Abstract: A petunia cultivar particularly distinguished by small dark salmon colored flowers, compact habit and good basal branching.

Abstract: A petunia cultivar particularly distinguished by purple colored flowers, compact habit and good basal branching.

Abstract: A petunia cultivar particularly distinguished by rose colored flowers, compact habit and good basal branching.

Abstract: A petunia cultivar particularly distinguished by lavender colored flowers, compact habit and good basal branching.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical wiring devices such as electrical receptacles, switches, and the like, and more particularly to wiring devices with a clamp for the ground connections to such devices. The present invention includes a pressure plate which engages the ground plate of a receptacle with legs of a pressure plate disposed within correspondingly shaped recesses adjacent the ground plate of the receptacle, so that the pressure plate is substantially constrained from rotation relative to the ground plate so that a wire can be received between the ground plate and the pressure plate when the screw is backed out a sufficient distance.

Abstract: A connector for an armored cable including a connector body having an opening extending therethrough and a gland nut telescopically engageable with the connector body. The gland nut has an aperture for receiving the armored cable. The connector further includes a sealing ring positionable within the gland nut and has an inner annular surface engageable with the armored cable for sealing about same on an opposed outer annular surface. The sealing ring includes an annular groove formed about an outer surface thereof, and the groove permits the sealing ring to diametrically contract upon linear compression of the sealing ring. In addition, an isolating device is provided that is positionable about the sealing ring for frictionally isolating the sealing ring from the gland nut and permitting the gland nut to rotate substantially independently of the sealing ring.

Abstract: Recording units including a printer for printing information data on at least one surface of a recording medium card are arranged vertically one over another in an information card producing device. Card turning portions are disposed confronting the respective recording units, so that the card can be transferred between the card turning portions and the recording units and turned over, thereby recording the desired information data on one or both of the surface of the card. The recording unit includes a magnetic encoder and/or IC memory reader/writer and has a function of verifying the information data written to the card so as to send out the card to a card discharge port when adequately recorded or to a card reject port when a write error is found.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory wherein a memory cell region having a plurality of memory cells and a relatively high altitude above the surface of semiconductor substrate is formed at a recessed part of the semiconductor substrate having the recessed part and a projected part, and wherein a peripheral circuit region having a comparatively low altitude from the surface of the semiconductor substrate is formed at the projected part of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An optical recording and data processing system for exposing an image on to a flexible, light sensitive medium, which includes a medium holder having an inner cylindrical wall portion against which is held said medium, and a light source having an approximately rectangular emitting aperture, with a short aperture axis and a long aperture axis, operative to emit a beam of light having a rectangular cross section with a long axis corresponding to the long aperture axis and a short axis corresponding to the short aperture axis. An optical modulator is aligned with the light source so as to intercept light from the beam of light and produce a spatial modulation pattern across the long axis of the beam of light. A pattern shifter for shifting the spatial modulation pattern across the length of the long axis at a constant rate is provided as is a pattern rotator for rotating the spatial modulation pattern at a rate equal to the rate of shifting of the spatial modulation pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical amplifier, in particular for optical fiber telecommunication lines (1), operating with a transmission signal in a predetermined wavelength range, which amplifier comprises a fluorescent active optical fiber (6) doped with erbium, having two cores (11 and 12, 101 and 102), one (11, 101) of which is connected to a fiber (4) in which a transmission signal to be amplified and a luminous pumping energy are multiplexed, and to an outgoing fiber adapted to transmit the amplified signal, whereas the second core (12, 102) is optically coupled to the first core and is capable of absorbing the spontaneous erbium emission which would constitute a noise source, allowing a signal to be amplified in a wavelength range substantially corresponding to the tolerance range of the commercially available signal laser emitters.

Abstract: A baseball mitt having a construction such that the mitt's front and back shells, internal padding member(s), and its web-type panel, create four peripheral padding zones. Two of the peripheral padding zones closest to, and on either side of, the web-type panel, are greater in thickness then the thickness of the mitt at the pocket, but are smaller in thickness then the thickness of the other two peripheral padding zones that extend down toward the heel of the mitt. The mitt further has a double-hinge assembly to facilitate easier folding of the mitt around a caught baseball. The mitt also has at least one extra finger hammock for securing at least two fingers and a thumb of the user of the mitt. In addition, the mitt has a stress wedge located so as to protect the soft web portion of a user's hand located between the index finger and thumb of the user's hand, along with the remaining palm of the user's hand.

Abstract: A swaddling blanket (10) including a right-hand folding section (28) with a right side edge (22) having an angular extent (40) and a left-hand folding section (30) with a left side edge (26). Fold lines (42, 44) define the folds for right- and left-hand fold sections and in particular, right-hand fold line (42) positions right side edge (22) parallel with left-hand fold line (44) when right-hand fold section (28) is in its first fold position. This parallel arrangement prompts folding left-hand fold section (30) about fold line (44) at a slightly upward angle over right-hand fold section (28) and around to the back of an infant swaddled in the blanket, forming the blanket snugly around the infant with a minimum of unsecured excess material.

Abstract: Single and two-sided hand and finger thimbles constructed to mount over the fingertips to provide non-slip gripping surfaces and improved protection at the fingertips and palm. Several thimbles include surfaces that contain impenetrable shields, elastomer pads or raised patterns of a coated elastomer. The coated thimbles facilitate paper separation, sorting, and counting. Plastic or metallic shields can fitted to shield and/or encase the fingertip. The shield can be exposed through an aperture and can include a pitted surface. Pull-tabs and elastic sizing members facilitate fitting the thimbles to the fingers. Alternative wrist supported, glove-like assemblies having one or more finger pieces fitted with shielding and gripping assemblies and padded palm regions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular hat and scarf combination garment with the appearance and functionality of a standard wrap around scarf that may alternately be used solely as a scarf, solely as a hat, or as a hat and scarf combination covering the head, neck chest and face or a combination thereof. The preferred embodiment is essentially a piece of fabric that is doubled-over onto itself with the two long ends of the fabric connected. Both tube ends are sized to fit over the head. Another embodiment of the hat and scarf combination garment and methods of wearing the same has a pair of hat members located at the opposite ends of the garment, and a “solid” fabric member running therebetween. Another embodiment of the hat scarf combination would include a fastening mechanism to secure the body of the garment to the hat portion in the desired fashion.

Abstract: A hook and loop fastener is disclosed for the pockets of articles and clothing such as coats, shirts and blouses comprising a hook fastener part, a loop fastener part and a deactivation flap which is attached to an article of clothing for being inserted between the hook fastener part and the loop fastener part.

Abstract: A shoulder pad includes a flexible base member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a central portion, opposite first and second free ends and a longitudinal axis. The flexible base member includes a plurality of longitudinally space, oval-shaped pad sections that increase in thickness from the central portion of the shoulder pad toward at lease one of the first and second free ends. The longitudinally spaced pad sections may also increase in durometer hardness from a centermost pad section to the longitudinally outermost pad sections. For attachment of the pad to a shoulder strap, the pad includes at lease one clip from making snap-on engagement with the pad. For added durability, the shoulder pad further preferably includes a thin spine, which is more rigid than the flexible base member and is attached to the top surface of the flexible base member.

Abstract: In a full-face helmet including a chin-covering portion provided on a cap body to define a space for breathing of a user, the chin-covering portion includes a lower end edge which is formed to be directed upwards in a backward direction on wearing position of the cap body, and bulges formed at left and right outer surfaces thereof to be continuous to the lower end edge. Therefore, travel wind is passed on outer surfaces of the bulges to traverse the lower end edge, thereby generating a negative pressure or vacuum at a lower portion of the chin-covering portion to draw out the user's breath in the breathing space to below the chin-covering portion. Thus, the fogging of an inner surface of a shield plate is prevented without deteriorating the strength of the chin-covering portion.

Abstract: A visor protector prevents a visor secured to a helmet from being scratched when not in use such as during transportation thereof. The protector includes a protective member that essentially covers at least the external surface of the visor. The protective cover is biased in pressuring configuration against the visor by stretchable straps secured to the protective member and releasably attaching to the helmet in stretched configuration. Preferably, the protective member includes an internal shell to simultaneously cover the internal surface of the visor and to form a transversal V-shaped cross-section of the protective member for slidably receiving the visor therein.

Abstract: A pair of goggles for swimming comprises a pair of frames encircling respective lenses and a head band. Each of the frames is formed on its rear end with upper and lower arms which are formed, in turn, on rear ends thereof with projections opposed to each other. Each of coupling members to couple the head band to the respective frames comprises a locking section adapted to be received between the upper and lower arms from the front of the goggles and, a belt-like section extending rearward from the rear end of the locking section and having a width or thickness smaller than a distance R between the projections and a head band insertion slot formed in the rear end of the belt-like section.

Abstract: A method of reorienting directional features associated with manufacture of continuous fastener materials to produce products having such reoriented features, produces fastener products having an array of individual fastener elements extending from a sheet-form base, the fastener elements adapted to engage mating elements for releasable fastening. The method includes the steps of forming a continuous pre-form product having a planar base defining longitudinal edges and an array of fastener elements extending from the base; joining the longitudinal edges of the pre-form product to form a tube having a seam defined by the joined longitudinal edges; and severing the tube across the seam to form the fastener product with segments of seam extending between longitudinal edges of the fastener product. Various techniques for performing the method and various products taking unique advantage of these techniques are disclosed for providing novel fastener products.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly is provided. The toilet seat assembly has a toilet seat ring and a toilet seat cover having cores of cellulosic materials such as wood derivatives or other natural cellulosic materials. The toilet seat ring and cover are encapsulated by a polymeric material bonded thereto, preferably polypropylene plastic. The plastic overlay has integrally formed hinge ears to allow the toilet seat ring to be pivotally connected with the toilet seat bowl.

Abstract: A mat for a urinal. The mat includes a base, a disk with indicia thereon, baffles, hooks, and an optional container. The container receives either a urinal cake or an annunciator. The annunciator includes an activity switch, a signal conditioner, a counter conditioner, a sensor transducer that is exposed to the stream of urine, and an annunciator display that is visible and activates, either visibly and/or audibly, when the sensor transducer is impinged upon by the stream of urine.

Abstract: In combination, a cistern and flushing apparatus, the cistern having an outlet (7), and the apparatus comprising a valve (3, 5) for closing the outlet, the valve having a seat (5) and a sealing member (3) movable onto and off the seat, an actuating float (1) constrained to move substantially vertically in the cistern and connected with the sealing member so that the buoyancy of the float acts to press the sealing member onto the seat, means (10) for holding the float against its buoyancy and an actuation mechanism (18, 18, 11) for releasing the float thereby to open the valve.

Abstract: A warm/cold double-circulation water filter system and swimming pool arrangement comprises, a swimming pool, a double-circulation water filter system, a water pipe system, a heater. The present invention concentrated the valves in order to convenient management and control, to reduce valves amount and to offer a multiform elevated temperature manner.

Abstract: A solar pool heating system for providing a foldable floating frame and heat absorbent cover to permit selective heating of a pool of water. The solar pool heating system includes a floating frame and a cover member of heat absorent material. The frame positions the cover in spaced relationship to a surface of the water in a pool to permit heating of the pool as solar energy is absorbed by the cover. The frame assembly is foldable in half and the cover member is used as a way of carrying and storing the frame assembly in the folded position. In an embodiment, handles are provided on the cover member to facilitate handling and storage of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a removable shower seat for use in a modular shower. The seat is constructed from a plastic material and includes an elastomer coating which is molded onto the plastic substrate. The shower seat mounts to shower module wall pockets at each end, and is further supported at the rear and front corners.

Abstract: An article for collecting human feces has at least one projecting arm supporting at least a collection structure of the article within a toilet bowl above the water line therein. The collection structure of the article is disposed to receive and support the human feces for easy collection of a fecal sample.

Abstract: An advertising surface on which advertising is conveyed through still or moving images is mounted on or above a urinal (1). The advertising is activated by the user of the urinal (1) when he approaches the same. The advertising can be controlled through the Internet and can be adapted to the location and the time of transmission.

Abstract: A water faucet structure includes a first valve seat mounted in one side of a wall, a first ceramic control valve fastened to the first valve seat, a second valve seat mounted in other side of the wall in a back-to-back manner in relation to the first valve seat, and a second ceramic control valve fastened to the second valve seat. The first and the second ceramic control valves each have a bottom seat which is provided with a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a water outlet. The water inlets and the water outlets of the first and the second ceramic control valves are arranged in a mirror image pattern.

Abstract: A strainer assembly for bathtub drains has a strainer body with a circular horizontal flange having a center opening and which is adapted to fit over and around a vertically disposed drain port in the bottom of a tub or the like. A hollow bushing extension extends downwardly from the center opening and terminates in an open lower portion with external threads. A hollow attachment bushing having a center opening is threadably secured around the lower portion of the bushing extension and extends downwardly therefrom. The attachment bushing has a lower open end with at least one crossbar extending thereacross. A bearing hub is formed in the center of the crossbar on the center axis of the aforesaid center openings. A vertically disposed threaded aperture is located in the hub and is adapted to threadably receive a connecting stud from a drain strainer or closure valve.

Abstract: A yoga mat that is able to be rolled up tightly and then held closed by two straps being wrapped around the rolled up mat. The straps are part of the piece of mat material from which the mat is manufactured and are made by cutting sections from the end of the mat, thereby leaving one end of each strap as part of the original material. A shoulder strap is attached, between the two straps, so that the mat can be carried over the shoulder with both hands and arms free.

Abstract: A bed is provided having a bedframe, a first pair of siderails, and a second pair of siderails. The bedframe includes an articulating deck having first and second sections that move relative to each other. The first pair of the siderails is coupled to the second section of the deck to move therewith. At least one pair of the siderails is configured to move relative to the other pair of siderails to compensate for movement of the first pair of siderails with the second section of the deck.

Abstract: A hospital stretcher includes a patient support deck having an upwardly-facing patient support surface, and at least one sideframe adjacent to a first side of the stretcher, and movable between (i) a first raised position where the top of the at least one sideframe is generally disposed above the patient support surface at a first adult patient-restraining height, (ii) a second fully-raised position where the top of the at least one sideframe is generally disposed above the patient support surface at a second pediatric patient-restraining height greater than the first adult patient-restraining height, and (iii) a third out-of-the-way down position where the top of the at least one sideframe is generally disposed below the patient support surface. Sideframe locking mechanisms are provided for selectively locking the at least one sideframe in the first adult patient-restraining raised position and the second pediatric patient-restraining fully-raised position.

Abstract: Complimentary articles of bedding with cut-outs and removable or hinged opening overlays strategically located over the erogenous areas of bed occupants for purposes of enhancement of the sensual experience. Overlays are held in place over cut-outs or exposure openings with fasteners. Overlays attached to, or partly cloth hinged to blanket and/or sheet. Removable or partially openable at will by one or both partners as activities of an amorous nature may progress. Progressively smaller openings and overlays from top to bottom for a series of coaxially aligned openings and overlays in a mated sequence of bedding materials.

Abstract: A patient table with a table pivot member is disclosed. A patient support surface supporting a patient during a medical procedure is supported by a base which includes telescopic members to move the patient support surface vertically. A table pivot member connects the patient support surface to the base. The table pivot member enables the patient support surface to pivot in at least one of tilt and lateral roll directions with respect to the base. An actuating element composed of at least two actuators is connected between the patient support surface and the base to drive the patient support surface in at least one of tilt or lateral roll directions.

Abstract: A pedestal for use with a patient transport system for multiple imaging systems can include a support member configured to support a patient or object of interest, an elongated planar member coupled to the support member and configured to removably couple and slidably engage an elongated cradle member, and a docking assembly coupled to the elongated planar member configured to engage the receipt of and the removal of the elongated cradle member supportable by the elongated planar member.

Abstract: An adjustable electric bed includes several bedplates pivotally connected in sequence. One of the bedplates is movable together with a piston rod of an electric cylinder. Connecting elements are pivoted to respective ones of the other bedplates at first ends, and pivoted to a stationary base at second ends. When the piston rod moves, the connecting elements pivot on the bedplates and the base to prop up the bedplates in various positions. A first one of the connecting elements consists of pivotally connected upper and lower parts so that objects accidentally placed under the upper part cannot be damaged by the upper part in adjustment operation of the bed. The other connecting elements are each formed with an elongated hole for the pivotal connection so as not to damage objects or injure user's hands that are placed under them.

Abstract: A lumbar reinforcement device for supporting the lower back of a contacting human body, including two cushionable structures connectively separated by a center structure, wherein the cushionable structures define inner spaces which hold removable inserts containing a deformably cushionable supporting material, said cushionable structures being deformable upon contact with a human body and which moldably deform to the shape of the contacting human body to provide support thereto.

Abstract: An improved pillow consisting of a curved plate, a cushion having a thin middle portion and thick end portions and which may optionally consists of at least one inflatable air bag, and a fabric which encloses the cushion and the curved plate; the curved plate optionally consisting of at least two curved segment plates linked together by at least another curved plate; an improved pillow having an upper surface which has a valley in the center and a peak at each end.

Abstract: A therapeutic between the legs support pillow having a generally rectangular foot print when not in use, having a first surface and a second channeled surface opposite the first surface, the second channel surface having a plurality of intersecting channels cooperative with the thighs, knees and calves of an individual when the therapeutic between the legs pillow is folded upon its first surface, the therapeutic between the legs support pillow having a biasing means cooperable with the weight of the thighs, knees and calves so as to maintain proper spinal alignment.

Abstract: A painter's tool having multiple tool elements of a paint brush comb, a paint roller scraper, a scraper blade, and a container cover remover. One end of the tool has a hook for suspending the tool from a horizontal support and to thereby support a paint can suspended from the tool. The tool can be made of one material, and it is preferably rigid throughout its entirety and presents a handle for maneuvering the tool in its multi-functions.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle sized and provided with an outer shape and finish to be comfortably grabbed and manually turned, and a shank extending from one end of the handle coaxially therewith. The shank is formed with a chip-engaging free end portion in the form of self-threading or self-tapping threads that continue to and terminate in a point at the free end thereof. A pile of chips at the bottom of a blind tapped hole is removed by inserting the free end of the threaded shank into the hole until the chips are encountered, turning the tool while applying a slight pressure such that the free end of the tool threads into the pile of chips, and then pulling the free end of the tool from the hole to remove the chips threaded thereon.

Abstract: Durable antimicrobial treatments for high pressure treatments (such as package dyeing) for specific dyed yarns for further incorporation within textile fabrics are provided. Such treatments preferably comprise silver ions, particularly as constituents of inorganic metal salts or zeolites. This particular treatment requires the presence of a resin binder as a component of the dye bath formulation admixed with the silver-ion antimicrobial compound, the formulation then forced through a target yarn spool in order to provide a finish over substantially all of the target yarn. The yarn may then be knit, woven, pressed, laid-in, etc., into a textile fabric exhibiting antimicrobial properties. Such a treatment has been found to be extremely durable on such substrates; after a substantial number of standard launderings and dryings, the treatment does not wear away in any appreciable amount and thus the substrate retains its antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining load unbalance in an appliance is provided for an appliance having a vessel configured to receive a supply of material and rotatable about an axis. A control is arranged and configured to accelerate a rotation of the vessel between a series of constant rotational speeds, measure an amount of current with which the motor draws in rotating the vessel at each of the rotational speeds and during each acceleration period, compare the amount of current with a calculated threshold value for each speed and each acceleration period and send a signal indicative of an unbalance condition if the amount of energy exceeds the precalculated threshold value. The vessel may be rotated by use of an electric motor such as a controlled induction motor and the control can be used to measure the electric current drawn by the motor. The threshold values can further be adjusted by comparing the actual line voltage supplied to the motor with a predetermined nominal line voltage.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hidden type shoe with a replaceable vamp mainly includes a plurality of seal elements disposed in advance on a lower side of an upper mold of the shoe. The seal element is engaged in advance with a female latch member before the upper mold is coupled with a lower mold. Then a foaming material is blown inside the molds to form an outsole with a sole rim formed on the periphery thereof. The female latch member is embedded in the outsole and has a vertical insert opening with an elastic teeth flap located therein. The insert opening is bordered by an outer side wall which has a jutting ring formed thereon and a through hole formed in the center thereof communicating with the insert opening for housing a latch strut. The latch strut has an outer end formed a cap end.

Abstract: Curb Brush is an implement for displacing debris from the top and bottom of rounded curbs with a steel scraper cut to the shape of the curb to remove large debris; a gutter broom mounted behind the steel scraper spinning counter clockwise to displace debris from the top of the curb onto the edge of the street; a second gutter broom mounted behind the first and offset from the curb to displace debris from the bottom of the curb onto the edge of the street. A preferred embodiment includes a water tank with two water nozzles mounted in front of each gutter broom to lower amount of airborne dust. A safe embodiment includes rubber shields mounted at front and along side of implement and a carpenter mesh shield above gutter brooms to stop any loose or dangerous debris. A preferred embodiment includes wherein said steel scraper, gutter brooms, and universal backing plate are welded to steel tubing frame for use with a skid steer.

Abstract: A brush assembly is provided in a movable sweeper in which the sweeper includes a vehicle frame to which a rotatable cylindrical brush is connected. The sweeper comprises a turning equipment to turn a brush frame around the vertical axle. The turning equipment comprises a first hydraulic cylinder by means of which an articulated auxiliary bar is turned around its articulating joint. A second hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the auxiliary bar from one of its ends and the second hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the brush frame on its other end. The working positions of the brush are obtained by driving one of the hydraulic cylinders to its longest or correspondingly shortest position. A transporting position for the brush is obtained by driving the other one of the cylinders (first or second one) to its extreme position.

Abstract: A hand held cleaning device that has a self wringing mechanism for extracting liquids from a flexible cleaning element. A wringer mechanism is mounted at the end of an elongated handle. A slidable mop head base is mounted on the bottom of the handle and slides along the elongated handle. When the mop head is moved from its first cleaning position, the flexible cleaning element is drawn through the wringing assembly to remove absorbed liquids from the cleaning element. A pivotal gate opens, allowing the mop head and cleaning element to pass back through the wringing mechanism to assume its original cleaning position. In an alternate embodiment the mop head is attached to the elongated handle and the wringer mechanism is mounted for slidable movement with respect to the elongated handle.

Abstract: A buffing pad assembly having a right pad, a left pad, a disk securing the two pads together, and an elongated member for releasably attaching the buffing pad to the drive shaft of a buffing motor is disclosed. Each pad has a central aperture. The disk has a connector located in the center thereof. The connector has an opening therethrough. The right and left pads are secured to first and second faces, respectively, of the disk so that the apertures and opening are aligned when the buffing pad is assembled. The elongated member has a body, a head, and an indented area separating the head and the body. The head fits through either of the apertures and through the opening of the connector. The elongated member also has an open end which may be secured to the spindle of a buffing motor.

Abstract: A trowel includes a blade, a handle having two ends formed integral with the blade with such as a molding or a forging process. An outer cover is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the handle by such as a molding process for allowing the users to comfortably grasp the handle. The ends of the handle are formed integral with two seats and two ramps of the blade, and each has one or more notches for receiving bulges of the outer cover and for solidly securing the outer cover onto the handle and for preventing the outer cover from moving relative to the handle.