Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Whip Pur’, characterized by its low trailing, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; single flowers that are red purple in color; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lavender plant named ‘Barcelona Rose’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching, dense and bushy plant form; and violet-colored flowers with showy light purple-colored terminal flower bracts.

Abstract: A new climbing garden rose plant which has abundant, pink flowers and attractive foliage. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Amri Orch’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and rounded growth habit; freely basal branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit with many flower umbels per plant; and flower umbels with numerous light red purple-colored single flowers.

Abstract: A solid diagnostic device for the quantitative determination of substances of biological affinity in biological fluids is described. A process is also described in which the biological fluid is brought into contact with a specific functional sector of the device, the fluid migrates through several functional sectors situated beside one another and containing suitable reagent components, and one or more substances of biological affinity are detected in such functional sectors which contain, for each substance to be detected, at least one combination partner of biological affinity, attached to a solid phase.

Abstract: A stab proof vest, wherein at least a portion of the stab proof vest includes a plurality of elements, and a coupling member for coupling adjacent the elements together. Each side of the elements is provided with at least one projection and at least one depression adjacent to the projection, and a coupling hole into which the coupling member is inserted. The projection of one element is engaged with the depression of an adjacent element. The common coupling member is inserted into each the hole of adjacent elements and is secured thereto in order to couple the adjacent elements.

Abstract: A protective face shield comprising a mask portion and a handle portion, the mask portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The mask portion is readily operatively attachable to and removable from the handle portion, and the interior surface definines a cavity adapted to accept a substantial portion of a users face.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a convertible cape having a moisture impermeable body with straps 30 having at least one fastening member 32 positioned on at least one strap 30 distal end. The present invention 10 can be converted from a collapsed or cape-like form 22 to an expanded or bag-like form 16 having a cavity 38 therein. The moisture impermeable body is comprised of two planar sheets 58, 60 of malleable moisture impermeable material having spaced apart side walls 56 positioned between the sheets and connected thereto. The opposing moisture impermeable sheets have spaced apart side walls 56 which are connected at both distal ends thereby forming a cavity 38 having an open end 42 and straps 30. The open end 42 is sealed during processing having a means for expanding the parallel coplanar malleable moisture impermeable materials such as a tear strip or perforation 34 whereby the enclosure can be selectively expanded by removal of the tear strip or separation along the perforation 34.

Abstract: A foldable formative cap capable of opening automatically, which is mainly comprised of a cap body and a hair hoop. Wherein, two sides of the cap body have folding lines and can be folded, and there is a supporting seat arranged in each left and right side of the top face of the hair hoop additionally, and the upper portion of the supporting seat is connected and secured at an appropriate position of the folding lines at the two sides of thecap body by the means of a fixing structure.

Abstract: A trouser belt is provided having a strap, a buckle and a keeper. The strap has a first and a second end and includes two substantially nonelastic portions and a short elastic portion. The short elastic portion is located between the two nonelastic portions and provides a limited amount of lengthwise expansion to the strap. The buckle is attached to the first end of the strap to secure a portion of the strap adjacent to the second end of the strap. The keeper is mounted adjacent to the buckle to hold the second of the belt to the first end of the belt. Preferably, the keeper is secured to the strap adjacent to the buckle and the short elastic portion is located substantially beneath the keeper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shield mounting device used when a shield adapted to protect a front side of a helmet user is assembled to a body of a helmet. A shield mounting device of a helmet comprises a base plate having a guide with a circular rim wall and fixed to a body of a helmet; a connection member forming in an inner surface of the shield and engaged to an inner surface of the guide; a locker assembled to an outer surface of the rim wall of the guide and locking and unlocking the connection member engaged to the guide; an insertion groove formed in an inner side of the rim wall of the guide; a protrusion piece formed on an outer surface of the rim wall; and an engaging piece formed in an outer surface of the connection member and inserted into the insertion groove.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a convex shaped helmet 20 for encompassing the back of the head 14 of a user 18 having adjustable retaining straps 22, 24 extending across the front and the top of the head 14. The helmet 20 is positioned engaging the back 12 of the head 14 with an adjustable strap extending across the forehead 22 along with an additional adjustable strap 24 extending medially from the first strap engaging the helmet at its distal end. The straps 22, 24 prevent shifting of the helmet 20 during use. The helmet 20 is comprised of an external shell manufactured from an impact resistant material and has an interior layer of a compressible material 30 to engage the wearer's head 14. Means for adjusting 28 the straps 22, 24 are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method of securing apparel to protective equipment is provided. In particular, the system includes an apparel attachment member defining a first side having an adhesive coating that secures the apparel attachment member to the protective equipment, and a second side having a plurality of hooks that removeably engage a plurality of loops located on the apparel.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifting device, for use in lifting a toilet seat lid and selectively simultaneously lifting a toilet seat, having a housing, a handle slidably mounted within the housing, a hook attached beneath the handle and an adhesive pad located on the housing. The adhesive pad is affixed to the toilet seat lid. The user slides the handle between an outward position when only the toilet seat lid is being lifted, and an inward position where the hook engages the toilet seat so that when the handle is lifted the toilet seat will be lifted along with the toilet seat lid.

Abstract: A spa cover lift and cover construction that easily accommodates use with odd sizes and shapes of spas. The construction uses a column which is positioned at a single location about the periphery of the spa. A foot piece can be included at the bottom of the column which slips under the spa to use the weight of the spa and water to help hold the cover lift and cover securely. The column is preferably adjustable in height. It has pivot arms which extend in recesses formed in the underside of one half of the cover. The pivot arms extend from the column out to the side edges and are looped to form a handle and return that further supports the cover on the lift. The pivot arms may have tail ends that engage a bumper when the cover lift is retracted. Control arms may be pivotally connected between the column and pivot arms to resist erratic movements.

Abstract: A sauna for vaporizing a liquid has a body with an exhaust area, and a handle. The handle is connected to the exhaust area and the handle is for grasping the sauna. The sauna has a heater in the body for changing a state of the liquid to a vapor with the vapor having a number of droplets. Each of the droplets has an initial droplet size. The sauna also has a device. The device is in the body. The device changes the initial droplet size of the droplets in the vapor exiting the exhaust area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chair device for assisting handicapped or non-ambulatory persons to bathe or shower in a conventional setting. The chair device of the present invention has side flap portions provided with water dispensing holes wherein the side flap portions are pivotally attached to a seat portion to aid in reaching hard to reach areas of the body when bathing.

Abstract: A stand is described for supporting a hammock, the stand having a set of two legs on each end. The two sets of legs are joined together by a covering arch which extends up and over the hammock providing shade therefor.

Abstract: A slip resistant cover for various articles has a central, substantially non-stretchable sheet and a border of a cross-extensible strip around the perimeter of the sheet. The strip can extend incrementally from its relaxed state by at least 150% under tension of 160 g/cm of strip width or less. Preferably the strip has an open mesh net structure. The slip resistant cover is suitable for covering diverse items, including bedding materials, vehicles, equipment, furniture and the like.

Abstract: The invention preferably includes a platform for attaching to patient carrying devices such as litters. The platform preferably is capable of attaching to accessory clips connected to medical instruments that are useful for carrying for a patient.

Abstract: A stretcher comprising a molded frame assembly having a first frame pole and a second frame pole interconnected by a spreader bar for maintaining poles in a laterally spaced arrangement. A bed member is carried by the frame poles adapted for receiving and supporting a person. The molded frame assembly is constructed of a composite of 50% to 85% polyamide resin and 15% to 50% fiberglass by weight to resist hazardous materials and allow for decontamination of the frame assembly. The frame poles are constructed from a plurality of frame arms. A hinge pivotally connects abutting ends of frame arms, and a hinge support carried opposite the hinge further interconnects frame arms to increase the structural rigidity of the hinge. The frame poles having a hollow interior cavity to reduce weight with reinforcing members disposed in the cavity running the length of the cavity to resist bending and twisting.

Abstract: A unitary support for holding and cushioning the head and face of a surgical patient has a resilient body of molded foam. The resilient body has a cavity formed in the upper face for receiving and cushioning the head and face of a patient. The resilient body has access openings therein for additional apparatus, such as an endotracheal tube, and to permit viewing of the patient's face during surgery. The resilient body has stiffening structure to prevent constriction of the openings during use and to prevent constriction of an endotracheal tube or similar apparatus.

Abstract: A support pillow for supporting an infant during nursing, comprises a generally U-shaped base having two free ends, a top surface and a bottom surface, and two infant securing straps attached to the base. The straps are adapted to be wrapped over an infant resting on the top surface of the base and be removably connected to each other to secure the infant on the base.

Abstract: A gelatinous cushion includes a base member made of fibrous material, and a cushioning member attached onto the fibrous base member and made of gelatinous material for cushioning purposes, and having an outer peripheral surface and a number of orifices for cushioning purposes. An outer covering film is further applied onto the outer peripheral surface of the cushioning member, to cover the cushioning member, and to form a smooth outer surface for the cushioning member, and to prevent dirt from attaching onto the sticky cushioning member, and/or to prevent the sticky cushioning member from sticking onto various objects, such as users.

Abstract: A crowned mattress having an inner spring unit with a plurality of spring members, a foam layer, and a cover. Peripheral edges of the inner spring unit are compressed together by compression members to provide a crowning or bowing of the inner spring unit that is translated into a crowning of the mattress. The foam layer can also be crowned to provide additional crowning. Spring members within inner spring unit can be reinforced by resilient members to increase an effective spring rate of a reinforced spring member. Reinforced spring members are dispersed throughout the inner spring unit in a desired pattern.

Abstract: An improved method for detecting a laundry weight in a washing machine employing a sensorless BLDC motor is provided. The motor is rotated until the washer reaches a first speed. The washer then operates in a torque control mode for a predetermined amount of time, and a laundry weight is then determined based on a speed of the motor after the predetermined amount of time has elapsed. In this manner, laundry weight can be accurately determined and the laundry can be effectively washed. Additionally, since a washing machine employing this improved method for detecting does not require a hall sensor and its peripheral circuit manufacture is simplified, and thus cost may be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for washing in a washing machine, which can measure an accurate washing load before actual washing is carried out. To do this, the present invention provides a method for controlling washing in a washing machine, including (a) introducing laundry into a drum of the washing machine, (b) measuring an initial washing load caused by the introduced laundry, (c) repeating water supply to the drum for a fixed time period for maintaining a minimum water level determined by the initial washing load, taking water absorbed to the laundry into account, (d) after the preset water supply time period, determining a final washing load in the drum based on a number of water resupply times for an elapsed time from the initial water supply, and (e) washing the laundry by a washing method preset according to the determined final washing load.

Abstract: The dock leveler is adapted to be mounted to a loading dock and includes a ramp, a guard, and a biasing member. The ramp is rotatably coupled to the loading dock and the guard is rotatably coupled to the ramp. The guard is rotated between a raised position that forms a barrier and a lowered position that permits loading equipment to freely pass. The biasing member is coupled to the guard and biases the guard toward the raised position when the guard is in the raised position and biases the guard toward the lowered position when the guard is in the lowered position.

Abstract: A submersible robotic pool cleaner is provided with an integral sealed rechargeable battery and an inductive charging assembly, a first portion of which is mounted in the pool cleaner housing and during the charging, receives a second separate portion that is connected by a cable to a conventional power source. The pump motor drive shaft is treated with a specialized anti-friction lubricant composition to minimize frictional energy losses where the shaft contacts the seal(s) and any shaft bearing(s), to maximize efficiency and minimize the power consumption of the pump motor assembly and permit the pool cleaner to completely traverse the surfaces to be cleaned within the fully-charged power capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A cleaning processing system for applying a cleaning processing to a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer comprises a cleaning processing section including a plurality of process units each serving to apply a predetermined treatment to a wafer W and a loading/unloading section 2 for loading and unloading the wafer W into and out of the cleaning processing section.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a substrate includes a cleaning member, a cleaning member carrier for holding the cleaning member and bringing the cleaning member into contact with a substrate to be cleaned, and a sensor for detecting a presence/absence of a cleaning held by the cleaning member carrier. The substrate is cleaned by causing relative movement between the cleaning member and the substrate while keeping the cleaning member and the substrate in contact with each other.

Abstract: An adhesive roller construction for detritus removal having an elongated strip. The elongated strip includes a backing layer and an adhesive layer overlying and covering one side of the backing layer. The other side of the backing layer has an adhesive release surface. The strip includes a first end, a second and two spaced-apart side edges. A portion of at least one side edge of the strip is retrorsely folded over and adhesively attached to the adhesively coated side of the strip. The strip is then wound from one end to the other end into a cylindrical roll with the adhesive layer facing outwardly.

Abstract: A toilet bowl brush cleaning system enabling a person to have a easy and sanitary way of cleaning and storing the toilet bowl brush between each use. It's a cleaning system for the toilet bowl brush. The toilet bowl brush cleaning system may be provided with a selected color so as to match the users preferred color. It may also be provided in various shapes and sizes or materials to also suit the users preference. The toilet bowl brush cleaning system is designed to allow the user to put the toilet brush in the cleaning system, into a cleaning agent located in the second level, to be cleaned and disinfected and then pulled back up through a ringer that will ring out the remaining liquid. Then the toilet brush will be stored in the first level thus allowing any cleaner that may remain on the brush to drain off into the second level. The toilet bowl brush is now ready for its next use.

Abstract: Adapter plates which can be used with a cleaning implement are provide. These adapter plates can be removably attached to a dry or wet cleaning implement in order to allow a consumer to use longer and/or larger sheets or pads without having to purchase a complete cleaning implement. These adapter plates may have elevational elements at the bottom surface to improve the efficiency of cleaning by creating pressure zones in the sheet or pad. These adapter plates may also have a scrubbing element secured at one edge of the plate for heavy stain removal.

Abstract: A gutter-cleaning tool set consists of a lightweight, adjustable or fixed length pole, a gutter-shaped blade, a gutter-shaped brush, a metal pin to lock the blade or brush on the end of the pole and a nylon string to secure the pin to the holding pole, the tool set is designed to collect deposits such as fallen leaves and roof debris in the gutters and to brush the rain gutter for thorough cleaning.

Abstract: A wiper assembly wipes precipitation and debris of a windshield of a motor vehicle. The wiper assembly includes a drive motor fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. The wiper assembly also includes a wiper arm secured to the drive motor. The drive motor pivots the wiper arm across the windshield to clean the windshield. The wiper arm extends between a motor end and a distal end. The wiper arm also includes a separator extending along the wiper arm. The separator lifts the wiper arm away from the windshield allowing for the removal of debris from the windshield and the wiper arm.

Abstract: The wiper pivot unit for smoothly absorbing a load applied from the outside of a vehicle. The wiper pivot (1) has a pivot shaft (3), a pivot holder (4) and a toothed washer (5). The pivot shaft has a small-diameter section (31) and a large-diameter section (32). The toothed washer is fitted on the large-diameter section to constrict it with a predetermined force. The toothed washer slips off the large-diameter section when a load of a predetermined value or more acts upon the pivot shaft. When the toothed washer is shifted to the small-diameter section, the pivot shaft descends smoothly along the pivot holder.

Abstract: A floor scrubber includes a forward cylindrical brush with adjustable down pressure. The cylindrical brush is sprayed uniformly with a controlled amount of water or solution and moves debris forward with a direct propelling action into a collection hopper. A set of three disc brushes is located behind the cylindrical brush, followed by a suction liquid recovery device for suctioning spent solution. A control system allows independent use of the forward cylindrical brush, or the rear disc brush set, or all brushes. A floor-engaging flap having a central opening extends transverse of the machine behind the cylindrical brush to channel water from the cylindrical brush to the disc brush set and then to the suction recovery device.

Abstract: A suction port assembly of a vacuum cleaner. The suction port assembly has a pair of suction paths formed at a front and a rear portions of a bottom of a suction port body, respectively, so as to enhance the cleaning efficiency, and due to a presence of an elastic member formed at a front edge of the suction port body as shock-buffer, the reduction of the durability incurred by the collision with an external obstacle is prevented. Meanwhile, in case that a floorcloth is rotatably disposed on a lower surface of the bottom of the suction port body, since the suction port assembly further includes a floorcloth cover protruding from the bottom of the suction port body toward a cleaning surface, the safety of a user is guaranteed.

Abstract: A floor cleaning unit is provided. The floor cleaning unit includes a base for movement along the surface. A nozzle assembly is removably attached to the base for pick up and removal of liquid and dirt. Such attachment is accomplished by providing the nozzle assembly with a slide latch that slidably engages a channel formed in the base.