Abstract: A new and distinct Poinsettia plant named ‘Fismond’ characterized by having deep red bract color; bracts with smooth surface, weak lobes, tightly arranged; dark green foliage with weak lobes; moderately compact and round plant habit; begin of flowering late with good keeping quality; suitable especially for late sale short before or during the holiday season.

Abstract: A Chrysanthemum plant named ‘White Reagan Mundo’ characterized by its medium sized blooms with white ray-florets and yellow-green disc florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct ivy geranium plant named ‘Pengra’ suitable for growth in a hanging basket and having shiny, intense red colored flowers which exhibit ivy-shaped leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct free and very early flowering ivy geranium plant with deep salmon pink colored flowers above deep green foliage having very good heat tolerance.

Abstract: A new and distinct early flowering zonal geranium plant with deep red colored flowers above dark green foliage and having excellent outdoor heat tolerance.

Abstract: A new and distinct ivy geranium plant with distinctive red colored flowers above emerald green foliage. The new variety has excellent heat tolerance and flowers that do not burn in bright sunlight.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Philodendron is provided. It is a large plant; suitable for production in 15-cm and larger containers; self-heading, not vining, and self-supporting; mostly upright, somewhat outwardly spreading and open; with very vigorous growth; large, thick, very dark green leaf blades; and thick, dark purple-brown petioles.

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

Abstract: The invention is a scent-free wildlife blind. The blind has a room-like shelter having a door, a plurality of windows, a small vent near ground level, and a flexible tube extending from the top of the shelter to a height of approximately 30 feet from the ground. When the wind hits the shelter, the windspeed will be higher at the top of the tube than at the bottom vent. The pressure exerted by the wind on the air inside the shelter is inversely proportional to the wind speed. Therefore, the pressure difference will force air in through the bottom vent and out through the top of the tube, carrying the scent of the occupants out of the blind high enough so that nearby animals will not smell the occupants.

Abstract: Method and apparatus, for servicing engine cooling systems, including a service inlet, a vacuum pump, a two-way solenoid interposed between the vacuum pump and the service inlet, a service outlet, a disposal hose, a new fluid tank, a pressure pump interposed between the service outlet and the new fluid tank, a three-way solenoid interposed between the service outlet and the two-way, solenoid, a low-level trigger mechanism, a flow control relief valve and other elements to enhance various modes of operation. The apparatus is capable of performing various operations, including closed-loop fluid cycle, fluid vacuum, fluid top-off, fluid exchange and fluid flow control.

Abstract: A weighing system for material suspended from a rail or trolley. The system includes a transition track between the regular track and the weighing track to avoid oscillation of pressure on the weighing track which causes difficulty in rapidly arriving at a proper weight. The transition track is biassed away from the weighing track so as not to cause a false weight reading. It also includes a novel trolley moving mechanism for moving the trolley as it passes over the weighing mechanism.

Abstract: An ultraviolet detector comprises a metal tubular member which hermetically encloses an anode and a cathode therein and is filled with a discharged gas introduced therein from a metal exhaust tube. After the anode and the cathode are enclosed within the tubular member, the ultraviolet detector can be made without being subjected to any glass fusing process. Accordingly, the inside of the sealed vessel V1 can be prevented from being contaminated with fluorine, whereby the ultraviolet detector with stable characteristics can be provided.

Abstract: A scanning recording type printing method, in which sampled image of tone data is printed by controlling the scanning length and position of a dot which may include a plurality of different colors in the interior of a pixel such that the dots in two adjacent pixels are paired such that no interruptions exist between the dots.

Abstract: A digital signal transmitting method, a digital signal receiving apparatus, and a recording medium which ensure the security of fee-charged software information. When an image providing predetermined services is transmitted, a band-compression coded digital video signal is given first-encryption processing and then the digital signal is further given encryption processing and transmitted. Therefore, double security can be added to the video signal and a digital signal transmitting method where its security is more firmly ensured can be realized.

Abstract: A fused fiber optic 1×4 or 2×4 coupler in which four optical fiber segments (A, B, C, D) extend longitudinally beside each other in a coupling region in which the fiber segments are at least partially fused together to form an assembly exhibiting a close packed cross section in which the fiber cores (11) are centered substantially at the corners of a four sided polygon having a pair or opposite internal acute angles substantially less than 90°.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating wastewater sludge to a level that meets or exceeds USEPA Process to Further Reduce Pathogens standards, wherein lime or kiln dust and/or other alkaline materials are mixed with wastewater sludge in sufficient quantity to raise the pH of the mixture to 12 and above for a predetermined time and drying the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump having an air chamber housing centrally located between two pump chamber housings. The air chamber housing includes a center section and two outwardly facing concave discs. Each pump chamber housing includes a pump chamber shell mating with one of the discs with a flexible diaphragm therebetween. Check valve chambers and inlet and outlet passages associated with each pump chamber and with inlet and exhaust manifolds control flow through the pump. A solenoid actuated valve alternately directs air pressure to each of the two diaphragms for reciprocal pumping action. Inner pistons associated with the diaphragms include stops which limit pump stroke in each direction. The solenoid may be driven by conventional electronics on a timed stroke or responsive to flow considerations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to DNA encoding human endothelial cell growth factors, and to plasmids comprising said DNA. In particular, the invention relates to DNA encoding a cleavable signal peptide and an endothelial cell growth factor, wherein removal of said signal peptide yields a mature form of the growth factor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a continuously variable transmission having an input and output shaft for use with an automotive vehicle. The transmission is operable at a variable speed ratio for transmitting a drive from the input shaft to the output shaft. A target value for the speed of rotation of the input shaft of the transmission is calculated based on the sensed vehicle operating conditions including vehicle acceleration (deceleration). A correction factor per predetermined unit time is calculated based on the vehicle acceleration (deceleration) when the vehicle acceleration (deceleration) exceeds a threshold value with the accelerator pedal being released. The correction factor is used to correct the target input shaft speed value at intervals of the predetermined unit time. The speed ratio is controlled to bring the input shaft speed into coincidence with the corrected target value.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes: a shell, a headband with an absorbent brow pad, and a suspension. A key is secured to each end of each of the straps of the suspension for insertion into respective key sockets spaced about the periphery of the shell of the protective helmet along its lower edge. Of particular importance to the protective helmet of the present invention, many (if not all) of the keys are molded directly to and around a strap, rather than sewn to the strap. In the method of the present invention, lengths of strap material are positioned in a mold, and plastic is injected into the mold cavity to encapsulate the straps and form the plastic component, e.g., a key for the suspension of the protective helmet. A trimming die is used to trim any webbing scrap between parts or other extraneous materials resulting from the molding of the plastic component to the straps.

Abstract: An apparatus for shielding a human eye of a patient while allowing the human eye contact with the air. A lens of the apparatus is fashioned to one or both of the eyes and is optically clear and optically correct in that it does not distort the patient's vision. The optically correct aspect of the lens is achieved by either polishing a mold for the lens or alternatively, by die-cutting the lens from an optically correct material. The lens may be held in place by an adjustable strap. A plurality of vents to allow the eye contact with the air are a plurality of apertures in the lens or a plurality of spaces or holes in a cushioning structure, where the cushioning structure is coupled to the perimeter of the surface of the lens facing the eye.

Abstract: A shower enclosure comprises a stationary structure (1) and a movable structure (2). The movable structure (2) has a curved wall panel (10), a floor (11) and an upper member (12). A curved door (14) is pivotally hinged to the movable structure (2). The movable structure (2) is pivotally connected to the stationary structure (1) about axis Y1. The movable structure (2) can be moved from a standby or storage position in which the movable structure (2) is stowed inside the stationary structure (1) to an in-use position in which the movable structure (2) is pivoted outwardly from the stationary structure (1) to form a larger shower enclosure.

Abstract: A basin generally for use in health-care industries for debridement and/or irrigation of wound areas. The basin is best used for treatment of wounds on extremities and comprises a stable basin having contoured seats on opposing side walls and a filtering device to prevent clogging of the drainage hole and tubing.

Abstract: A kit for a parts washer includes a flexible bag adapted to fit inside the parts washer, and a fastener to hold an open end of the flexible bag.

Abstract: A drain assembly is provided that eliminates the need for reconfiguring of existing plumbing during installation of a deep-sink assembly while maintaining a suitable working height. The drain assembly including a hollow body, a valve within the body and a mount to operably connect the valve within the hollow body. The hollow body includes an inlet, an outlet, and an inner wall positioned between the inlet and the outlet. A fluid path enters the inlet of the body in a first direction and is diverted to a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction by the inner wall. The diverted fluid path exits the body moving in the second direction. The mount is located at least partially within the outlet.

Abstract: A bed comprises a fluid supply and a bed support coupled to the fluid supply. A patient support surface is configured to couple to the bed support.

Abstract: A mattress resistant to bursting at the seam binding joining the upper and side tickings when subjected to flame conditions, is disclosed. The binding includes a tape overlying the junction of the fabrics defining the top and side tickings. The tape and ticking components are held together by a stitching thread such as lock stitching penetrating the tape, the ticking junctures and the tape again at an opposite side of the binding. The tape is selected to be thermoplastic, fire retardant and flowable at a temperature substantially lower than the char temperature of the thread which is thermo set. As a result of this combination, a flame directed against the binding will first induce the thermoplastic tape to melt and flow around and into the binding thread protecting the thread from charring and consequently losing its tensile strength for a significant period of time.

Abstract: A magnetic tool structure includes a body having a square end formed with a receiving seat, and a magnetic device mounted on the receiving seat of the body. The magnetic device includes an outer retractable rod secured and hidden in the receiving seat, an inner retractable rod retractably mounted on the outer retractable rod, and a magnetic body secured on the inner retractable rod to move therewith. In use, the magnetic body can be extended outward from the receiving seat of the body and fully inserted into the receiving seat of the body, so that when the magnetic device is retracted and shortened to a minimum length thereof, the magnetic device is fully hidden in the receiving seat of the body.

Abstract: A mending tool (10) for drywall and plaster surfaces has a gouger (14). The gouger (14) has a member which is securely connected at a rear end to a handle front (12F). The gouger (14) has a gouger tip (14B) which is positioned at a front distal end of the member. The gouger tip (14B) has a gouger tip point (14BA) at a distal end and a gouger tip notch (14BB) positioned adjacent thereto. The gouger tip point (14BA) functions to extract and remove material from a surface. The gouger tip notch (14BB) functions to prevent attachment of the removed material to the gouger tip point (14BA).

Abstract: A drain pump of a washing machine is cyclically activated during a drain operation conducted as part of a spin cycle in a manner which reduces the run time of the pump. At least one dynamic operating parameter of the washing machine is sensed and used to control the operation of the drain pump. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotational speed of the wash tub is sensed and, when a predetermined spin speed is maintained for a prescribed period of time, the drain operation is initiated. Water level, pump power and/or drive motor torque can also be utilized as pump cycling control parameters.

Abstract: A bridge expansion joint assembly includes at least a first expansion module and a second expansion module on opposing bridge structures. The first expansion module includes a first hinge pivotally mounted to a first bridge structure so the first hinge can rotate about a first axis, and a first group of fingers pivotally mounted to the first hinge so the first group of fingers can rotate about a second axis. The second expansion module includes a second hinge pivotally mounted to a second bridge structure so the second hinge can rotate about a third axis, and a second group of fingers mounted, either fixedly or pivotally, to the second hinge. The first group of fingers and the second group of fingers are interdigitated and rest upon a sliding support.

Abstract: A wiper motor suitably applied to the wiper apparatus possible to solve a difference in the wiping range caused by the difference in the operation speed of the wiper blade by the wiper linkage used with an eccentric mechanism, which is provided with a semi-ringshaped high-potential plate connected with the power source, a semi-ringshaped low-potential plate grounded and disposed oppositely to the high-potential plate, and a common plate disposed in the center between the high and low-potential plates and electrically connected with the movable contact to rotate slidingly on the high and low-potential plates together with an output shaft of the wiper motor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle wiper including a wiper blade which is articulated to the longitudinal end of a wiper arm via a connector which is articulated on the arm and fixed over a linking portion of the blade, and wherein the linking portion includes two substantially longitudinal and parallel lateral flanges and a transverse element extending between the two flanges and designed to cooperate with a mobile lock borne by the connector for fixing the connector on the blade. The invention is characterized in that the lock is articulated on the connector between a locking position and an unlocking position.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner has a fluid recovery system, a liquid dispensing system for dispensing a fluid onto a surface to be cleaned and a liquid recovery system for recovered soiled fluid from the surface wherein a cleaning fluid supply tank has an insulated wall for maintaining the fluid at an elevated temperature suitable for effective cleaning.

Abstract: An extraction cleaning apparatus including a base housing, a fluid recovery system including a tank having a fluid recovery chamber for holding recovered fluid, a working air conduit, an above floor accessory hose mounted at one end to the housing for optional above floor cleaning, and a unitary duct mounted to the housing and connected at a first end to the accessory hose one end and, at another end, connected to the working air conduit at an accessory hose inlet a conversion valve in the working air conduit between the suction nozzle and the accessory hose inlet to selectively connect the vacuum source to either the suction nozzle or to the accessory hose. Portions of the unitary duct are flat and an intermediate portion of the unitary duct extends beneath the recovery tank.

Abstract: An air exhaust structure of an upright-type vacuum cleaner includes a duct vertically formed in a side of a cleaner body, communicating with a motor driving chamber, a supporting member protruded from an inner wall of the duct to a predetermined height, a filter supported by the supporting member and received in the duct, and a grill hinged to the cleaner body for opening and closing an air discharge opening of the duct. The air exhaust structure of the upright-type vacuum cleaner enables simple fabrication and reduced number of parts and fabrication cost.

Abstract: A locking device for handle assembly with multiple stages wherein a lock member of higher lock may move into the lock hole of the next lower lock for causing a lock pin of the next lower lock to disengage. Further, there is no horizontal component force created on the slope because the lock member of the higher lock inserts into the lock hole of next lower lock as well as higher lock and next lower lock are engaged in a planar surface. This ensures that there is no gap between the higher and next lower lock such that the fully retracted handle grip may rest on the bezel.

Abstract: A hinge device for use in an electric or electronic apparatus is provided, in which a pivoting portion moves with respect to a fixed portion around a hinge portion. Accordingly, the hinge device has effects of a simple assembly and an easy maintenance. Also, the hinge device plays a role of a hinge which can freely adjust a torque transferred to the upper bracket to thus generate a proper frictional force constantly and adjust a rotational angle according to an angle formed by the upper and lower contacting portions of the holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge providing a specified braking force against pivotal motion between two hinged flaps. The hinge includes a bearing body, which has, at its exterior, mountings for a first flap and also a wear-resistant inner surface having slider catches at positions spaced by a specified angle on the same circumference of the inner surface. The hinge also has a shaft with a mounting at one end for a second flap. The shaft is mounted in the bearing body in a manner allowing relative turning, and also has a spring housing hole opening at its outer surface along an axis crossing at a right angle with its longitudinal axis. While turning, a coil spring, which is inserted into the spring housing hole, biases a slider radially outward from the spring housing hole.

Abstract: A refrigerator handle assembly includes a main handle member, upper and lower extensions, and a base member. The main handle member is formed with an elongated upper cleat over which the upper extension snaps, an intermediate gripping portion, and a lower connecting portion including a cantilevered finger beneath which the base member extends. Each of the upper and lower portions of the main handle member is formed with slots which receive projections provided on the upper and lower extensions respectively. Detents provided on the upper and lower extensions are received beneath respective portions of the cleat and the base member in order to snap-fittingly interconnect the upper and lower extensions. The lower extension actually extends around both the terminal end of the main handle member and the base, while the upper extension extends about the elongated cleat. A tab formed on the cleat projects through a cut-out formed in the second extension.

Abstract: A strap tightener has an auto-pulling device connected to a seat. The auto-pulling device includes a housing and a reversing device. The reversing device is rotatably received in the housing. The reversing device has a reel received in the housing to connect with one end of a strap. A spiral power spring is connected between the housing and the reel. Consequently, the strap can be automatically wound around the reel after the strap tightener is used. To collect the strap is convenient and the operating time of collecting the strap is saved.

Abstract: A buckle device for a skate comprises an adjustable receptor including a frame fixed to a side of a boot upper, a pin pivotally supported by the frame, a cover plate securely mounted on the pin, and a catch member securely mounted on the pin. A strap has an end extending through a space between the frame and an end of the catch member. The strap includes ratchet teeth on an inner side thereof. When in a normal state, the end of the catch member is biased to selectively engage with the stop face of one of the ratchet teeth of the strap, such that the strap is only movable along a tightening direction. When the cover plate is pulled outward, the end of the catch member is disengaged from the ratchet teeth of the strap, allowing the strap to be moved in a loosening direction.

Abstract: There is put forward a method for texturing thermoplastic yarns with which the thread before the provision of texture is brought to the necessary texturing temperature (T2) and during the actual texturing provision is cooled to a setting temperature (T23). The heating to the texturing temperature (T2) is effected in two steps. The actual texturing line (24) is provided with an active cooling, by which means the yarn is actively cooled to a setting temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pin assembly which keeps single-piece, two-piece or multi-pieced yarn processing elements, especially yarn interlacing spinnerets or thermal treatment elements, in an exact position during an entire service life, despite the extreme effects of preparations used. Instead of a traditional soldered joint or an adhesive connection, mechanical clamping means are used to fix the dowel pins to one part of the spinneret. Fixation of the dowel pins is not affected by heat or chemical preparations. The clamping means consists of a simple clamping ring holding the dowel pin in position directly inside the body of the spinneret between the clamping pin and an after-body. The novel positioning solution can be used with individual parts of spinnerets, parts of spinnerets in machines or multiple parts of spinnerets. The dowel pins enable the entire spinneret to be substantially miniaturized and allow narrow separation between various yarn runs, which was previously impossible.

Abstract: A filling material includes a web of sheet made of metal, in particular aluminum, or of dimensionally stable flexible material, especially plastic, with the sheet being perforated with evenly spaced slits extending parallel in longitudinal direction of the band and stretched transversely to the longitudinal extension, and with the sheet profiled transversely to the longitudinal extension.

Abstract: A first surface of an elastic plate is bonded onto one surface of a channel forming substrate. A first face of a supporting base formed with a through hole therein is bonded onto a second surface of the elastic plate which is opposite to the first surface. A first face of a resin casing formed with an accommodation space therein is bonded onto a second face of the supporting base which is opposite to the first face of the supporting base. At least one vibrator unit including a fixation base, and piezoelectric vibrators arranged on a first face of the fixation base such that first ends of the piezoelectric vibrators are fixed thereon and opposite free ends overhang a second face of the fixation base.

Abstract: A hand tool having at least one end configured with several circumferentially spaced resilient detent fingers defining the periphery of a cage for capturing and both transversely and longitudinally positively confining the annular periphery of a spring-retaining cup of a brake shoe assembly of a vehicular drum brake. A captured cup is pressed by the tool against the end of a brake shoe positioning coil spring and the cup is rotated one quarter turn to attach or detach the cup relative to the end of a retaining pin which passes through the center of the cup and secures the cup, coil spring and brake shoe to a brake shoe supporting plate on the drum brake shoe assembly. The cup is retained in the tool when separated from the brake shoe assembly. The tool may be configured with multiple cages, such as a double ended tool. It may also be in the form of a socket tool having only one cage.

Abstract: A device for installing a bolt retainer onto a bolt includes a support bar and a handle attached to the support bar. A retainer dispensing assembly mounted to the support bar includes a rail capable of holding a number of bolt retainers thereon. A retainer seat is attached to the support bar, and the retainer seat and retainer dispensing assembly are relatively positioned so that the retainer dispensing assembly delivers bolt retainers to the retainer seat. A slide member is slidingly mounted in a channel in the support arm. The slide member slides between a first position in which it engages a bolt retainer on the retainer seat and a second position in which it drives the bolt retainer onto a bolt.

Abstract: A convertible external/internal puller device for pulling bearings and races from within and about objects such as shafts and axles and other machine parts. The convertible external/internal puller device includes a support frame; and also includes an elongate tubular support member being disposed within the support frame and having a threaded bore extending therethrough and also being externally threaded; and further includes a jaw support member being adjustably threaded upon the elongate tubular support member; and also includes a plurality of interchangeable jaw members being pivotally attached with fasteners to the jaw support member and being guided by the support frame; and also includes an elongate press member being threaded through the elongate tubular support member and having a first end and a second end which is adapted to engage an object; and further includes a handle member being mounted to the elongate tubular support member for rotating the elongate tubular support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of converting box car from having a sliding door to having a plug door. In addition, the roof may be removed and the storage capacity within the box car may be increased by raising the roof of the box car and adding extensions to the sides of the box car. Moreover, the door opening may be increased by increasing the height of the roof. Further, the present invention relates to a method of creating a sealing surface around the perimeter of the door opening of the box car wherein the sealing surface is coplanar.