint (18) with a defined rotational axis (K) and whose second end is connected to a windshield wiper blade (12), and a power takeoff lever (30), which is connected to the coupling lever, is to be improved such that the positioning angle of the windshield wiper blade relative to the window at the turning points is to be controlled. To that end, it is provided that the rotational axis (K) of the coupling joint and the drive axis (A) of the drive lever are not parallel to one another.