Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Diascia plant named ‘Redwsm’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading, and compact plant habit; freely and continuous branching; and numerous dark red purple-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Ilex plant found as a branch sport of Ilex hybrid ‘Conaf’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,487. The new variety possesses a dense, upright, pyramidal growth habit, flowers which produce functional pollen and ovaries, attractive orange-red fruit, unusual dull green foliage, and distinctly arranged leaf serrations.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Ilex plant found as an openly pollinated seedling of Ilex hybrid ‘Mary Nell’. The new variety possesses a dense, upright, pyramidal growth habit, attractive orange-red fruit, glossy dark green foliage, and distinctly arranged leaf serrations.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Lobelia plant characterized by a dwarf habit, and large deep red purple flowers.

Abstract: A new variety of Ilex crenata plant is provided that is well suited for growing as attractive ornamentation in the landscape. The new variety is believed to be a spontaneous mutation of unknown causation of the ‘Hetzii’ variety (non-patented in the United States). The foliage of the new variety is particularly distinctive and when exposed to full sun during its formation is dark glossy green with irregular bright golden yellow variegation. An attractive broad upright spreading growth habit is displayed. Dioecious female function flower are formed. Good hardiness is displayed in U.S.D.A. Hardiness Zone No. 6a.

Abstract: A new, distinct Sedum telephium characterized by a creamy yellow margin to the foliage.

Abstract: A circle cutter, particularly a cutting instrument, is adapted for cutting circles on objects. It includes a rotary disc assembly and a cutting tool. The rotary disc assembly is made up of an outer ring board, a rotary disc, a fixing ring cap and a plurality of beads. The rotary disc mounted to the outer ring board is movably limited in place by the fixing ring cap and are rotatably supported by the multiple beads received in a tunnel defined between the outer ring board and the rotary disc. On the rotary disc are disposed a plurality of holes marked with a numeral that is the diameter of a circle to be cut. The cutting tool has a hollow pen stick and a cutting knife attached to a knife clip that is movably engaged with a holding head. The holding head is further secured to the bottom end of the hollow pen stick and is free to rotate with respect to the pen stick so that the cutting knife can be smoothly guided in a cutting operation.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control device (10) for a double-acting consumer (11) is proposed, in which a continuous volumetric flow control to and from the consumer (11) is possible with two proportional 4/2-way magnet valves (12, 13), each with one seat valve function (26), and by means of two blocking valves (29, 38) of the seat valve type; free floating is attainable as the fourth work position. The magnet valves (12, 13) are structurally identical and are each connected into the volumetric flow to the consumer and the volumetric flow leaving the consumer; each consumer connection (28, 36) is sealed off tightly by a seat valve function (26) of the magnet valves (12, 13) and a blocking valve (29, 38). The magnet valves (12, 13) have a main control member (57) and a pilot control member (58), which cooperate in the manner of a followup controller and make do without a separate control oil supply, so that high hydraulic capacities can be controlled continuously and with short response times.

Abstract: A splicing tape (200) comprises a splicing portion (1,2) and an attachment portion (42,48), said attachment portion (42, 48) being provided for releasably and self-supportively attaching said splicing tape (200) substantially across the width of a roll of sheet material. A first adhesive layer (2) is provided on a backing (1) extending from one longitudinal edge of the backing (1) across the tape to a first position towards the center of the backing (1), said first adhesive layer (2) being provided for attaching the leading edge of the roll to the splicing tape (200). A second adhesive layer (2) is provided on the backing (1) beginning at or beyond, but not overlapping the first position and extending towards the second longitudinal edge of the backing (1). The second adhesive layer is for attachment to a further sheet material.

Abstract: A surface discharge type plasma display panel has a dielectric layer facing to a discharge gas space and a pair of sustaining electrodes embedded in the dielectric layer and disposed apart from each other by a discharge gap on one of the substrates spaced parallel to each other at the discharge gas space. The dielectric layer includes a pair of first thickness portions formed on far ends of the electrodes from the discharge gap respectively which are larger than a second thickness portion on facing near ends of the facing electrodes. The dielectric layer is provided with a depth from its surface to the substrate larger than that on the second thickness portion between adjacent the electrodes. This plasma display panel prevents any useless expansion of the surface discharge over the sustaining electrodes.

Abstract: A cold cathode closed drift ion source is provided with segregated gas flow. A first gas may be caused to flow through or along a path around a peripheral portion of an anode so as to pass through the electric gap between the anode and cathode. A second gas (different from the first gas) may be caused to flow toward the ion emitting slit, without much of the second gas having to pass through the electric gap(s). If it is desired to utilize a gas which produces insulative material (e.g., an organosilicon gas), this gas may be used as the second gas. Accordingly, insulative material buildup in the electric gap between the anode and cathode may be reduced, and changes in beam chemistry can be achieved without unduly altering ion beam characteristics.

Abstract: This invention disclosure describes the application of a polarization insensitive acoustically-tuned optical filter used in a multichannel WDM system to equalize variations in the power level of the WDM channels. The invention also describes a simple means for providing a low frequency control system which enables the equalizer to determine the signal levels of N optical carriers prior to equalizing the signals.

Abstract: A dual channel readback recovery circuit includes a high resolution channel and a low resolution channel and a data latch. A logical filter in one or both channels rejects signals that are followed by other signals if they are spaced apart less than the rejection time interval allowed by the code used. Polarity qualifying logic rejects signals in the channels that are not matched in polarity.

Abstract: A camera capable of blurring correction includes an acceleration sensor detecting camera-shake amount, and a blurring correcting device correcting blurring of image on the basis of the sensor output. When a lens of the camera is driven for automatic focusing, the blurring is not corrected using an output of the acceleration sensor. Accordingly, blurring is not wrongly corrected.

Abstract: Cosmetic composition, in particular one for making up the eyes, comprising: (a) at least one aqueous phase comprising at least one film-forming polymer, (b) at least one fatty phase comprising at least one wax, and (c) at least one silicone selected from the group consisting of: (i) oxyalkylenated silicones, and (ii) linear polysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene block copolymers.

Abstract: A method of forming trench isolation including a burying step of burying trenches by a deposition means for conducting etching and deposition simultaneously and a polishing step of flattening a burying material by polishing is conducted by disposing an isotropic etching step, a multi-layered etching stopper and a protrusion unifying structure. Polishing can be attained with satisfactory flatness uniformly or with no polishing residue even in a portion to be polished in which the etching stopper layer is distributed unevenly. The method can be applied to manufacture of a semiconductor device or the like.

Abstract: A method of both hardening and polishing a concrete surface includes the steps of first applying to the concrete surface a hardening/densifying silicate compound, allowing the compound to remain in contact with the surface for a period of time sufficient to allow it to soak into the surface of the concrete, cleaning the surface and allowing it to dry, and polishing the surface with a diluted silicate polishing compound. The polishing step includes the steps of applying to the concrete surface a diluted silicate polishing compound, mechanically polishing the concrete surface with a rotary polishing machine, using pads or disks or drums, cleaning the concrete surface, and repeating said steps with polishing pads or disks of increasingly finer grit until the surface obtains an aesthetically desirable level of shine.

Abstract: In a parallel processor, a local area and an overlap area are assigned to the memory of each processing element (PE), and each PE makes calculations to update the data in both areas at the runtime. If the data in the overlap area is updated in processes closed in the PEs, the data transfer between adjacent PEs can be reduced and the parallel processes can be performed at a high speed.

Abstract: A finger guard including a head, a body, and a securing device to protect a user's finger from cuts and nicks during hair cutting and to guide a hair cutting tool during cutting.

Abstract: A protective garment includes an apron portion and a pair of flexible leg protector members depending from the apron portion. Each leg protector member has a deformable, curved strip of material having an elastic memory connected thereto which releasably holds the leg protector members in position.

Abstract: A protective sleeve that can also be worn as head wear or around an athlete's neck for protection and comfort is generally comprised of a tubular body having a notched, cuffed opening at an upper end and a cuffed opening at an opposite lower end of the sleeve. At the sleeve's upper end, the cuff has two complementary radial cuff ties that generally extend from the opposite edges of the cuff adjacent the notch, while lengthwise cuff ties are provided in the inseams between the respective upper and lower cuffs and the sleeve body. A Velcro®-type closure system is provided at the upper cuff notch so as to close the notch and secure the sleeve in place on a wearer's arm. In some embodiments of the sleeve, one or more lengthwise mesh fabric strips are disposed in the tubular body along a lengthwise inseam. Preferably, the sleeve body, cuffs, and cuff ties are constructed of a lightweight, breathable and elastic synthetic material.

Abstract: Undergarments that protect from the detrimental interaction of electrostatic fields with human tissue. Filaments woven or knitted into patterns or into an insert attached to the undergarments may comprise electrically nonconductive strands and electrically conductive strands. Electrostatic field-concentrators provided upon particular strands create ions from adjacent air molecules and cancel electrostatic charges in their vicinity. The geometry of the preferred filaments is such that the field-concentrators are salient from the central bulk of the filament by a distance at least as great as the axial radius of the field-concentrator terminal surface. As a result, potentially detrimental electrostatic fields are reduced, and concomitant health benefits to the wearer are realized.

Abstract: A jacket for snowboarding, skiing or snow play has a head sock or balaclava-like hood attached to the inside of the jacket and a storage pocket inside the jacket for storing the hood when not in use.

Abstract: A durable weighted vest insert to produce a calming effect in users. The insert has a plurality of sealed compartments having weights in an anterior and posterior portion. Weight distribution is configured to provide a uniform and even pressure predominately over the upper muscles of the back and high on the pectoral muscles (i.e., an anterior and posterior shoulder girdle) when placed on a user and can be determined as a percentage of a user's body weight. The insert has mechanical fasteners such as pressure sensitive fastening materials, zippers, buttons, ties or hooks on an exposed surface. The invention can also include a vest having an interior surface comprising opposing mechanical fasteners placed corresponding to the fasteners of the insert whereby the insert can be incorporated and concealed within the vest.

Abstract: A sleeve for use in protective garments, the sleeve including a lower edge, an upper edge, and a glove flap. The glove flap may include an upper edge and a positioning feature, the glove flap being disposed between the upper edge of the sleeve and the lower edge of the sleeve, the positioning feature being disposed proximate to the upper edge of the glove flap, the glove flap having sufficient length so that at least a portion of the glove flap may be positioned below the lower edge of the sleeve, the positioning feature adapted to retain the glove flap in such position.

Abstract: A head gear, especially adapted for hunting comprises a head covering portion that has a slot opening for vision. Ends of the slot opening and upper and lower edges thereof are sized to expose the ear canal so that hearing is not impaired when the head gear is worn, but the ears are covered for warmth. Flaps are provided to cover the front and back part of the neck, with each flap having a pocket for storage or use as a warmer holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wet suit undergarment and surfing shorts combination. The combination comprises a wet suit underpants garment formed of insulating material, preferably Neoprene, capable of covering and conforming to the body of a wearer from their waist to their thighs. The wet suit underpants garment traps a thin layer of water between itself and the wearer's body, thereby maintaining the temperature of the thin layer of water similar to the temperature of the body of the wearer. The combination further comprises pair of outerwear short pants capable of covering and concealing from view the wet suit underpants garment. An interconnecting means is located around at least a portion of the waist of both garments and is capable of securing the wet suit underpants garment to the pair of outerwear short pants so that they are capable of remaining interconnected during water sports activity.

Abstract: A waterproof oversock for covering a conventional sock so that outer footwear, e.g., shoes or boots, may be removed and the sock will be protected from a wet and/or dirty floor, e.g., a ski lodge floor. The oversock includes a foot portion and leg portion extending upwardly from the foot portion. The oversock is constructed from an elastic material, stretchable to fit over a conventional sock. The oversock is portable, flexible, and foldable into a small package to be carried in a conventional pant or coat pocket, for example.

Abstract: The present invention provides a helmet with self-adjusting padding designed to adjust to various head sizes of individual wearers of the helmet. The protective helmet comprises a helmet shell having a interior surface, a first helmet pad, a second helmet pad, and at least one expandable band. Each of the first and second helmet pads comprise a first pad section attached to the interior surface of the helmet and a second pad section spaced away from the interior surface of the helmet. At least one expandable band is attached to each of the second pad sections.

Abstract: Goggles include a goggle frame and a goggle lens to be detachably fitted in a groove formed on the inner peripheral portion of the goggle frame. The front and rear walls constituting the groove have ventilating openings opposing each other. Either a goggle lens which covers the opening of the rear wall or a goggle lens which allows the openings of the front and rear wall to communicate with each other can be fitted in the groove.

Abstract: A toilet seat includes an upper and a lower seat for a predetermined number of sets of restoring mechanism, transmission mechanism, and shielding panel to mount between them. When the upper seat is subjected to a downward force, the restoring mechanism is compressed and the transmission mechanism Is caused to move the shielding panel horizontally from a closed position closing a central opening of the toilet seat to an opened position opening the central opening. And when the toilet seat is not in use, a restoring force of the compressed restoring mechanism pushes the upper seat and the transmission mechanism upward, and the shielding panel is brought by the transmission mechanism to move from the opened position to the closed position again.

Abstract: A portable spittoon is a sanitary, discrete method for disposing of tobacco juice or other secretions. The spittoon includes a container (26) and a lid (14). The lid (14) includes an opening (30) into which the secretions are placed and a funnel portion (32) for transferring the secretions into the container (26) when actuated and sealing the funnel when not actuated. The seal and funnel design act to minimize the risk of spillage from the container. The container can further include a window (28) such that the user can monitor the contents of the container.

Abstract: A portable colon irrigator is provided. The colon irrigator includes a manually operated pump, a first hose connecting the manually operated pump and a water source, a water ejector having an ejector body and an irrigating nozzle attached to the ejector body for being inserted into the anus of a user, a second hose connecting the manually operated pump and the ejector body, and two wings attached to the ejector body. The manually operated pump provides pressure to eject water from the irrigating nozzle and prevents backflow from the second hose, and the wings rest on a toilet. The colon irrigator may further include a branching valve and spraying nozzles so that it may also used as a bidet.

Abstract: A personal urine collecting apparatus having a bidet system, includes a urine collector for collecting urine from a person, a urine repository for storing urine collected from the urine collector through a urine release guide line, a cleansing water tank arranged on one side of the urine repository for storing cleansing water, a heater connected to the cleansing water tank so as to receive a predetermined amount of the cleansing water and heat the cleansing water, a bidet system installed on in a body of the urine collector for injecting the cleansing water from the heater, a driving means connected to the urine release guide line and cleansing water guide line for actuating the urine collector and the bidet system, a controller for controlling the driving means, a sensing means for sensing a condition of the urine collector and a condition of at least one of the urine repository, cleansing water tank and the heater, and a case for housing and mounting the urine collector, the urine repository, cleansing wate

Abstract: A device for removing spa covers and putting them aside while the spa is in use, and returning them to cover the spa after use. This invention lifts the cover in the flat position, then the cover may be rotated clockwise or counter clockwise to uncover the spa for use.

Abstract: A portable hair washing apparatus for allowing the shampooing of the hairs of the physically disabled includes a tank member having side, front, back, and bottom walls, and also having a tabletop; and also includes wheels upon which the tank member is mounted; and further includes a hair washing support assembly being attached to the tank member and including a headrest member; and also includes a hair washing assembly being supported by the tank member and including a semi-rigid hose being attached to the tank member.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing the hair of a person reclining on a chair comprising, a platform (12), a washbasin (10) mounted on the platform having a forward pointing lip (32) to receive the person's head or neck, and translation means (14, 16, 18) for moving the washbasin from a higher position (33) closer to the chair to a lower position more remote from the chair.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a mattress assembly for use in a sofa sleeper. The mattress assembly has a first mattress that has an inner-spring construction. Disposed above the first mattress is a second mattress that has an air bladder construction. The air bladder of the second mattress has a valve, which is located adjacent the head end of the mattress. The valve is adapted to selectively allow air into and out of the air bladder. The mattress assembly thus provides the combination of an innerspring mattress with an air mattress. The location of the valve allows the air mattress portion to be deflated properly and allows convenient access to the valve for inflation or air pressure adjustment purposes.

Abstract: A computerized controller that limits the movement of a patient lifting device, wherein the controller is operated in a normal mode to sense the lateral rotation of a lifting arm that lifts patients and the linear displacement of extendable support legs for said lifting device and the angular diversion of said support legs. The controller inhibits movement of said lateral rotation of a lifting arm in response to the linear displacement and the angular diversion of the support legs to prevent tipping the lifting device. The same controller may be operated in a bypass mode to override the normal mode wherein the patient lifting device may be operated during a setup and breakdown operation to permit construction and disassembly of the patient lifting device.

Abstract: A playyard floor support frame includes a lock hub arranged to lie under a playyard floor, first and second floor support rails arranged to be mounted for movement in rail-receiving channels formed in the lock hub, and a base for receiving and elevating the lock hub above ground underlying the base. The frame further includes a lock controller mounted on the lock hub and configured to move the first and second floor support rails (at the option of a user) toward one another to establish a “locked” position of the frame and away from one another to establish an “unlocked” position of the frame.

Abstract: A hammock assembly includes a left frame and a right frame opposite to and pivoted to the left frame such that the left and right frames are rotatable relative to each other between an unfolded position, in which, mounting ends of the left and right frames are moved away from each other, and a folded position, in which, the mounting ends of said left and right frames move toward each other. A bedding sheet is disposed above the left and right frames, and has two opposite ends respectively connected to the mounting ends of the left and right frames such that the bedding sheet will be stretched when the left and right frames are disposed at the unfolded position and that the bedding sheet will be folded when the left and right frames are disposed at the folded position.

Abstract: A cuddle bed (10) for pet includes a bottom cushion (11) surrounded by a ring (12) having a scalloped upper border (14). High sections (16) of the ring (12) provide posture support for a pet cuddling thereto. The pet can stretch itself over low sections (18) of the ring (12). In addition, the high sections (16) provide a relatively isolated environment to the pet cuddling in the cuddle bed (10) and the low sections (18) provide the pet with easy access to the cuddle bed (10).

Abstract: A Device for Correcting a Sagging Bed is disclosed. The device may be configured to be placed under the center region of a sagging or new mattress, after which the device is inflated to correct the sagging portion, or to provide additional support. The device may further be divided up into two or more chambers in order to prove additional control and adjustment. The device further may include between two and four lobes extending outwardly at ninety degrees from one another.

Abstract: A novel washing machine and a novel method for washing clothes. Depending on the type of cloth to be washed, one of four washing modes is selected. A pulsator and a spin-dry tub rotate in various directions and speeds depending on the wash mode selected. Thus causes varying degree of agitation during the wash cycle. A power switching motor controls a brake and a clutch to cause the pulsator and the spin-dry tub to rotate depending on the wash mode selected. Thus, the pulsator and the spin-dry tub are capable of rotating either forward, backward, agitate in both directions, or not to rotate the tub at all depending on the wash mode selected.

Abstract: An improved pool cleaner is provided of the type for random travel over submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool or the like to dislodge and collect debris. The pool cleaner includes a hydraulically contoured external housing having a stabilizer float integrated with a carrying handle at an elevated rearward location. The pool cleaner additionally incorporates modular components including a simplified mast unit and related water distribution manifold for delivery of water under pressure to a water turbine drive unit for rotatably driving cleaner wheels to travel over submerged pool surfaces, with a portion of the pressurized water inducing a vacuum action for collecting debris within a porous filter bag. The modular components are mounted on an internal frame which is quickly and easily accessible for service or maintenance by removal of the external housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brush head, particularly a toothbrush head, and to a method of manufacturing such a brush head. The brush head includes a bristle carrier and bristles fixedly secured thereto, said bristle carrier having a slot-type recess in which a multiplicity of bristles is received forming an elongated tuft with a closed, smooth outer contour corresponding essentially to the contour of the slot-type recess. According to the invention the brush head is characterized in that the slot-type recess is divided by means of at least one transverse wall into several segments, a separate tuft is inserted and secured in each of the segments, and the at least one transverse wall is constructed so that the separate tufts converge, forming in combination the elongated tuft with a closed, smooth outer contour.

Abstract: A strip brush assembly for sweeping devices or machines comprises a plurality of metallic wires with attachment ends thereof being secured to a polymeric hub. The hub, while retaining the wire ends together is bonded or attached to a polymeric base that is configured with a channel to receive the hub. The base also has members shaped to secure the base to a brush assembly holder. An apparatus for making the brush assembly includes an extruder/shaping device that takes lengths of wires and continuously extrudes and shapes the hub around ends of the wires. The hub is then continuously attached to a polymeric base using fusion, adhesives, a combination of the two, or the like. The hub-containing base can then be cut to length as a metallic wire strip brush assembly for use on a mandrel.

Abstract: An arm head has a couple of hinge holes. A cover has a couple of hinge projections. The arm head and the cover are hingedly connected to each other through the hinge holes and the hinge projections. A rotation guide extends radially outwardly from each hinge hole. A protrusion protrudes radially outwardly from each hinge projection and is received in the rotation guide. A locking projection extends from the rotation guide. The locking projection is spaced from an opening movement limiting end of the rotation guide for a distance, which is substantially the same as a width of the protrusion of the hinge projection.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly for cleaning a windshield and a method for assembling the windshield wipe assembly is disclosed. The windshield wiper assembly includes at least a plurality of wiper blades, a windshield wiper arm, and a locking clip. The plurality of wiper blades contact the windshield and move reciprocatingly across the windshield. The windshield wiper arm is provided for supporting the plurality of wiper blades. The locking clip is attached at a first clip end to the windshield wiper arm and at a second clip end to one of the plurality of wiper blades for positioning the plurality of wiper blades proximate to each other.

Abstract: A wiper blade for cleaning motor vehicle windows has a wiper strip (12) which is surrounded by a guard profile (14) that with extensions (26, 28) formed onto its side cheeks (22, 24) engages longitudinal grooves (50, 52) of the wiper strip (12) and is fixed axially on the wiper strip (12) by inward-protruding protrusions (30, 32) in the region of its face ends (18, 20). The protrusions (30, 32) originate at one side cheek (22, 24) of the guard profile (14), and a first protrusion (30) extends on the outer face end (18) of the guard profile (14) to touch the opposite side cheek (22, 24) of the guard profile (14), while a second protrusion (32) on the inner face end (20) forms a gap (38) from the opposed side cheek (22, 24), which the gap allows mounting or unmounting of the guard profile (14) in the longitudinal direction (40, 42).