Abstract: A new cultivar of Sporobolus heterolepis ‘Morning Mist’. ‘Morning Mist’ is characterized by an unusually high number of sturdy, red fruiting culms borne at a consistent height above dense gently arching foliage.

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

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

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica), named ‘Southern Star’, is described. The new variety is a selection derived from the open pollinated seed of ‘Yumyeong’ (not patented) and is distinguishable from the parent variety by ripening 1 week earlier than ‘Yumyeong’ and having sweeter, more aromatic fruit. Its novelty consists of a unique combination of features that include late flowering, heavy and regular cropping, large, very firm, white flesh, crisp-textured, clingstone fruit with a red overcolor. Fruit have a sweet, sub-acid flavor.

Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine and a method of using the turbine in an open body of water to produce electric power is described. A turbine has a large opening to allow a stream of water to pass through. The turbine is supported by a plurality of rubber tires such that a reaction force from the stream of water holds against the tires. A frame with a floatation chamber is used to lower the turbine into position in the stream of water, and to raise the turbine to a horizontal position on the surface of the body of water. The floatation chamber is partially filled with water to lower the turbine in the body of water such that an air pocket exists in the chamber to orient the turbine in a vertical position. When the chamber is purged of water, the turbine is raised to the surface. Rotation of the turbine drives the tires, which drive pumps to pump fluid to a motor, which drives an electric generator to produce power.

Abstract: A centering apparatus for a free piston Stirling engine including a pressure regulator valve which connects a passageway between the work space and the back space when both (a) the average pressure in the back space exceeds the average pressure in the work space as a result of the piston deflecting a spring, and simultaneously (b) the instantaneous pressure in the back space exceeds the instantaneous pressure in the work space. A diaphragm spans across an actuator housing cavity, dividing the cavity into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A connector valve is linked to the diaphragm for opening and closing the valve upon displacement of the diaphragm. When the average back space pressure exceeds the average work space pressure, the diaphragm is displaced to open the valve, connecting the work space and the back space in fluid communication. A check valve permits the flow of gas in only one direction: from the back space to the work space.

Abstract: A car remote control system utilizing a signal in the form of electromagnetic wave or infrared ray called ‘keyless entry’. When receiving a predetermined wake-up signal, an MPU is once operated even when the received input signal is a noise signal to perform only judging operation of whether or not the input signal is normal. Only when judging that the input signal is a normal wake-up signal, the MPU controllably causes an electronic circuit to be shifted to a usual operation mode. When judging that the input signal is the noise signal prior to full input of the tuner signal, the MPU immediately shifts to a sleep mode. Thereby current consumption of an electronic control circuit can be suppressed.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser comprises: a first cladding layer of a first conduction type; an active layer stacked on the first cladding layer; and a second cladding layer of a second conduction type stacked on the active layer. The first cladding layer, the active layer and the second cladding layer are made of II-VI compound semiconductors. Pulse oscillation occurs with characteristics of a threshold current Ith(A), a threshold voltage Vth(V) of the diode composed of the first cladding layer, the active layer and the second cladding layer, a differential resistance RS(&OHgr;) of the diode after the rising, a thermal resistance Rt(K/W) and a characteristic temperature To(K). When two amounts &agr; and &bgr; are defined by: &agr;≡(Rt/To)IthVth &bgr;≡(Rt/To)RSIth2 the point (&agr;,&bgr;) exists in an area on the &agr;-&bgr; plane surrounded by the straight line &agr;=0, the straight line &bgr;=0, and the curve ((21n t−1)/t, (1−ln t)/t2) having t as a parameter.

Abstract: A device for lapping a bar of the type which carries a plurality of sliders used in magnetic storage systems includes first, second and third actuators adapted to couple to the bar, and impart a first, second and third controllable force in response to a first, second and third control signal, respectively. An arm couples to the first, second and third actuators and applies a lapping force to the bar which presses the bar against a lapping surface thereby causing material to be removed from the bar. A controller provides the first, second and third control signals to the first, second and third actuators, respectively, to impart a plurality of forces onto the bar. The actuators are controlled to obtain a desired profile of the bar and to obtain a desired distribution of the lapping force across the profile of the bar.

Abstract: A leather baseball glove that complies with the code of rules for baseball has a front face of two suede leather material portions, each having a nap with a smooth direction and a resistant direction, the smooth directions facing each other tending to facilitate movement of a ball into the glove pocket and tending to impede movement of a ball away from the pocket and/or out of the glove to enhance ball retaining characteristics of the glove. A method of making a glove includes attaching plural glove portions, at least one of which has a nap with a smooth and braking directions, and orienting such nap to provide preferred smooth and braking directions to enhance ball retention. Use of nap characteristics to enhance holding the shaft of an implement or other device. A method of retrofitting a device for enhanced retention characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shin guard, and in particular to a shin guard which is well adapted irrespective of a body shape of a user based on a flexible construction and is capable of implementing a good ventilation and an easier sweat exhaust. The shin guard according to the present invention includes a plate shaped smooth synthetic resin cover in which a plurality of mesh ventilation holes are formed in the whole surfaces of the cover, said cover being curved for thereby being well stuck to a shin of a user, and a foam synthetic resin buffering plate which is attached to a back surface of the cover and includes a plurality of ventilation holes corresponding to the mesh ventilation holes formed in the cover and a plurality of protrusions in the back surface of the same for thereby implementing a good ventilation through each ventilation hole.

Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable leg pad assembly comprising a knee shield, a shin shield, a liner, a shield extension, an adjustable liner, and fasteners for joining the adjustable liner and the liner. The liner is fixedly connected to both the knee shield and the shin shield while the shield extension is adjustably mounted on an interior portion of the shin shield and extends from a lower portion of the latter. The adjustable liner, which is adapted to be releasably mounted to the liner, includes connection means to enable its coupling to the shield extension. Moreover, the fasteners are capable of varying the positioning of the liner and the adjustable liner relative to one another.

Abstract: A protective knee pad system for protecting the knees and legs of an individual in a comfortable manner. The protective knee pad system includes a length of leg covering having an upper opening and a lower opening, and a pad member secured to the front knee portion of the leg covering. The pad member is comprised of a cover member, a first cushion, a first band and a second band, and a second cushion. The first band and second band are preferably comprised of a bendable material for allowing forming of the pad member to the shape of the knee.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a hood drawstring arrangement that may be adapted to allow a single adjustment to exert tension along the vertical sides of the front face opening of the hood, which will tend to vertically compress the hood, as well as simultaneously exerting a circumferential tensioning of the top portion of the hood.

Abstract: A goalkeeper's glove is disclosed, wherein use of a specialized pattern for the element comprising the palmar surface achieves a design with improved ball control and durability characteristics. Improved ball control is gained through an absence of seams on areas that are critical for ball control, specifically the palmar and lateral surfaces of the first and second digit and the palmar and medial surfaces of the fifth digit. Furthermore, the general absence of seams that connect separate sections of material on the palmar surface improves durability by eliminating common failure areas.

Abstract: A goalkeeper's glove including a thumb and a forefinger limiting together a gusset space, with the thumb and the forefinger forming part of an inner hand surface of the glove, a gusset located in the gusset space, an edge seam associated with each of a thumb region and a forefinger region, a flexible gusset layer provided in the gusset space on the inner hand surface and secured with the edge seams associated with the thumb and the forefinger, with the gusset layer having a tear-resistant free edge extending between the two edge seams and spaced from the gusset along the thumb by at least one-forth of the thumb length.

Abstract: A fully collapsible headset assembly includes a headband portion formed by side arm members articulated together by a flexible hinge member. The flexible hinge member includes an elastic cam member, the force of which is released to maintain the assembly in either an operating or collapsed position, as desired. In the collapsed position, the tension of the cam member maintains a permanent pressure and the headband assembly forms a cavity in which the facing ear-cups are retained.

Abstract: Therapy apparel (10) is provided to assist in therapy sessions with children diagnosed with sensory integration dysfunction and impaired motor development. The apparel (10) includes a fabric top (14) to be worn over the shoulders and trunk of a child (12), together with a cape (16) and close-fitting headgear (18). The top (14) has fanciful theme decorations (e.g., a beetle) and is equipped with a series of flexible elastic straps for the feet, knees and hands of the child (12) and which can be used during a therapy session. The cape (18) is likewise theme-decorated and includes handholds (84) allowing the child (12) to spread the cape during imaginative play. The headgear (18) is constructed using padded side and sections (104, 106) with flexible elastic sections (108) between the sections (104, 106), and a chin strap (110) allowing the headgear (18) to be drawn into close conforming relationship with the child's head.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes a body portion and a limb portion (e.g. a sleeve or pant leg) coupled to the body portion. The limb portion includes an expandable portion and a zipper assembly configured such that the zipper may be adjusted to extend and retract the limb portion between a standard length, and an elongated length. Closing the zipper assembly adjusts the limb portion to the standard length, opening the zipper adjusts the limb portion to the elongated length. The elongated length is particularly well suited for use during activities where the wearer's arms or legs may be outstretched, such as motorcycling.

Abstract: A system for controlling a shield plate in a helmet includes a shield plate 4 pivotally supported on a cap body 2, and a control lever 52 capable of being turned between a neutral position N in which the full closing of the cap body is permitted, and a slightly opening position A in which the shield plate in the fully closed position is pushed up and opened at a very small opening degree. In this system, the control lever 52 has a locking position permitting the control lever to turn from the neutral position in a direction opposite from the slightly opening position A. The shield plate has an abutment projection 61 formed on its inner surface, while the control lever 52 has a locking claw 52d adapted to be put into abutment against a front surface of the abutment projection 61 to inhibit the opening of the shield plate 4 upon turning the control lever 52 to a locking position B when the shield plate is in the fully closed position.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser employs passive driving force resulting from water level variations in the water tank of a toilet to dispense a quantitative amount of liquid into toilet bowl of each Flush is disclosed. A sanitary concentrate detergent of a selected formula is filled and sealed in a bottle and mounted to a float quantitative dispensing device in a dilute buffer chamber. Through up and down movement of a float quantitative barrel, a constant amount of concentrate liquid is squeezed and isolated into the dilute buffer chamber for dilution. The whole dispenser apparatus is hung inside. the toilet tank at a desired elevation by means of suction force of a sucking disc. A dispensing probe is provided which has an inlet/outlet submerged in the low portion of the toilet tank. When toilet is flushed, most diluted detergent in the dispenser is flushed into the toilet bowl for cleaning use, and only a small amount of the diluted detergent is retained in the toilet tank.

Abstract: An air freshening device a toilet, comprising a source of air freshening medium; and an actuating element operatable by a seat of a toilet so that when a user stands up from the seat said actuating element causes discharge of the air freshening medium from said source.

Abstract: A water recreational apparatus has a water basin, a filter and a pump. The side walls of the water basin have side doors to allow the flow of water from the water basin to the filter. A spring or other biasing means is provided to bias the side wall doors to a closed position when the pump is not operating, but allowing the side doors to open when the pump is operating.

Abstract: A lift-assisted device including a seat portion; a seat support portion which supports the seat portion; a base portion; an undercarriage portion which comprises of at least one scissor linkage member, each scissor linkage member including a first member pivotable connected to a second member near a center portion of the first and second member; a pneumatic bag located between the seat portion and the base portion; a pneumatic cylinder located between the seat portion and the base portion; a pneumatic powering means for powering the pneumatic bag and/or pneumatic cylinder and wherein the first member and second member are slidably connected to the seat portion on one end and fixedly connected to the base portion on an opposite end.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a head portion, a foot portion and a seat portion. The foot portion includes a removable foot section and laterally spaced foot supports configured to define a central opening therebetween. The foot supports are configured to move about a substantially vertical axis and about a substantially horizontal axis. A position adjustment mechanism is provided for locking the foot supports in desired positions relative to the frame. A light assembly is supported by the foot portion. Likewise, calf supports are coupled to the foot supports and are adjustable between storage and use positions. An actuator is provided to move the head portion relative to the seat and foot portions. A release system is coupled to the actuator to facilitate rapid lowering of the head portion of the patient support.

Abstract: An appliance is provided with a display system for use in connection with leveling the appliance. The system includes an accelerometer used in connection with an electronic controller to sense the degree to which the appliance is not level. Signals from the accelerometer are sent to a CPU which regulates a visual depiction on a display provided on the appliance. Adjustments made to alter the leveling condition of the appliance are also relayed to CPU, thereby updating the display and conveying when the appliance is suitably level. The system components can also be used to regulate other appliance operations.

Abstract: A dock leveler that includes a pivotal ramp with a moveable lip for loading and unloading a truck at a loading dock also includes a lip seal that helps seal an air gap along the side edges of the lip. When the back end of the truck is up against a dock bumper, the lip helps block off an air gap that spans an area generally defined by the rear edge of the truck, an inside edge of the bumper, and the side edge of the lip that generally faces the bumper. When the lip moves from its extended, operative position to its stored position, the lip forces the lip seal to move underneath the deck. The lip seal is biased to an operative, sealing position by a spring or a counterweight, so as the lip extends to its operative position, so does the lip seal.

Abstract: A safety ramp includes a bridge having two sloped side faces, a top plain face formed between the two sloped side faces and dovetailed protrusions formed on each of the sloped side faces. Two sloped pieces each has a hypotenuse, a plain face immediately adjacent to the hypotenuse to correspond to the top plain face of the bridge and an inclined face immediately adjacent to the plain face relative to the hypotenuse to correspond to one of the sloped side faces of the bridge. The inclined face is provided with a first step and a second step and has dovetailed slots defined in a side face between the two steps to correspond to the dovetailed protrusions so that the dovetailed protrusions of the bridge are able to be received in the corresponding dovetailed slots of the two sloped pieces to combine the two sloped pieces.

Abstract: A snow removing device for removing snow and ice from the roof of semi-trailers, vans and similar vehicles. The snow removing device includes; a scraping blade slidably mounted for vertical movement between spaced apart vertical frame posts. A mechanism is provided for automatically adjusting the position of the scraping blade relative to the vehicle's roof so as to maintain a predetermined blade spacing between the blade lower peripheral edge and the vehicle's roof in order to prevent the scraping blade from damaging structures protruding from the vehicle's roof. A resilient skirt extends from the scraping blade so as to fill the spacing thereunderneath and so as to contact the vehicle's roof. A mechanism is also provided for adjusting the amount of pressure exerted by the scraping blade and resilient skirt on the vehicle's roof depending on the consistency of the snow being scraped.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprises a handle and a head, characterized in that the head has a rubbery cleaning element.

Abstract: This is a jaws type mop head closure means and method in which a collar slides against inclined arms on mop head jaws in such manner that the jaws are brought together to grip a yarn type mop by sliding the collar in one direction and are allowed to open to release the mop by sliding in a different direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic product having an applicator body with a first longitudinal axis and defining external and internal walls. The internal walls of the present invention define at least one internal member having a second longitudinal axis and capable of movement between a retracted first position and a second projected position. The internal member of the present invention provides the consumer with one application surface adapted to apply relatively small amounts of one or more cosmetic products.

Abstract: A rearview truck mirror and wiper assembly for improving the rear view for truckers by keeping the mirror clean and lighted.

Abstract: The invention concerns a motor vehicle windscreen wiper wherein a wiper blade is articulated at the longitudinal front end of a wiper arm about a horizontal transverse axis (A1) via a connector which is articulated on the blade, wherein the connector comprises articulating means borne by two parallel longitudinal flanks between which the blade is houses, the connector articulation means co-operating with the blade matching means. The connector flanks are housed in two lateral flanges of the end of the arm, and the connector comprises a safety thruster, with a button received in the slot of the arm to block the connector longitudinally relative to the arm, extended by a safety latch co-operating with locking elastic means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade that secures a proper error angle, wherein the wiper blade is comprised of a rubber blade and a resilient member composed of a plate spring to which a twisting feature is applied. A posture-correcting portion applies a twisting feature to the resilient member so that the full length of the resilient member and rubber blade can be curved in a spiral direction. By twisting, the resilient member approaches its natural state, and both the tip and base end portions of the rubber blade's lip portion in the lengthwise direction are adjusted in directions opposed to each other, thereby correcting the posture thereof.

Abstract: A pivot hinge has a first stem provided with a first connection plate, an extension integrally formed with the first connection plate and provided with a slit so defined to divide the extension into a first half and a second half, multiple annular grooves defined in an outer periphery of the extension and a threaded hole defined in the first half. A second stem has a second connection plate and a hollow sleeve integrally formed with the second connection plate and an arcuate cutout defined in an outer periphery of the hollow sleeve. A screw is able to extend into the threaded hole from the arcuate cutout to abut an inner periphery of the second half of the extension to enlarge the diameter of the extension so as to increase the engagement tightness between the extension and the hollow sleeve.

Abstract: A handle for detachably receiving different tools. The handle includes a holding part at one end, and a fitting mechanism on another end. The fitting mechanism includes an upper fitting slot and a lower fitting slot. Each of the fitting slots includes a back support and a pair of bending portions that extend from lateral edges of the respective fitting slots, and the back supports of the fitting slots are secured to one another. A clip hook includes a sloped guiding face and a connecting notch hook. The clip hook is secured to the back support of the lower fitting slot. The clip hook is configured to detachably receive a U-shaped portion of a lower portion of a tool that is guided between the bending portions of the lower fitting slot and the sloped guiding face into the connecting notch hook.

Abstract: A ratchet strap tightener is manufactured by a plastic injection molding process and includes a body, a lever and a ratchet device. The body has two parallel strap holders adapted to hold one end of a strap. The lever is pivotally attached to the body with the ratchet device to allow a strap shaft to rotate toward the lever when the lever is pivoted away from the body. A strap slot is defined in the axle and is adapted to hold the other end of the strap. The strap is rolled on the axle to tighten the strap which binds around an object when the lever is pivoted continuously.

Abstract: A stoppable zipper slider is mainly a set of sustaining leaf springs, consisting of a single or a pair of pieces, on the inner surface of the covering portion of the zipper slider. The set of sustaining leaf springs, of single piece or two pieces, with one end sustaining downward against the top surface of a stopping hook piece and the other end propping up in between the tail of the hook piece and the slider body, enable a pull tab's sliding along a reserved gap within the covering portion and propping the bottom of one leaf spring open and then entering a braking notch of the stopping hook piece so as to accomplish the action of re-assembly.

Abstract: Antistatic agent for external use is attached to a synthetic resin material by coating or spraying, which is used in an attachment for clothes and belongings, such as a slide fastener, a button, a snap button, a hook, a strap fastener, a buckle, a swivel hook, a belt adjuster, a strap for portable goods and the like, or a component of the attachment. Alternatively, antistatic agent for internal use may be mixed in the synthetic resin material. Consequently, the attachment is provided with antistatic function, so that static electricity is discharged easily even if such an attachment is worn by a human body, thereby protecting a human body from electric shock.

Abstract: A quick-release hook comprising a latching hook locker, a spring, a pair of latching hooks, a pull lever and a main body. One end of the latching hook locker is shaped into a cylinder and the other end is shaped into a frustum. The latching hook locker also has a groove slot on the side of the cylinder section close to the frustum. The spring is fastened to the cylindrical end of the latching hook locker. The two latching hooks each has a U-shaped profile and is in contact with the frustum of the latching hook locker. One end of the pull lever has a protruding section for inserting into the groove slot of the latching hook locker. The main body encloses the latching hook locker, the spring, the pull lever and the two latching hooks but exposes a portion of the two latching hooks and a portion of the pull lever. The pull lever has a protruding section that links up with the main body. The other end of the pull lever remains outside the main body and is free to rotate in an arc.

Abstract: A device to facilitate injection/extraction of fluids from cadaver's body cavities and to plug the incisions made to effect such injections/extractions. The trocar button of the present invention has both an external, manually operable drive surface and an internal drive surface engageable by a conventional insertion tool. Additionally, both the flange and the overall dimensions of the trocar button are increased to make it more user friendly.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for applying withdrawal strings to tampon pledgets wherein string is pneumatically looped around a pledget, the ends of the loop are knotted, and the knotted loop is driven through a hole in the pledget.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a ceramic electroactive transducer of a predetermined shape is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of providing a suitably shaped core having an outer surface, attaching a first conductor to the outer surface of the core, coating an inner conductive electrode on the the outer surface of the core such that the inner conductive electrode is in electrical communication with the first conductor, coating a ceramic layer onto the inner electrode, thereafter sintering the ceramic layer, coating an outer electrode onto the sintered ceramic layer to produce an outer electrode that is not in electrical communication with the first conductor, and then poling the sintered ceramic layer across the inner electrode and the outer electrode to produce the ceramic electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hoisting and handling systems and methods. The present invention is a system and method to facilitate the hoisting, positioning, installation and removal of continuous track drive units. Continuous track drive units are used as a means for propelling certain vehicles, such as farm tractors, construction machines and military vehicles. The present invention allows for simplified, efficient handling and transfer of continuous track drive units.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for inserting an end of a first tubular member into a complementary end of a second tubular member and attaching (e.g., welding) the adjacent surfaces of the inserted ends in a tight peripheral bond. In the method, a substantially continuous protrusion is formed in either the first or second member. Thereafter, the first and second tubular members are placed relative to each other such that a current may be passed through the protrusion and a seal may be formed, thereby joining the members.

Abstract: A tube remover for extracting a tube from an opening in which the tube is mounted in a wall. The remover includes a nipper roll and an anvil roll, each of which is provided with a plurality of teeth formed in a radially outward facing surface of each respective roll. The teeth, which can be oriented helically in the respective surfaces, mesh and draw the tube into a nip between the two rolls. At least one of the rolls is provided with an anvil block formed in its radially outwardly facing surface. Such an anvil block cooperates with the teeth of the opposite roll to effect distressing of the tube and severing of a segment of the tube from the rest of the tube.

Abstract: A device and method of removing a rivet which has been installed on a work piece. The method includes clamping a hand held device having springs onto the work piece, engaging a drill with a drill bit of the hand held device, the springs applying a pre-load force to the drill bit, operating the drill, thereby causing the springs to apply an increased load force to the drill bit and causing the drill bit to drill into a button of the rivet, unclamping and removing the hand held device from the work piece, and using a compression tool to remove the rivet from the work piece. The compression tool includes a push out portion configured to push out the rivet, and a recess is disposed generally opposite the push out portion for catching the rivet as the rivet is pushed out.

Abstract: A cart is configured to handle replaceable plates used on the blade of a plow or grader. The cart includes a wheeled frame and a plate holder configured to support the plate lengthwise in a generally upright orientation. The plate holder is supported on the frame by a parallelogram linkage that permits adjustment of the plate holder, and thereby the plate carried by the holder, without varying the orientation of these components. An inventive plate installation method is also disclosed. The method involves placing at least one plate on the height-adjustable plate holder carried on the mobile frame. The attachment holes defined in the plate are then aligned with the attachment holes defined in the blade.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical apparatus for fragmenting and aspirating tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes a handpiece which encloses a transducer, an aspirating tool, and a connector body connecting the aspirating tool and the transducer. The aspirating tool includes a elongated boy having a centrally located throughbore, a hexagon engagement portion, a threaded proximal end and a distal tip. Methods of manufacturing aspirating tools having small and large diameter throughbores adapted for use with a common handpiece are also disclosed.