Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Camellia sasanqua found in an openly pollinated group of seedlings. The new variety is unique with its dense, low, and spreading growth habit, improved growth rate, and strong red semi-double flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct fern plant named ‘VP001’ characterized by having densely crowded compact shape; brown downy scales at the base; green leaves; sterile and button shaped leaflets; erect and occasionally forked stalks; good tolerancy against heat; and low humidity.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hibiscus plant named ‘Chicago’, characterized by its compact, upright and uniform plant habit that is appropriate for container production; freely branching habit; glossy dark green leaves; freely flowering habit; golden yellow-colored flowers; and good resistance to flower bud abscission.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hibiscus plant named ‘Charleston’, characterized by its compact, upright and uniform plant habit that is appropriate for container production; freely branching habit; glossy dark green leaves; freely flowering habit; red-colored flowers; and good resistance to flower bud abscission.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hibiscus plant named ‘San Diego’, characterized by its compact, upright and uniform plant habit that is appropriate for container production; freely branching habit; glossy dark green leaves; freely flowering habit; yellow-colored flowers; and good resistance to flower bud abscission.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘Kiedahbic’, characterized by its upright and compact plant habit; freely branching habit, full and dense plants; semi-double type inflorescences; and purple and white bi-colored ray florets with bright yellow-colored disc florets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plum tree, Prunus salicina, and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a medium size, vigorous, hardy, heavy blooming, pollen abundant, self-unfruitful, and usually productive tree. The present variety requires cross pollinization from another plum that blooms during the mid season, such as Fortune (unpatented) The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described during the last week in June, with first picking on Jun. 29, 2002. The fruit is uniformly medium in size, a two-tone purple over yellow in skin color, clingstone in type, purely yellow with no red bleeding in flesh color, very firm and crisp in texture, very good in flavor, and holds well in cold storage for more than thirty days. The variety was developed as an open pollinated seedling of ‘Ambra’ (unpatented).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plum tree, Prunus salicina, and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a large size, vigorous, hardy, heavy blooming, pollen abundant self-unfruitful and usually productive tree. The present variety requires cross pollinization from another plum that blooms during the mid season, such as ‘Santa Rosa’ (unpatented). The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described during the second week in September, with first picking on Sep. 10, 2002. The fruit is uniformly medium in size, nearly full red in skin color, semi-freestone in type, yellow with some red bleeding in flesh color, very firm in texture, very good in flavor, and holds well in cold storage for more than forty days. The variety was developed using an unnamed plum seedling as the selected pollen parent and ‘Bradgreen’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,498) as the selected pollen parent.

Abstract: A new and distinct selection of Hemerocallis hybrid cultivar ‘Malja’ characterized by its unique combinations of yellow to white and green foliage variegation and golden yellow flowers that are borne on short stems about half the height of the foliage on a plant of short stature.

Abstract: A training projectile that utilizes flutes or flats to augment roll damping characteristics and thereby cause the projectile to crossover into a gyroscopically unstable trajectory pattern at a predetermined time. Prior to the crossover, the training projectile maintains a gyroscopically stable trajectory, which enables extrapolation to ascertain the trajectory of a non-training projectile that does not have an augmented roll damping section. The unstable trajectory pattern substantially reduces the distance the training projectile can traverse, thereby reducing the amount of area required for a training range.

Abstract: We have found an alkaline warewashing detergent composition that can contain a critical amount of a nonionic rinse agent that when used in automatic warewashing machines permits the use of a potable water rinse without the addition of a separate rinse agent. Sufficient residual nonionic surfactant from the alkaline detergent remains on the surface ware and internal machine and rack surfaces after washing to promote adequate sheeting in the rinse cycle. The residual nonionic surfactant on internal surfaces dissolves in the rinse water to create an effective aqueous rinse agent. The nonionic rinse agents can be a single nonionic for both foam reduction cleaning and sheeting or can be a blend of nonionic materials providing these functions. The detergent can be in the form of a particulate, pelletized or block solid.

Abstract: A new adjustable collet for stud welding employs a plurality of electrically energizable jaws coordinated to firmly grasp studs of various shapes, sizes and orientations while welding them to a work surface. This adjustable collet will also ensure better contact with the stud and thus reduce the likelihood of arcing and faulty welds. Premature collet wear will also be averted by reducing the amount of sliding contact between the collet and the stud.

Abstract: A data medium is driven by a brushless direct current more, and possesses control signals en a track which can be picked up by a sensing device and supplied to a switch arrangement for activation of the motor winding. The control signals on the track characterize at least those angular positions of the rotor with respect to the stator in which commutation is to be initiated.

Abstract: Injection molding hot runner apparatus having a cooled mold core with an elongated body portion with a front portion or head. A cooling tube extends centrally in body portion of the mold core. A cooling fluid circuit extends from the open front end of the cooling tube outwardly through a number of spaced radial bores. Each radial bore connects to an L-shaped duct leading back to a cylindrical space around the cooling tube.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technology of reducing a nickel element in the silicon film which is crystallized by using nickel. An extremely small amount of nickel is introduced into an amorphous silicon film which is formed on the glass substrate. Then this amorphous silicon film is crystallized by heating. At this time, the nickel element remains in the crystallized silicon film. Then an amorphous silicon film is formed on the surface of the silicon film crystallized with the action of nickel. Then the amorphous silicon film is further heat treated. By carrying out this heat treatment, the nickel element is dispersed from the crystallized silicon film into the amorphous silicon film with the result that the nickel density in the crystallized silicon film is lowered.

Abstract: In a cellular system configuration, the location of a mobile station is determined from the acquisition of cellular network data pertaining to the mobile station, and the translation of such network data into a corresponding geographical position profile. The cellular system includes a mobile station locator entity for receiving from a mobile switching center the network data such as cell and/or sector ID and trunk group member number. The mobile station locator translates the network data into position information such as geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude), resolution (radius), and angle values for sectorized cells.

Abstract: Instruments including a pair of scissors (1) for removing the bump from an aquiline nose, wherein the scissors have cutting blades (5,6), with mutually facing concave cutting edges (7,8) matching the shape of the bump, as well as a clamp with two cutting blades each having a double curvature in two perpendicular planes so that the clamp fits the lateral bones of the nose. The clamp enables lateral osteotomy of the nose once the bump has been removed by means of the scissors (1), whereby the surgeon can reconstruct the shape and profile of the nose. The number of instruments needed may thus be reduced considerably relative to the prior art, while the reliability, accuracy and safety of the operation may be substantially enhanced.

Abstract: A speech coding system employs measurements of robust features of speech frames whose distribution are not strongly affected by noise/levels to make voicing decisions for input speech occurring in a noisy environment. Linear programing analysis of the robust features and respective weights are used to determine an optimum linear combination of these features. The input speech vectors are matched to a vocabulary of codewords in order to select the corresponding, optimally matching codeword. Adaptive vector quantization is used in which a vocabulary of words obtained in a quiet environment is updated based upon a noise estimate of a noisy environment in which the input speech occurs, and the “noisy” vocabulary is then searched for the best match with an input speech vector. The corresponding clean codeword index is then selected for transmission and for synthesis at the receiver end.

Abstract: A multiple-level undo/redo mechanism is provided in an operating system and is available to application programs run on the operating system. The dating system provides a mechanism for keeping a log of user commands and providing a cursor to a position within the log. Each command may be encapsulated into an object that supports an interface for performing undo/redo operations. Similarly, the log may be encapsulated into an object that supports operations that facilitate a multiple-level undo/redo. A user may perform a single undo/redo operation, multiple successive undo/redo operations or complete undo/redo operations.

Abstract: An apparatus which incorporates an air ventilation system into a standard toilet seat is disclosed. The apparatus would connect a filtration system to the rear half portion of a toilet seat by a plurality of ventilation pathways, which would connect to two primary ventilation pathways located in the rear of a toilet seat, which in turn would connect to the filtration system via a house connection. The filtration system itself would be housed in a box-like container, with the container having two major compartments, a filter compartment and a fan compartment.

Abstract: A fluid flow system for a hydrotherapy tub includes a fluid injector and a light source. The fluid injector is adapted to inject fluid to an interior of the hydrotherapy tub and the light source is adapted to direct light toward the interior of the hydrotherapy tub through the fluid injector.

Abstract: A support structure is configured into the appearance of a day bed. A body supporting and transporting tray is removably positioned atop the support structure and comprises a bottom, a pair of opposed sides and a pair of opposed ends. Each end includes a pair of elongated horizontal slots therein serving as handholds for grasping and lifting the tray. The support structure comprises a rectangular, planar platform having opposed front and rear edges and opposed end edges. Legs are connected to the platform and extend downwardly to support the platform above a floor surface. A back is connected to the rear edge of the platform along a lower edge of the back, the back projecting upwardly from the platform. A side is connected to each end edge of the platform and to a respective side edge of the back, with each side projecting upwardly from the platform. The support structure is convertible into a memorial table by substituting a table top structure for the tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manual assisted vertical lift bed used for increased sleeping capacity, storage and space in a confined living space. The lift bed may also provide safe operation for lowering and raising the lift bed through use of a bed frame, safety devices, and movement means.

Abstract: A patient transfer assembly for moving a sheet on a structure having a transfer surface. The patient transfer assembly includes a gripper adapted for attachment to the sheet, a drive shaft, a cable connected to the gripper and connected to the drive shaft, and a handle connected to the drive shaft for rotating the drive shaft. The handle is adapted to be positioned at a level that is ergonomically comfortable for the user during operation of the assembly. The patient transfer assembly may also include an adjustably positionable idler shaft for guiding the cable between the drive shaft and the transfer surface. Further embodiments of the patient transfer assembly may include an adjustably positionable extension arm for rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a pillow specifically designed to avoid pressure on the ears, lobes and cartilage and to evenly distribute pressure on the other surfaces of the face. Its top surface is contoured such that the curvature of the head and neck is accommodated. The ears are protected by the presence of recesses in the top surface of the pillow which are shaped similarly to the ear with one generally arcuate side and one generally flat side and positioned somewhat closer to the front edge of the pillow. The recesses are of sufficient size and depth so that as a person lies his head on one side with one ear positioned in a recess, there is no pressure on the ear, its lobe, or cartilage. The pillow is especially effective for reducing the pain of recovery from lobe or cartilage piercings.

Abstract: This enabler cover for use with hand rails on a bed comprises a pad which fits around the rails of the hand rails. The pad, including a cover material, defines an interior space formed of the material. The material is flexible, non-abrasive and substantially resistant to penetration by an appendage of a person. The pad also includes a foam material filling the interior space defined by the cover material. Further, the cover material includes a means for enabling the enabler cover to fit around the rails of the hand rails. A mesh cover then covers any opening in the hand rails.

Abstract: There is shown a see through side shield for use in a hospital bed which prevents a patient from becoming entrapped between a bed rail and a mattress. The see through side shield includes a hand that snugly fits over a lateral rail of the bed rail, typically the top lateral rail. The see through side shield further includes a partition that extends to cover a vertical opening between a top lateral side edge of the mattress and the bottom lateral rail of the bed rail. The partition is mounted to at least one lateral rail of the bed rail using a tightly fitting clamp. To permanently mount the partition, the clamp is riveted to the bed rail. Typically, the see through side shield is transparent being made of a polycarbonate material.

Abstract: A tool having a combined synergistic function for users of sealed plastic bags in order to quickly and safely open and reseal them, wherein a cutting tool for cutting the bag open is connected with a clipping tool for clipping closed the opening.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a frame, a ramp, a lip, and a linkage. The ramp is rotatably coupled to the frame for rotation between a substantially horizontal first position and an inclined second position. The lip is coupled to the ramp for rotation between a pendent position and an extended position. The linkage is coupled to the lip and includes a pivot point and a centerline. The linkage supports the lip in the extended position when the pivot point is on a first side of the centerline and allows the lip to fall pendent under the force of gravity when the pivot point is on a second side of the centerline. The pivot point is moved from the first side of the centerline to the second side of the centerline when the lip is contacted by a vehicle that creates a downward moment on the lip.

Abstract: A swab for cleaning electrical and electro-mechanical components includes a handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a cleaning head end and a grasping end. The cleaning head end is formed to define a taper. A fabric cleaning end is formed by forming a fabric around the handle at the taper. A conical cleaning head is formed and is sealed to the handle at a juncture of the cleaning head end and the grasping end to define a circumferential handle seal. The fabric is further sealed along the taper to define a longitudinal seal. A method for making the swab is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for removing residue from cooking spills from a heated or cold cooking surface. The arrangement includes a scraping device having a blade and a body, which body includes an ergonomically-shaped handgrip portion for a user to hold the scraping device. The user uses the blade to remove or scrape residue from the cooking surface, while minimizing damage to the cooking surface. The blade is held in a blade holder, which blade holder includes a moveable protection cover to protect the user from accidental contact with the blade. The cover can be retracted during use to expose the blade for removing residue. The blade holder and the handgrip portion are made of a duroplastic synthetic-plastic material having a low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A hand scraper having a blade with a cutting edge that is attached to a handle having a rear end, a central portion and a front end with a bottom portion shaped and sized to receive and act as a support for the blade. The handle is upwardly curved over all its length in order to give room to a user's fingers below its central portion when this central portion is gripped by the fingers and the blade and the bottom portion of the rear end of the handle are in contact with a surface, and simultaneously to allow maximum transfer of pressure exerted by the user in the central section of the handle towards the blade at the front end thereof. Advantageously also, the central portion of the handle is covered at least in part with a layer of rubber material in order to maximize grip and reduce hand fatigue in use.

Abstract: A recovery tank is provided for a floor cleaning unit. The recovery tank includes an inlet opening and a duct fluidly connected to the inlet. The duct extends horizontally within the tank adjacent a side wall the recovery tank for directing air and liquid from the inlet opening in two opposing directions. A lid covers the tank and has an outlet opening for directing air out of the recovery tank. A pair of shields depends downwardly from the lid and extends from the duct to the side wall of the recovery tank. The outlet opening of the lid is located between the shields such that the shields prevent liquid from coming out of the duct and entering the outlet opening of the lid.

Abstract: A deflooding device includes a suction chamber having a downward facing opening therein and a compression roller protruding downward therefrom. The roller has openings or other structure to allow water to exist beneath and inside the roller while the roller is compressing the carpet nap. A propulsion motor drive system coupled to the roller allows the unit to be self-propelled and driven at variable speeds in forward and reverse across the carpet. Operator weight standing or sitting on the device, with or without ballast or discrete additional weight applies compression of roller on carpet. Coupling from suction chamber to on-board, adjacent, or remote vacuum source is convenient.

Abstract: A structure of a hinge is provided. The hinge includes a main leave secured to a door frame and a subordinate leave joint with the main leave by a pintle and secured to a door. The main leave has a first helical surface in a lower knuckle and the subordinate leave has a second helical surface in a central knuckle engaged with the first helical surface. Further the first helical surface has a vertical end and a plurality of domes engageable with a vertical end and a plurality of semi-circular recesses. So that when the door is opened, it will gradually and slowly closed on its own gravity.

Abstract: An adjustable grip clasping device which comprises a post and a catch that clasps the post to hold an entry door open or a cabinet door closed. The catch may be mounted on a door and the post mounted in a door frame or wall baseboard, or the positions reversed. The catch utilizes a clamshell-like clasping mechanism to grip the post, and includes provision for a manual adjustment of the strength of the catch grip to suit an acceptable pull strength for release of the post from the catch. The device is inexpensive to produce, and readily adaptable for a broad range of clasping applications that include temporarily holding and securing light weight objects.

Abstract: In an original pressing plate hinge including a fixing member, an original pressing plate supporting member pivotably installed via a hinge pin to the fixing member, a slider slidably housed in the supporting member, a cam member fixed between the slider and the free end of the supporting member in contact with the slider, and a coil spring provided resiliently between the slider and the free end of the supporting member, the cam member is omitted to prevent an original or document set on the platen glass for copying or printing from being stained with or spoiled by a lubricant when the original touches the cam member to which the lubricant sticks, and instead a pressure receiving pin is used and a cam slider is used in place of the slider. To prevent a heavy original pressing plate from abruptly falling, a fluid damping member is housed in the coil spring and disposed between the cam slider and the top plate or free end of the supporting member.

Abstract: A double pivot door hinge for a door of a motor vehicle including a door connector for connecting to a door of the motor vehicle, a pillar connector for connecting to a door pillar or body of the motor vehicle, a link, a door-side pivot rotatably connecting the link and the door connector, a pillar-side pivot rotatably connecting the link and the pillar connector. A braking resistance of the pillar-side pivot is less than a braking resistance of the door-side pivot during opening.

Abstract: The invention proposes a handle for a screwdriver or a similar tool, which over a significant part of its length has a cross-section in the form of an approximately regular pentagon. The corner or angle sections are rounded with a radius of curvature, whose centre is in the longitudinal axis of the tool handle. The corner sections formed by the curved part of the cross-section have a different width over the handle length. The shape of the flattenings does not follow the shape of the handle contour.

Abstract: A refrigerator handle assembly includes a base plate which is initially attached to the face of the refrigerator, such as through the use of screws or the like. The base plate includes tapered surfaces, preferably at longitudinally spaced positions. Once the base plate is secured, a portion of the handle is placed over the base plate and slid relative to the base plate whereupon the tapered surfaces coact with structure on the handle such that an interference fit is developed to draw the handle tight to the face of the door. With the handle in this position, one or more mechanical fasteners are driven into a body portion of the handle from a back side of the door.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced durable three-dimensional image, permitting use of the fabric in floor underlayment of laminate floor systems so as to reduce acoustic feedback under normal use (walking) due to sound absorption and leveling of the floating laminate floor system applications. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising at least one support layer or scrim, whereby when subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface of a three-dimensional image transfer device, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image, an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a piezoelectric macro-fiber composite actuator comprises providing a piezoelectric material that has two sides and attaching one side upon an adhesive backing sheet. The method further comprises slicing the piezoelectric material to provide a plurality of piezoelectric fibers in juxtaposition. A conductive film is then adhesively bonded to the other side of the piezoelectric material, and the adhesive backing sheet is removed. The conductive film has first and second conductive patterns formed thereon which are electrically isolated from one another and in electrical contact with the piezoelectric material. The first and second conductive patterns of the conductive film each have a plurality of electrodes to form a pattern of interdigitated electrodes. A second film is then bonded to the other side of the piezoelectric material. The second film may have a pair of conductive patterns similar to the conductive patterns of the first film.

Abstract: In an AT-cut quartz resonator having excitation electrodes formed on two principal surfaces of an AT-cut quartz substrate, the two electrodes are displaced a predetermined amount apart in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction so that a frequency deviation in a temperature range of from −10° C. to 50° C. is less than ±2.5 ppm. Further, in an AT-cut quartz resonator in which vertically opposed electrodes on both principal surfaces of a quartz substrate are slightly displaced apart in opposite directions along the Z′ axis of quartz crystal, a balancing load is formed on a piezoelectric substrate on the side opposite to the direction of displacement of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor with a leveling support element. One embodiment provides a pressure-waveform sensor having a housing, a support element, and a piezoelectric element having a first end secured between the support element and the housing, and a second end in a cantilevered orientation. The support element and the piezoelectric element together form a plurality of support regions to level the piezoelectric element and relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the support element includes a ring having three slots spaced apart on one face of the ring, or one or more support regions formed with a shim having a thickness equal to a thickness of the piezoelectric device, or support regions that are integral to the support element. Another aspect provides a method for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor.

Abstract: A method for preparing an impregnated electrical component such as windings or stacks for capacitors, coils etc. includes the step of subjecting the component in an impregnating step to an impregnating thermo-hardening agent, and thereafter in a curing step placing the component in a curing bath for curing the impregnating thermo-hardening agent present within the component.

Abstract: A chucking device, in particular for workpieces that are to be machined on more than one side, has a workpiece carrier with at least one turret, arranged to receive workpieces, that is supported rotatably about an axis of rotation on the workpiece carrier, A positive-engagement locking device is associated with the turret, on the workpiece carrier, by which locking device the turret can be locked positionally precisely in a predetermined rotary angle position relative to the workpiece carrier. The locking device has at least three locking parts disposed coaxially to one another, which on the plane faces facing one another each carry pairs of cooperating locking means that can be brought into and out of engagement with one another by means of an axial relative motion of the locking parts.

Abstract: An automated method for installing a seat cover and a device for implementing the method are disclosed. The seat cover is provided with at least one shaped spar onto a seat body that includes at least one securing element which is positioned in the base of at least one slot in the seat body and into which the shaped spar may be secured.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for assembling a stretchable cover upon a rigidly backed foam cushion wherein the cushion lateral dimensions vary along its length. The degree of stretching of the cover varies during cushion/cover assembly as controlled by cams and cam followers to permit wrinkle-free covering of backed foam cushions of irregular configuration.