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

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

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved polyolefin cling/slip stretch wrap films having superior load retention, elongation, tear resistance and puncture resistance properties and for the methods of using those stretch wrap films. The stretch wrap films are preferably constructed in a multilayer fashion having an outside cling layer, an outside slip layer, at least one inside puncture resistant layer comprising a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene resin, and at least one inside transverse direction tear resistant layer.

Abstract: A chromatographic test strip comprising a solid support having at least a first portion and a second portion with said portions being in the same plane so as to permit capillary flow communication with each other. The sample is added to the first portion. The first portion also may comprise a tracer portion having a tracer movably supported therein. The tracer consists of a visible particulate marker. In the second portion, a binder is immobilized. The test strip is useful in a variety of immunoassays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of liquid formulations of plasma proteins, particularly blood coagulation factors. More specifically, the present invention relates to stable liquid formulations of Factor VIII and Factor IX that can be administered by injection or infusion to provide a constant level of the coagulation factor in the blood.

Abstract: For a firefighter, a combination of protective gear comprises a face mask, a head harness, and a protective hood adapted to cover the wearer's head, except for at least a portion of the wearer's face, and to cover an outer perimeter of a window portion of the face mask. The protective hood is attached to the head harness, preferably to flexible straps of the head harness, so that the protective hood is attachable to the face mask, along with the head harness, and so the protective hood is detachable from the window portion, along with the head harness. The protective hood is attached thereto via stitches or is attached thereto detachably, as via snap fasteners or hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: Protective gloves for boxers are desirable for protecting the hands of boxers. Considerable stress is placed on the joints of the hand during the impact of a punch. The protective glove for boxers is secured to the hand using elastic bands around the digits of the hand and a wrist strap releasably secured by a hook and loop fastener. The chance of injury is reduced by the use of a flexible rubber pad to distribute force across the knuckles and a shock absorbing layer of cellular foam lining the interior of the glove. The protective glove for boxers can be applied by the user without assistance, and will not shift position during a fight.

Abstract: Combination one-piece hand/forearm paddings and shin/foot paddings are disclosed, preferably, for use during martial arts events. The one-piece construction provides for a greater area of protection, and prevents the forearm and shin portions of the paddings from sliding up or down the wearer's arms and legs, respectively.

Abstract: The liner according to the invention is designed such that the moisture barrier component of the liner may be easily separated from the garment for inspection, testing, repair or replacement. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the moisture barrier is attached to the thermal barrier or the outer shell component by means of a heat and flame resistant slide fastener.

Abstract: An exercise vest used to facilitate strengthening and toning of the user's upper arm, lower arm, and shoulder muscles. At least one hand grip is positioned on the back portion of the vest. The hand grips include shoulder grips and side grips. An elastic band extends between one of the shoulder grips and one of the side grips, along the vest back portion. The elastic band provides the tension necessary for exercising the user's arm muscles. A ring encircles the elastic band at a point below the hand grips to maintain the hand grips in their resting positions on the vest. A sleeve extends between the shoulder grip and side grip, covering the elastic band. In use, the user grips one set of the hand grips and pulls said grips forward and away from his or her body. The stretching of the elastic band serves to exercise the muscles.

Abstract: A simulated necktie knot for use with a necktie to create a necktie knot without necessitating the hand-tying of a knot. The simulated necktie knot has a flexible funnel shaped cup, simulating a necktie knot, and a rigid funnel shaped core that fits within the cup. The core is used to fill the space within the cup not otherwise occupied by the necktie. A clip, positioned within the cup, holds the necktie in place within the cup. An adjustable collar strap may be used with the simulated necktie knot to attached the tie around the user's neck.

Abstract: A necktie protection apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus typically includes an elongated body, which is typically clear flexible plastic, into which the tie can be placed for protection from soiling. The apparatus further includes a drawstring that can be drawn to secure the apparatus over the tie. The apparatus can further include a hook that can attach the apparatus to a button or collar of the wearers shirt.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise glove to be worn during weight lifting or exercise comprising a hand section extending between the wrist and the base of the fingers when worn on the user's hand. The hand section has a palm section for covering the user's palm. The hand section also extends around the hand and has a thumb hole through which the thumb extends and a single finger opening through which the remaining four (4) fingers extend freely without restriction as to movement. The palm section has a gripping section extending from the palm section. The gripping section forms a flap for covering and protecting the palm side of the user's four (4) fingers during exercise that uses the fingers for gripping.

Abstract: A device for allowing air to circulate is disclosed. An embodiment of the device has a base having an arcuate first side and a second side. The second side has a rib extending from the second side. The device also has a means for attaching the base to a hat. An alternative embodiment of the device is a vent having a first anchoring surface and a second anchoring surface. A truss extends from the first anchoring surface to the second anchoring surface. The devices described above may be used in a hat to allow air circulation. Another embodiment of the present invention is a vented hat having a corrugated head band. Finally, a method making a vented hat is disclosed.

Abstract: A garment pocket has a flap cover secured to the front piece by means of cooperating straps of hook-and-vane cloth fastener. One of the upper corners of the flap cover is diagonally cut-away to expose a small part of the pocket opening, providing a convenient way to clip and quickly retrieve a pen or similar device.

Abstract: A goggle retention system which also acts as a sport protective headgear. The headgear takes the form of a main section which is to be placed on the occiput of a head from which extends a parietal section which is to be placed against the parietal of a head, Also, integrally connected to the main section is a right side section which is to be placed against the right side of a head and a left side section which is to be located against the left side of a head. The entire headgear is designed to retain goggles and be shock absorbing in order to protect the head of the wearer from shock that might occur during an athlete having a falling accident.

Abstract: A helmet, particularly a racing driver helmet for motorcycle drivers or automobile drivers, has a helmet shell which is lined on its interior side with a shock-absorbing material and which has a recess which forms a field of view for the wearer of the helmet, and has a chin bow extending below the field of view. On the interior side of the chin bow at least one pot-shaped recess is provided for receiving an indicating device.

Abstract: A garment for protection against chemical and/or biological substances is provided with a shell and a lining, arranged under said shell, and with at least one zip fastener, which has two zip fastener halves which engage in one another during closing. Each zip fastener half is provided with at least two stringers, an outer stringer being joined to the shell and the other, inner stringer being joined to the lining. At least one of the two stringers is provided with a protective layer which is impermeable to chemical and/or biological substances. The shell and/or the lining is likewise impermeable to chemical and/or biological substances.

Abstract: A shoulder protective device for protecting the shoulder and arm of the user when carrying heavy objects upon one's shoulder. The shoulder protective device includes a band of material being adapted to be worn about a portion of a user's upper torso and about a shoulder of a user; and also includes a sleeve being attached to the band of material; and further includes a protective assembly being attached to the band of material and including an outer layer of material and an inner layer of material; and further includes a plurality of pads being attached to the band of material and the protective assembly for providing comfort for the user wearing the band of material.

Abstract: A bottle used to dispense a fluid for cleaning a toilet bowl is configured to provide for refilling the bottle. Such a bottle includes a reservoir, a metering portion, and a cover, which is removable to expose an opening within the reservoir for refilling. The cover may include the metering portion, or it may be formed as a cap at an end of the reservoir opposite the metering portion.

Abstract: A liquid delivery device is particularly suited for dosing a toilet bowl with a viscous cleaning agent. Liquid from a reservoir 10 flows through a neck 52 into a cup 18 until the liquid level reaches the mouth 54 of the neck 52. The space 14 in cup 18 is open to atmosphere. Liquid is drawn from the cup 18 by a capillary 66 formed between the wall of cup 18 and an insert 60 and delivered on to the surface 72 of a textile layer 6. Flush water runs over textile layer 6 to carry the liquid into a toilet bowl.

Abstract: A grasping handle for a toilet seat includes a base unit having an inner lip and a slidable handle unit having an outer lip. The handle unit telescopes into the base unit. In a preferred embodiment, the handle unit includes a pair of toothed prongs which engage matching teeth on the interior of the base unit. The lips grasp the inner and outer perimeters of the toilet seat between them and the spacing is held by the engagement of the teeth. A release mechanism includes plungers which bias the prongs away from the interior walls, disengaging the teeth. In an alternative embodiment, the prongs include a cross member which carries a torsion spring with arms that engage the base unit interior walls. The torsion spring biases the handle into a fully telescoped condition and thereby exerts a spring force to keep a toilet seat grasped between the inner and outer lips.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing between a toilet base a closet flange has a ring of water impermeable elastomer having a ring upper surface spaced apart from a ring lower ledge by a separation distance S sufficiently large that the ring becomes compressed between the toilet and the closet flange. The ring is sized to cover a portion of the closet flange while fitting between mounting bolts used to secure the toilet to the closet flange. The gasket also has an annular extension attached to the ring and sized to fit into the closet flange. The ring may be rectangular or trapezoidal in cross section. A preferred embodiment has a quasi-trapezoidal cross section with a groove that provides the ring with increased compressibility.

Abstract: A dual volume discharge apparatus for selectively discharging a full flush or a half flush of liquid from a reservoir, said discharge apparatus including: actuator means (1) selectively moveable from a closed position to either a full flush position or a half flush position, sealing means (11) moveable by said actuator means (1) from a closed position to either a full flush position or a half flush position, said sealing means being biased toward said closed position when in said half flush position, liquid outlet (17) which is sealed by said sealing means (11) to prevent flow of liquid out of said reservoir when said sealing means (11) is in said closed position and which allows flow of liquid out of said reservoir when said sealing means (11) is in the full flush position or the half flush position, stop means (21) co-operable with said sealing means and being biased towards position capable of holding said sealing means in said half flush position when said actuator means in said half flush position until

Abstract: An improved Bathroom Baton apparatus which includes an electronic package designed for a one-handed operation of the water supply mechanism utilizing a membrane protective push buttons, situated on the handle, and including an electronic. module which houses battery operated solenoid valves, and electronics to facilitate the operation of the solenoid valves and battery module, in order to supply the energy to operate the components in the housing. The housing would be remotely installed at the outlet of the water supply valve which supplies water to the toilet to which the Baton is connected. There would be further provided a mercury switch in the handle to interrupt power form the battery to the electronic module when the handle is in a certain position relative to the vertical position.

Abstract: A swimming pool covering structure including a flexible covering section for extending across the top surface of water contained within the pool and a flexible anchoring section for extending peripherally and outwardly from the covering section. The covering and anchoring sections are separable from each other about a separation segment. The covering and anchoring sections are releasably attached together about the separation segment. The anchoring segment is anchored to an outer structural component positioned outwardly relative to the inner surface of the pool peripheral wall.

Abstract: A hair rinsing apparatus includes a liquid impervious helmet having a hemispherical configuration for partially covering a user's head. An inflatable air bladder extends along a continuous peripheral edge of the helmet for establishing a watertight seal between the peripheral edge and the user's head. The apparatus includes an air pump that may be releasably coupled to the air bladder with a needle valve and needle valve receptacle combination for selectively inflating or deflating the air bladder. The apparatus includes a hose that may be connected to a helmet input port. A plurality of rinse tubes defining a plurality of holes are positioned within the interior of the helmet and are in fluid communication with the inlet port for dispersing a water stream into the helmet as water is received through the hose. An outlet opening is extends through a rear portion of the helmet for draining water therein.

Abstract: A spa jet for delivering water from an upstream source of water under pressure to the interior of a spa, the spa jet having a housing with an inlet tube communicating with the source of water and a chamber wall defining a generally cup shaped chamber. A retaining ring is connected to and inside of the chamber wall. A form having an annular upstream portion is fixed against axial movement between the chamber wall the retaining ring. The form has a downstream portion extending from the annular portion in the form of a shaft aligned with the axis. The spa jet also has a rotor with a generally cylindrical body concentric with the axis, the body having a bearing surface extending around the shaft which supports the body for rotating. At least one nozzle passage extends through the rotor which collects water from the inlet tube and directs the water as a water jet into the spa at an angle sufficient to impart a turning moment to the rotor about the axis.

Abstract: A cushioned support apparatus (10) for use in combination with a conventional bathtub/spa (100) wherein the support apparatus (10) includes a pair of extension arm members (30) (30′) formed integrally with a main upper body support unit (11) having an upper backrest portion (25) wherein, the upperback rest portion (26) is also provided with an elongated non-skid friction skirt member (40); and, wherein, the pair of extension arm members (30) (30′) are further provided with a plurality of contoured recesses (33) (34) dimensioned to receive and support bath accessories (200) and (201).

Abstract: Systems and method for providing automated control over both water and temperature and pressure for a plurality of shower heads or other sources of water. The automated systems and methods for providing automated control over both water pressure and temperature make use of three distinct modules which comprise an input and display unit, and electronic processing unit, and the mechanical plumbing control unit. The electronic processing unit receives signals from the input and display unit and translates the received signals into the appropriate control signals for the mechanical plumbing control unit. A user is able to control the output water temperature from each of the shower heads or water sources as well as the individual water pressure from each of the shower heads or water sources. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the housing of containing the electrical mechanical elements of the system is dimensioned such that the housing will advantageously fit within the cavity of the typical wall.

Abstract: A molded tub and surround which is formed of a multiple of portions. Wall portions meet at a joint which is secured by wall clamps which bias a partially arcuate portion of a second wall portion against the visible surface of a first wall portion. The first wall portion sandwiched between the wall clamps and the partially arcuate portion. A multiple of tub clamps extend from a lower edge of the wall portions to fit upon a flange extending from a tub portion. The wall clamps and tub clamps assure an easily assembled and watertight molded tub and surround.

Abstract: An automatic faucet has a closing valve, a controller of the closing valve, a discharging member connected to the closing valve through a pipe, an optical sensor connected to the controller through an electric wire and a cylindrical faucet body through which the conduit and the electric wire are passed. The discharging member and the optical sensor are directed in the same direction, assembled in a unit, and installed in a single space formed in the front end portion of the faucet body.

Abstract: A sink form for use in installing a sink having laterally extending flanges in a countertop is preferably formed of a plastic material, such as nylon or polypropylene resin. It is preferably made to the exact shape of the cut-out opening for the sink, although for round or oval sinks, the form may consist of a flexible strip of the proper cross-section cut to length as required to match the opening. The sink form has a cross section consisting of a downwardly extending portion which is secured to the edges of the opening, a laterally extending flange portion, and, at the outer edge of the flange portion, an upstanding vertical portion terminating in an outwardly curved part. The downwardly extending portion is secured to the edge of the cut-out opening with the laterally extending flange portion spaced away from the countertop to allow for a layer of concrete float material between the flange portion and the countertop.

Abstract: Convertible furniture unit has a base and a bed platform connected to the base for displacement about a first axis from a stowed position to a use position. The platform is adapted to support a mattress. A table panel is pivotally mounted to the platform for displacement about a second axis between a support and a use position. An extension is pivotally connected to the table panel for rotation of the extension between an upper position for propping the panel in its working position, and a lower position. The extension pivots on a spreader fixed to the base. The spreader also contains a spring and optional linear actuator for controlling displacement of the platform.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus comprises an overhead arm located over a patient support and a mounting assembly coupled to the overhead arm. The mounting assembly has an alignment mechanism and a drive assembly. The drive assembly moves the alignment mechanism and the overhead arm relative to the patient support. The alignment mechanism may be configured to permit adjustment of the overhead arm without movement of the drive assembly. A radiant heater may be coupled to the overhead arm.

Abstract: A collapsible apparatus is provided that includes a frame configured to form a closed loop, the frame being moveable between a coiled configuration and an uncoiled configuration. A sleeve is configured to receive the frame and to define an opening within at least a portion of the closed loop. An attachment mechanism is coupled substantially about the periphery of the sleeve. A fabric member is removably coupled to the sleeve such that it is easily removed. A method of making mats according to an embodiment of the invention includes cutting fabric members from a first sheet of material, cutting body membranes from a second sheet of material such that the amount of excess material from the second sheet of material between adjacent body membranes is minimized, and attaching one of the body membranes to one of the fabric members.

Abstract: The pair of support arms connected with the respectively horizontal both sides of the plural side rail members lift and lower the side rail proper consisting of a plurality of side rail members by the pivotal rotation of the support arms along the pivotally rotational loci between the high service position and the low stored position. In this motion, the connection points between the support arms and the side rail members are disposed in such a manner that the connection points of the upper side rail member make pivotally rotational motion relatively delayed in phase, with the connection points of the lowest side rail member as the fulcrums, when the side rail members are moved to descend by the pivotally rotational motion of the support arms.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, a mattress, a pair of head end siderails, and a pair of foot end siderails. The bed further includes a plurality of foot-operated controls configured to control features of the bed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a first patient support configured to be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The first patient support illustratively includes an inflatable bladder. A backboard may be removably coupled to the patient support apparatus and is configured to facilitate transport of a patient to and from the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A bed with adjustable positions comprises head, foot and central units. The head and foot units include respectively an upper and lower structure and a linear actuator for elevating or lowering the upper structure with respect to the lower structure. Two opposite upper structures can be elevated simultaneously or separately. The central unit is provided with a central platen to which a pair of side platens is hinged. A rotation subassembly is located in head and foot units respectively and is intended to turn the central unit, while an inclination subassembly is used to incline the side platens, so as to prevent the patient from sliding during rotation. A pneumatic bag subassembly is formed from upper and lower sections, which can be independently inflated or deflated. A reaction board, having a width slightly narrower than central platen and a length substantially equal to the upper section, is placed on the latter.

Abstract: A cantilevered mobile bed/chair apparatus for safely transferring a patient from and to a hospital type bed comprises three hinged together segments forming back, seat and foot platforms operating in conjunction with a four wheeled, rectangular base. The hinged together platforms convert from a fully adjustable chair mode to a bed mode by a first jack located beneath the seat platform. The platforms are raised and lowered by a second jack associated with a telescoping tower attached to an E frame. The telescoping tower is mounted vertically from one side of the rectangular base, and when extended, has a height greater than a hospital bed. The E frame, which supports the platforms, is cantilevered horizontally from the top portion of the telescoping tower, and the height thereof is controlled by the second jack mounted together with the bottom portion of the telescoping tower, to the wheeled base. The side edges of the platforms are beveled or angled downward.

Abstract: An accessory holder is provided for use with a patient support. The holder is configured to position an accessory relative to the patient support.

Abstract: A spine protecting strap apparatus for trauma victim transportation has a longitudinal zipper with each side configured for detachable connection to the edges and at the head end of the supporting carrier. A plurality of adjustable length, transverse strap assemblies with releasable, slack take-ups have one end permanently connected to either side of the longitudinal zipper and the opposite end configured for detachable connection to corresponding edges of the carrier, so that, with the longitudinal zipper fully closed and the detachable connections connected to the carrier, the transverse straps are effectively connected across the width of the carrier and the straps can be tightened in order to immobilize the victim's body for transportation.

Abstract: An improved adjustable pillow includes a first pillow body which has a first opening and a second pillow body disposed at a selected location in the first opening. The first and second pillow bodies have a plurality of stuffing materials held therein. User may adjust the pillow to a height and curvature desired by shuffling the stuffing materials between the first and second pillow body and then wrap and fold the second pillow body to form a stable state for use. The second pillow body may be used to support user's neck to conform ergonomics and to enable the user to get most comfortable sleep.

Abstract: A pillow having a unique shape with rounded cuts for placing between an individual's side and arm to provide support when positioned along the arm at the elbow. When the individual is lying on his or her side, the pillow provides for proper alignment of the shoulder, arm, scapula, and neck to relieve pressure on joints, nerves, muscles and skin. Its unique posturing permits the body to relax and rest more comfortably and also increase potential blood flow and nerve transmission throughout the arm and shoulder complex. It is beneficial to those who suffer from a variety of shoulder problems, arthritis and sports related injuries and fatigue in addition to those who are convalescent, bedridden, computer operators, overhead throwers, data entry personnel and anyone who uses their shoulder and arm for an extended period of time.

Abstract: An inflatable therapeutic mattress for supporting a resting body in the prone position while maintaining proper spinal alignment, features an upper surface with a pair of opposing slanting surfaces originating from an elevated ridge, one slanting surface larger than the other. The larger slanting surface has a pillow to elevate the abdominal area of the resting body, and the smaller slanting surface has a pillow with a void to accommodate the face of the resting body.

Abstract: A mattress device includes a plurality of dual-fluid fluidizing units juxtapositionally secured in a mattress envelope; each dual-fluid fluidizing unit consisting of a lower air cell and an upper gel (or gel-like) cell superimposed and secured on the lower air cell, having a plurality of flexible ventilating and baffling tubes formed through each upper gel cell for venting air from the lower air cell to the patient's body as lying on the upper gel cells for therapeutically treating the patient as synergetically effected by both the air and gel cells.

Abstract: A portable cushion apparatus for positioning between a user and a support surface. The portable cushion apparatus includes a plurality of pad members each having a first portion and a second portion. Each of the pad members is movable between a folded position and an unfolded position. The plurality of pad members includes a first end pad member, A second end pad member, and a plurality of middle pad member. A flexible first coupler is attached to and extends away from a first side of the first end pad member. A flexible second coupler is attached to and extends away from a second side of the second end pad member. The first and second couplers are attached to first and second sides of the plurality of middle pad members respectively. The pad members have a plurality of handles for grasping onto by a hand of a user.

Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool including adjustable locking pliers with an over-center locking mechanism to retain the jaws in a gripping condition. The jaws of the locking pliers can be folded into the handles of the tool to produce a compact folded configuration. A latch mechanism in the tool handle retains a selected one of several folding tool bits or blades in an extended position for use and includes an abutment arrangement to prevent such a selected tool bit from being extended too far. A spring associated with a tool bit driving socket retains separate tool bits and resists inadvertent removal of an adjustment screw element of the locking pliers. Upon removal of the adjustment screw element, special bits, such as a corkscrew, can be screwed into the tool bit driving socket.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for an integrated treatment of cellulose pulp. The method includes the steps: providing said cellulose pulp (1), providing a determined quantity of white liquor (2) including alkali and sulphur components, providing an oxygen-containing gas, oxidizing (5) the sulphur components of the white liquor by the supply of a part of said gas in such a way that at least a part of the sulphur is present in the form of sulphate, transporting the cellulose pulp having a certain kappa number to at least one mixing device (4), and supplying the oxidized white liquor from the oxidizing step to the cellulose pulp, supplying a part of said gas to the cellulose pulp in said mixing device, mixing the cellulose pulp with the oxidized white liquor and said gas in said mixing device, and transporting the cellulose pulp from said mixing device to a delignification reactor (6) for oxygen delignification of said cellulose pulp, wherein the kappa number is reduced.