Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Honey Yograceland’, characterized by its uniform and outwardly spreading plant habit; strong and freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored foliage; uniform flowering response and habit; early flowering habit; large anemone-type inflorescences; light orange bronze-colored ray florets; and good postproduction longevity with plants maintaining good substance and color for about three weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Bodtruwhi’, characterized by its mounded and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching habit; and numerous large white-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Orinoco Yellow’, characterized by its daisy type inflorescences with yellow and red purple bi-colored ray and yellow green-colored disc florets; strong and erect flowering stems; early flowering response; good postproduction longevity; and resistance to Chrysanthemum White Rust.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helenium plant named ‘Helbro’, characterized by its upright and somewhat outwardly spreading plant habit; freely basal branching growth habit; freely flowering habit; large upright-facing inflorescences with yellow and red bi-colored ray florets; and strong and erect peduncles that tolerate wind and rain.

Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Padmos Time Pink,’ having a good uniform canopy of pink decorative flowers. The new variety has a tall vigor, free branching, uniform spreading habit and a good foliage presentation.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named ‘Gum Drop White’, characterized by its compact, upright and uniform plant habit; freely branching growth habit, dense and bushy growth habit; green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit with numerous flowers per plant; and small mostly double flowers that are white in color and held above and beyond the foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘Bodcomcar’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; and red purple-colored flowers with flowers held above and beyond the foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named ‘Gum Drop Mandarin’, characterized by its compact, upright and uniform plant habit; freely branching growth habit, dense and bushy growth habit; green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit with numerous flowers per plant; and small mostly double flowers that are light red in color and held above and beyond the foliage.

Abstract: Portulaca ‘Yubi Primrose’ is a new variety of Portulaca oleracea. This plant has a vigorous, spreading plant growth which produces a pale yellow flower.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Managua Orange’, characterized by its daisy type inflorescences with orange-colored ray and green-colored disc florets; strong and erect flowering stems; early flowering response; good postproduction longevity; and resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.

Abstract: A new and distinct Argyranthemum plant named ‘Danaranblush’ characterized by having red ovate ray florets and orange-white colored bell-shaped disc florets when fully opened; bush type vigorous growth with numerous inflorescences per plant; use in the garden as a single plant or planted in groups, as well as use as a border plant and suitable for planting in pots due to its compact growth habit; and growth in full sunlight or partial shade.

Abstract: A turret (11) is clamped to a tool rest main body (10) by a pair of coupling members (27). During indexing rotation for selecting a tool, the tool rest main body (10) and the turret (11) are moved relatively in a Z-axis direction, and the pair of coupling members (27) are unclamped. At this time, the tool rest main body (10) is moved in the Z-axis direction relative to a lathe main body (100) in synchronization with the relative movement in the Z-axis direction between the tool rest main body (10) and the turret (11). This movement of the tool rest main body (10) is adjusted in direction and moving distance so that the relative movement between the turret (11) and a spindle table (1) is eliminated. As a result of this movement control, the turret (11) and the tool fitted to the former do not have relative displacement to the spindle table (1) and to a work, so that the danger of mutual interference among these constituent elements and the work can be eliminated.

Abstract: A method and system for authorizing an electronic credit card transaction having enhanced measures for detecting fraudulent transactions. A user at a remote terminal attempting to conduct an electronic credit card transaction is prompted to input the user's credit card information, address, and social security number. The information input by the user is retrieved and used for identification purposes. Initially, the input credit card information is submitted to an issue of the user's credit card to determine whether the input credit card information is valid. The social security number input by the user is next checked against a separate social security number database to determine if it corresponds to the user. A database having a stored list of social security numbers is accessed, wherein each of the stored social security numbers includes at least one address stored therewith corresponding to an address of an individual identified by the respective social security number.

Abstract: A quick release skip pole strap system includes a novel ski pole strap that attaches to a ski pole grip. A locking mechanism within the ski pole grip automatically engages with a strap pin. A button attached to a side of the ski pole grip, when depressed, causes the strap pin to automatically eject from the ski pole grip decoupling the skier from the ski pole. The skier can depress the button without having to remove his hands from the ski pole grips. The ski pole strap in one embodiment is made of an elastic material that automatically pulls the pin from the ski pole grip and holds the ski pole in a “ready to plant” position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing visibility of damping wire artifacts in aperture grill display tubes comprises a sensor device for locating the artifacts and responsively generating amplitude values, a processor for receiving the generated amplitude values and responsively calculating correction values, and a compensator device coupled to the processor for utilizing the correction values to correct said artifacts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic agent for diabetes, which comprises glucose labelled with 13C at a specific position, or pyruvic acid labelled with 13C at least one specific position. According to the present invention, there is provided a diagnostic agent for diabetes which can be used safely without side effects to give accurate results immediately with less physical pains on the subject. The present diagnostic agent for diabetes can distinguish between healthy persons and patients with diabetes even under the circumstances where the patients are easily missed, and further it can determine the type of diabetes (insulin-dependent type or insulin-independent type).

Abstract: Aspirin compositions for oral and topical use are stabilized by reaction with potassium hydroxide.

Abstract: An apparel-related entertainment system includes an article of clothing having pre-printed thereon a first indicia that is a sentence segment including a noun, a verb, and a preposition and, therebeneath, a strip of hook-and-pile material. The system further includes a packet of letters of the alphabet, each provided on surfaces having a backing of a hook-and-pile material, each of the surface proportioned for press-fittable placement upon and within the strip on the article of clothing to, when positioned upon the strip, form a second indicia that is an object or object phrase of the preposition to complete a sentence including the sentence fragment of the first indicia.

Abstract: A glove, for allowing convenient and mess-free eating when on the go, comprising a wrist portion, a palm portion, and a plurality of fingers. A pocket is attached to the fingers and has a top opening within which a food item may be placed. A user dons the glove by placing one hand into the glove. A food item is placed within the pocket and is partially exposed at the top opening of the pocket. The user may eat the food item while it remains in the pocket. After eating, the glove is grasped by the wrist portion and turned inside out in order to envelope the remaining food item and food debris.

Abstract: In a protective hood having an upper head-covering section, an anterior head-covering section, a posterior head-covering section, and a lower neck-covering and shoulder-covering section, the lower neck-covering and shoulder-covering section differs from each of the other sections in abrasion resistance properties, thermal insulation properties, and moisture barrier properties, or one or two of those properties. Preferably, the lower neck-covering and shoulder-covering section has plural layers, which include an outer abrasion-resistant layer, an intermediate thermally insulative layer, and an inner moisture barrier layer.

Abstract: An undergarment that provides protection against mild to moderate incontinence by using a layer of hydrophilic fabric placed in an absorption region. The fabric most commonly used will be sheared terry cloth. The terry cloth is treated with a strongly hydrophobic polymer material to form a chemical barrier so that moisture will not readily pass through the cloth. This absorptive panel is then simply sewn into conventional undergarments.

Abstract: New lightweight wrestler headgear comprises an inner soft plastic cushion for contact with the wearer and an outer hard shell having a plurality of swirling or sweeping curved protrusions intended to suggest the swirling clouds of a tornado. In the depressions or valleys between the swirls are a large number of vent holes that effectively remain uncovered for good hearing regardless of the activity during a wrestling match. The inner cushion and outer shell are peripherally shaped with concave outer edges between locations where straps are attached to the inner cushion and outer shell. Because of the novel peripheral shapes and the protruding swirls the outer shell can be made exceptionally light and strong with little impairment of hearing.

Abstract: An undergarment for use by a hockey player comprising a one-piece torso portion having a head opening, leg openings and arm openings; a neck guard assembly comprising an integral neck guard coupled to the torso portion adjacent at the head opening, and a releasable attachment means coupled to the neck guard to permit the neck guard to be securely positioned on a neck of the player; a sock support positioned adjacent to each of the leg openings; an opening to permit the hockey player to don the undergarment; and a zipper positioned so that when closed the undergarment and the sock supports are retained in place on the hockey player.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a protective enclosure is provided. The protective enclosure is used to form a fabric barrier surrounding a patient to prevent contamination from the patient from spreading. The protective suit provides access panels so that a limited area of the patient may be accessed for treatment purposes. The method and apparatus allows a patient to be retained within the protective suit during transport and while receiving treatment. The protective suit thereby limits the spread of contamination to the surrounding environment, including health care personnel and diagnostic machinery.

Abstract: A sanitary system including a toilet adapted for use in a recreational vehicle, and a recreational vehicle including the toilet and sanitary system.

Abstract: To make a toilet seat with a washing machine inexpensive and enhance its safety, it comprises a support plate (6) provided in a rear portion of the toilet seat (2), an injection pipe (10) provided in the support plate (6) so as to freely come out forward from the rear portion of the toilet seat (2), an arm (15) provided in the support plate (6), the arm protruding forward in one side portion of the toilet seat (2), an operation device (16) provided in the arm (15) so as to freely move forward and backward, an interlocking mechanism (20) interlocking the forward and backward movement of the operation device (16) with the forward and backward movement of the injection pipe (10), a water stop valve (30) provided in the support plate (6), the water stop valve allowing to supply water to the injection pipe (10) and shutting the water supply, and a link mechanism (32) provided between the operation device (16) and the water stop valve (30), the link mechanism interlocking the forward and backward movement of the op

Abstract: A vacuum tank assembly includes a vacuum tank that has a low profile and will fit in small, and particularly low height, compartments of a boat or RV. The tank is connected to a vacuum toilet and a vacuum pump during use. The tank preferably has a generally rectangular prism configuration, and has a front surface in which openings for receipt of a dip tube assembly, sewage inlet (from the toilet), and vacuum switch are provided. The dip tube assembly includes an adaptor operatively connected to the vacuum pump and an evacuator component which has a generally tubular configuration and a substantially flat open bottom closely overlying the bottom interior of the tank. A locator tab cooperates with a cut out in the tank front surface to properly position the evacuator open bottom adjacent the tank bottom.

Abstract: A water-saving toilet includes a two-stage flush button, a water-storing area and a drain way formed in the interior of a toilet bowl and a valve control device positioned in the bowl and consisting of a valve, a valve cap, a drive rod, and an operating rod. The valve is positioned in water-storing area, having a passageway, with the valve cap deposited on the valve to close and open the valve. A push rod is connected under the valve cap, extending in the valve. In using, first, pressing the operating rod pushes up the valve cap to open the valve so urine with water remaining in the water-storing area flows into the drain way. Then press the flush button for a low volume of water to be flushed out in the bowl.

Abstract: A multi-function portable lavatory apparatus is provided that may be used as a self-supporting portable seat in conjunction with a conventional toilet, as well as a minimal contact portable seat in conjunction with portable bathroom facilities that typically comprise a fixed toilet seat mounted directly upon a waste holding tank

Abstract: An enclosure including a quasi-bathtub embedded in a structure and underneath a treatment hood has a shallow, substantially rectangular, practically flat bottom and a longitudinal basin extending from the head side. The basin is and has less depth than the tub. Air evacuation ports are on a ledge of the tub and air intake ports slightly project above the upper ledge of the tub. A semi-cylindrical, removable hood fits on the upper ledge of the tub. A blower is connected between the evacuation ports and air intake ports. Pivoting manifolds are connected to laterally orientable shower heads. Red and blue lights are alternately on for stimulation and relaxation, respectively.

Abstract: A fountain water toy generally for use in a bathtub or pool is described. The toy generally comprises an at least partially submersible pump that is fluidly coupled with a fountain amusement assembly. The assembly includes one or more spouts through which water is streamed. Interchangeable characters heads or other fanciful representations are provided to place over the spouts such that when in operation water streams from the character heads. In one preferred embodiment, the amusement assembly comprises a faceplate assembly that removably mounts to a vertical surface such as the wall of a bathtub enclosure. The faceplate assembly of this preferred embodiment is fluidly connected to the pump through tubing. The pump is powered by a low voltage battery power source and as such there is no threat of shock or serious injury should the batteries that are normally sealed within the pump housing become exposed to the water.

Abstract: An emergency washing unit flexibly connected to a service sink faucet, wherein water flow through the unit can be initiated by simply grabbing the unit and squeezing the handle operator on the unit. The unit can be directed anywhere onto the person using it because of its connection to a water supply via a flexible hose. The unit may be mounted on brackets that hold it in a position closer to the user. A vacuum breaker can be used to prevent possible contamination caused by unwanted flow back of used water through the washing unit into the faucet.

Abstract: The futon sofa bed frame featuring a quick assembly system and method for fitting the back-deck into position between the arm panels. A futon sofa bed frame featuring a quick assembly system and method for attaching the seat-deck to the back-deck that may be converted between seating, lounging, and bed positions while standing at the front of the futon frame and the method of assembling a futon sofa bed that is easier to manipulate and is more durable in operating than conventional futons.

Abstract: A hammock is described which has a bed surface of quilted strips contiguously interwoven into a surface that is soft and relatively smooth. Each strip comprises an interior fill layer of polyester fiber stitched in place between a top layer and bottom layer of weather resistant fabric.

Abstract: A patient transport system for transporting a patient from a magnetic resonance imaging system to a second imaging system includes an elongated member and first and second coupling mechanisms. The elongated member has an upper surface configured to support a patient. The first coupling mechanism is coupled to the elongated member and is configured to removably couple the elongated member to the magnetic resonance imaging system. The second coupling mechanism is coupled to the elongated member and is configured to removably couple the elongated member to a second imaging system.

Abstract: A multi-use pillow including a body member of generally cylindrical geometry having at least two elongated flat attachment strips, each preferably comprising a loop fastener material on one surface of the strip and having a smooth surface on the opposite side surface of the strip, and being attached to the outer surface of the body member with their respective loop-bearing surface exposed outwardly.

Abstract: A sequentially or serial inflating seat cushion comprising at least three transversely aligned inflatable air bladders connected to a pump and timer. The air bladders are inflated sequentially, from front to back, over a period of approximately eleven seconds and simultaneously deflated to slowly pump blood upward in the legs thereby reducing blood pooling. Connected to the pump is a valve that keeps the air bladders inflated a selective amount of time. The cycle is then repeated continuously. Located adjacent to the back air bladder is a transversely aligned, non-inflating seat section which continuously supports the user's ischial tuberocities to prevent slippage over the seat. An alternate embodiment offers a split seat option with six inflatable bladders.

Abstract: An air inflatable mattress and mattress coverlet are provided for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers (i.e., pressure sores or bedsores). The mattress incorporates a user selectable static or alternating air powered support surface for more uniformly redistributing pressure exerted on a patient's skin. The mattress coverlet encompasses a low air loss feature independent of the mattress's user selectable air powered support surface. Such low air loss feature provides a patient contact surface exhibiting a high moisture vapor transfer ratio in conjunction with a forced air flow to aid in reducing the moisture and heat near the patient's body. Both the mattress and mattress coverlet are driven by an external control system which houses the user controls, as well as the necessary pumps, regulators, and valving.

Abstract: A mattress core is defined by a base core to which is bonded upper and lower corrugated outer layers each having oppositely directed corrugations, and side rails bonded to at least sides of the base core. The side rails have a height corresponding to the distance between valleys of opposite corrugated outer layers. The mattress core and mattress have an ILD range of substantially 26 ILD to 50 ILD for the side rails, 24 to 40 ILD for the base core and 12 to 45 ILD for each of the corrugated outer layers. The base core and the outer layers also collectively define a torso firmness zone and opposite head and foot firmness zones with the torso firmness zone being substantially between 20% to 30% more dense than the head and foot firmness zones. Ends of the mattress core and mattress are devoid of end rails.

Abstract: A multi-function utility and survival tool, which incorporates a whistle, flint rock fire starter, an alumina-rod blade sharpening device, a honing stone, a glass shattering device, and a light reflecting signal device. All individual elements of this tool are combined into a single unit making it practical and convenient to use.

Abstract: A knock-down quarter pipe for bikers, skateboarders and in-line skaters has a base, and a plurality of legs extending up from the base, the legs having lower ends lying in a common plane. A deck is supported by the legs at a selected elevation above the base, the deck having front and rear edges and a surface extending between those edges that is substantially parallel to the plane. A ramp extends from the front edge of the deck down to the plane, that ramp having a lower leading edge that is located in that plane and spaced in front of a base. Preferably, the base and at least the lower end portion of the ramp may be filed with a fluid medium to add weight to and lower the center of gravity of the quarter pipe. Preferably also, a rigid coping rail is located between the front edge of the deck and the ramp which can function as a grind rail.

Abstract: A swimming pool pressure cleaner (20) of the type motivated by water flow through it having: a set of two wheels (22a, b) rotatably mounted to the body (24); a turbine housing (38) having a water-flow chamber (40) with an inlet (70) and an outlet (74), the inlet held in proximity to the pool surface (54); a vaned rotor (48) rotatably mounted in the chamber; one or more one venturi jets (66a, b) secured to the body and oriented to direct water into the inlet to rotate the turbine and cause flow from the pool into the inlet; a drive member (76) secured to the rotor and a drive train extending to the wheels for synchronous rotation on the pool surface; a cam (100) rotatably secured to the body and driven by the rotor through reduction gearing (106); and a linkage (94) from the cam to one wheel (22a) to periodically interrupt the synchronous rotation of the wheels on the pool surface and change pool cleaner direction.

Abstract: The adjustable ceiling fan blade cleaner consists of a clamp that connects around the body of a ceiling fan motor via a two-member telescoping ring. Two arms project out the end of the cleaner. Each arm then has a section of cloth that hangs down and slightly drapes over the fan blade in much the same manner as a flag. Thus as the blades of the fan turn, the cloth swipes off any dust. When dirty, the cloths are simply slid off of the end, washed, and then replaced. Disposable, one-time cleaning cloths may also be used as well. The use of the attachable duster for ceiling fan allows for virtually effortless cleaning of ceiling fan blades in a manner, which is quick, easy and effective.

Abstract: A wiper system (1) for vehicles, having at least one wiper lever linkage (3) that has at least one wiper arm (35), and a method for operating the wiper lever linkage (3), are proposed. The wiper lever linkage has a first pivot lever (5), which can be coupled to a stationary first shaft (21) in a manner fixed against relative rotation, and a second pivot lever (7) that can be coupled to a stationary second shaft (29) in a manner fixed against relative rotation, the pivot levers being connected in articulated fashion to a coupling element (9). The wiper system (1) is distinguished in that the coupling element (9) is embodied in multiple parts and has a first coupling part (11) and a second coupling part (13), which are coupled to one another with the aid of a joint (15).

Abstract: A wiper system has a driveable wiper arm (20) guided at one end on the motor vehicle. A long-straggling wiper blade (12) capable of being placed against the window (16) with a wiper strip (22) is detachably hinge-mounted via a connection device (18) that has a pivot bolt (24) on the arm side. The axis of articulation of the pivot bolt extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade in the working direction of the wiper system. The system includes a coupling part (26) on the wiper-blade side in a center section of the wiper blade (12) on its side opposite from the window (16) having a bore-like bearing receptacle for a pivot bolt (24). The bearing receptacle is provided with a bottleneck (94) capable of being expanded elastically to the diameter (92) of the pivot bolt.

Abstract: A vacuum unit used to vacuum lawn debris includes a vacuum unit body having at least first and second inlet openings and at least one flap that can be adjusted to selectively cover and open the second opening. The vacuum unit body includes a flap adjustment member that is located within the second opening and that includes a contact surface that contacts the flap. Preferably, the flap adjustment member has one end that is adapted to receive a vacuum hose. The flap adjustment member can be placed into a first position where it causes the flap to open the second opening and a second position where it permits the flap to cover the second opening. The vacuum hose has a handle that can be attached to the vacuum unit handle permitting the vacuum hose to remain permanently attached to the vacuum unit even when the vacuum hose is not being used.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting device for a vacuum cleaner includes a cyclone body and a cyclone housing for separating the contaminants from the air. The cyclone housing includes a cyclone cover and a dust collecting container. The cyclone cover has a cylindrical shape, one end of which is coupled to the cyclone body. The other end is a slanted end with a through-hole formed therein and a centrally located dome-shaped protrusion. The dust collecting container also has a slanted end, which is detachably engaged with the slanted end of the cyclone cover. The other end of the dust collecting container is tapered to correspond with the slanted end of the cyclone cover. The slanted end of the cyclone cover protects a grill in the cyclone dust collecting device during operation and removal of contaminants from the dust collecting container.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body having a vacuum generating apparatus disposed therein and a suction brush disposed at a lowerportion; a cyclone unit for separating contaminants from contaminant-laden air and discharging a contaminant-free air through an outflow passage interconnected with the vacuum generating apparatus, the contaminant-laden air being drawn in through an inflow passage interconnected with the suction brush; a dust receptacle removably connected to an underside of the cyclone unit for collecting the contaminants separated by the cyclone unit; a longitudinally movable locking unit for connecting to and separating the dust receptacle from a lower portion of the cyclone unit by longitudinally moving the dust receptacle upward and downward; and a means for preventing an incorrect connection of the dust receptacle to the lower side of the cyclone unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and a second cyclonic stage positioned in series with the first cyclonic cleaning stage. The second cyclonic stage comprises a plurality of second stage cyclones. A passage connects the first cyclonic cleaning stage outlet and the second stage cyclones inlets. The passage does not increase in cross-sectional area in a downstream direction.

Abstract: An Adjustable Reinforcing Hinge is disclosed. Also disclosed isa hinge that replaces a broken or otherwise damaged door hinge. The reinforcing hinge is easily adjusted once installed in order to achieve superior alignment between the door and door jam. The hinge is further dimensioned so as to simplify the initial locating and mounting of the hinge on the door and door frame. The process for installing the reinforcing hinge includes the use of the specially-dimensioned elements of the hinge to also act as alignment guides during the location and installation of the reinforcing hinge.