Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘HGC Josef Lemper’, characterized by its upright plant habit; dark green-colored leaves; large white-colored flowers; and relatively early flowering.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Cante Dereds’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounded growth habit; freely basal branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit with many flower umbels per plant; flower umbels with numerous dark crimson red-colored single flowers; and resistance to leaf oedema.

Abstract: A new and distinct double-flowered ‘Impatiens walleriana’ plant name ‘TiCoPur’, producing bright purple flowers; dark green foliage; compact growth habit; fully double flowers held above or beyond the foliage on strong peduncles and pedicels; and a compact mounded growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘HGC Lady Freckle’, characterized by its upright and mounded plant habit; dark green-colored leaves; attractive single white-colored flowers with red purple-colored spots; and relatively early flowering.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Double Impatiens plant named ‘Didi Carmine Two’, characterized by its compact, upright, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; and red purple-colored flowers that are fully double and positioned above and beyond the foliage.

Abstract: A new garden rose plant of the hybrid tea class which has abundant, deep 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 miniature rose plant which has abundant, pink flowers and attractive foliage. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for year round production in commercial glasshouses. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus nucipersica), and which is denominated varietally as ‘Burnectfifteen’, and which produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, clingstone nectarine which is mature for harvesting approximately July 5th to July 12 under ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Genfivio’ that is characterized by semi-double purple red flowers, medium green foliage and an early to medium flower response.

Abstract: The invention relates to shelving, in particular, shelving consisting of components which are assembled with securing elements. The invention contains a frame having a back wall, a pair of side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall attached to each other with a plurality of tabs and corresponding slots located on the back wall, side walls, top wall and bottom wall. The back wall, side walls, top wall and bottom wall are constructed of folded material which provides rounded edges that limit damage to material stored on the shelf. A securing bore is located on each of the tabs and is milled to a particular diameter corresponding to the type of material used to construct the shelf and the load supported. A plurality of safety bars are inserted through the securing bore located on each of the tabs. The safety bars prevent the removal of the tabs from the corresponding slots and help secure the shelf.

Abstract: A disposable loading unit is disclosed for use in conjunction with a surgical stapling apparatus configured to sequentially apply a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The apparatus includes an actuation assembly for effectuating a fastener applying operation, and a housing for receiving and releasably supporting the disposable loading unit.

Abstract: An inventive bib comprising a hoop made of memory material, a collar for fitting around a wearer's neck and a body portion for protecting the chest of the wearer. The hoop communicates with the collar and both the collar and hoop can be expanded to form a neck opening for placing on a wearer's neck. Upon releasing the expanding force on the hoop, the hoop naturally contracts due to its memory material construction. The contraction of the hoop provides an encircling force upon the collar and the collar thereby encircles the wearer's neck to form a snug fit.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint for selectively restraining the movement of a person. The inflatable restraint includes an inflation unit, a harness, and a plurality of selectively inflatable chambers connected to the harness. The chambers are strategically positioned around selective parts of a body of the person and held in position by the harness. When the inflation unit is activated the plurality of selectively inflatable chambers are caused to inflate thereby restricting movement of the selective body parts of the person.

Abstract: Applicant's invention is directed to a garment for donning or removing clothing, in particular, a surfer's wetsuit, the garment comprising a tubular skirt/wrap having an open upper end and an open lower end, the open upper end securable about the waist of a surfer, the tubular skirt/wrap having hand and arm apertures formed therein proximate said upper end for insertion of the user's hands and arms for removal and donning of street clothes and removal and donning of a wetsuit, the garment formed of a combination of waterproof and absorbent panels.

Abstract: A high visibility safety garment for wearing by an individual exposed to a higher than normal risk of injury from vehicular traffic. The safety garment complies with the visibility requirements of a published standard such as the American National Standards Institute for High Visibility Safety Apparel. The safety garment has one or more high visibility safety stripes that encircle the torso. The safety stripe is formed of a plurality of separate but closely spaced stripe segments in a generally repetitive pattern that is substantially continuous for the length of the stripe. The stripe segments are formed of a retroreflective material. The stripe segments occupy a portion of the total area of the stripe sufficient to impart to the stripe a coefficient of retroreflectivity that meets or exceeds that required by the standard being addressed for the safety garment.

Abstract: A protective poncho type outer garment to be worn about the upper body torso of a person wherein the main body panel has a shoulder portion with a neck opening for passage of a wearer's head and front and back panel portions which are open at the sides. Outwardly extending sleeves are provided for the wearer's arms and the sleeves have forearm and upper arm portions wherein the forearm portions are continuous closed tubular sleeves and the upper arm portions are open at the bottom for alternate protrusion therethrough of the wearer's arms. A first adjustable waist belt is secured to opposite sides of the front of panel portion and it is provided with a buckle fastener for securement of the first belt at the back of the wearer. Similarly a second adjustable waist belt is secured to opposite sides of the back panel portion and is also provided with a buckle fastener for securement of the second belt at the front of the wearer.

Abstract: A pair of shorts with a padding attached to the outside over the crotch and lower abdomen area so the wearer can rest the butt of a fishing pole on their abdomen in the customary position used for fighting fish. The padded fishing shorts can also be made to where the padding is attached to the frontal crotch area by means of hook and loop material attachment strips. Also, the shorts can be provided with an attachment tang by which a drink koozie can be attached to the shorts so a fisherman can have both hands free to reel in a fish.

Abstract: A device and article of clothing to adjust the article to reveal a portion of the body such as an abdominal area is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment a means for adjusting is a cinch device including an elastic cord with mating snaps on a the cord and article of clothing. The cord is attached through an adjustable section of material in a manner to permit the material to be gathered or bunched together when the cord is drawn. The cinch is selectively securable by the snaps in one or more positions. In a preferred pants embodiment of the invention, the adjustment changes the distance between the waistline and crotch of the pants to increase or decrease the distance between the waistline and crotch to variably cover or reveal the lower abdominal area of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention is a belt loop cover. The belt loop cover is preferably attachable to and detachable from a belt loop and provides a decorative element for clothing. Various optional attachment systems attach the belt loop cover to the belt loop.

Abstract: A helmet is particularly well suited for cold-weather use. The helmet includes a jaw shield that is detachable from a head portion. A breathing mask connects to the jaw shield via a mask adjustment mechanism that selectively axially moves the breathing mask toward and away from an inner surface of the jaw shield to precisely and accurately position the breathing mask against the nose and mouth of the helmet's wearer. A spring-loaded quick-release tinted shield is controlled by a lever that selectively raises and lowers the tinted shield. An eye shield pivotally connects to the helmet and is disposed in front of the tinted shield. An eye shield heating system on the eye shield electrically connects to the head portion of the helmet to provide electric power to the heating system.

Abstract: The invention is a buckle assembly for adjusting length of the band for swimming goggles comprising a buckle body formed with a band support portion onto which a flexible band having a plurality of stop members longitudinally disposed therealong are wound, and a slider connected to the buckle body for slidably moving between a first position and a second position for the band support portion. The slider comprises a band pressing piece which presses and holds the flexible band at a first position thereby one of the flexible band stop members is stopped by the band pressing piece and the slider is moved to a second position when the flexible band is extended by being pulled, and another of the flexible band stop members is stopped by the band pressing piece and the slider moves to a first position when the flexible band is contracted by being released from pulling.

Abstract: Hip protector (10) worn primarily by the elderly, preventing/reducing hip fractures, resulting from a fall. The protector is made of all-soft materials using a matching pair of hip protective holsters (14/24) interconnected by a waist encircling belt (16) from which a pair of protective pad pouches (20) are suspended in the holsters over the user's hips and secured in place by leg encircling bands (18/26). The protective pouches include foam bodies (54) with underlying, intermediate, spacer elements (42) and a bottom cover (50), all in combination creating an enclosed, moisture-holding, air chamber (80). The protector is worn under clothing (under pants, bed clothes or swimming trunks, etc.), light weight, easily put on & removed, does not interfere in daily living (sleeping, usual body movements, restroom or bathing activities, etc.), and, when the user sweats, the surface of the user's skin under the hip protector is maintained dry using “one-way-moisture flow” material.

Abstract: A toilet plunger apparatus includes a handle and an air compression/expansion bellows portion connected to the handle. The bellows portion includes a distal end. A substantially rigid offset-angle adapter is connected to the bellows distal end. The offset-angle adapter includes a first adapter arm portion having a first arm outer diameter and a second adapter arm portion having a second arm outer diameter. The second adapter arm portion includes an open distal arm portion end. The second arm outer diameter is less than the first arm outer diameter, and the second adapter arm portion is oriented with respect to the first adapter arm portion at an arm-to-arm offset angle which is preferably, approximately 135 angular degrees. An adapter kit having an offset-angle adapter in accordance with the invention can be provided for retrofitting a conventional bellows-type toilet plunger.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drain strainer installation and maintenance are disclosed. In one embodiment, a drain strainer assembly includes a housing having an interior chamber and defines an opening leading to the interior chamber. Inlet and outlet ports are disposed through the housing, and at least one coupling device couples the housing to a support wall such that the opening is at least approximately parallel with the support wall. The assembly further includes a strainer member positioned in the interior chamber at least partially between the inlet and outlet ports, and a door member covering the opening.

Abstract: A toilet accessory concealment and toilet bowl evacuation apparatus designed to conceal common bathroom accessories as well as provide one with limited knowledge of plumbing systems with a safe and effective way to reduce the water level in a water closet bowl, or toilet bowl, to facilitate cleaning. The apparatus includes a water-tight primary compartment, a water-tight secondary compartment, and a cover configured to cooperate with the primary compartment and obscure the view of the inside of the primary compartment. The primary compartment is sized and configured to conveniently house a toilet brush, or other bathroom accessory, and retain a first predetermined quantity of liquid when the brush is not in the compartment. The secondary compartment is sized and configured to conveniently house a roll of toilet paper, or other bathroom accessory, and retain a second predetermined quantity of liquid when the roll of toilet paper is not in the compartment.

Abstract: A spa cover lifter comprising opposing left and right side arm supports spaced apart to receive opposing left and right cover side surfaces between the same. Each side arm support has an upper end adapted to rotatably support a portion of the spa cover and an opposing lower end. Each side arm support is rotatably mounted to a spa side. Extending from the right side arm support, around the back spa side, to the opposing left side arm support is a lower linking member having opposing ends spaced apart to pivotally attach to the respective spaced apart left and right side arm supports. The linking member can pivot relative to the side arms, about a substantially horizontal axis to define a linking member pivot angle which is the angle between each side arm support and the linking member. The pivotal attachment point of the lower linking member to the respective side arm support is adjacent the respective lower end thereof.

Abstract: A air selection control valve and assembly capable of controlling the flow of air into a water conduit to accelerate, decelerate, or pulse the rate of water flowing in combination with a hot tub spa assembly is described. This invention makes use of the control of the air inlet to control the pulsing of water. This invention also describes an innovative multi-way control valve system that can be controlled by as few as a single solenoid for pulsing some or all of the jets of a standard hot tub spa.

Abstract: An alcove whirlpool seat of the present invention includes a seat member, a seat back, and arm portions on opposite sides of the seat back. The seat back and at least part of the arm portions substantially define a whirlpool area and the arm portions define an open span through which the legs of a user extend when he is seated in the alcove whirlpool seat. At least one jet nozzle is used to direct a stream within the whirlpool area. The at least one jet nozzle, the seat back, and the arm portions together create a whirlpool within the whirlpool area. Exemplary alcove whirlpool seats may be an angled-arm embodiment or a horseshoe embodiment. An alcove whirlpool seat spa system has an interior spa area. One or more whirlpool areas are defined by one or more alcove whirlpool seats within the interior spa area. Within the interior spa area (and outside the whirlpool area) is a spa water flow. The whirlpool flow within the whirlpool area is substantially separate from spa water flow.

Abstract: A device for attachment to an existing shower water supply to provide a primary shower head for normal delivery of water during a shower and a secondary shower head for delivering an adjustable mixture of water and moisturizing lotion to the body of the user.

Abstract: A P-trap device for plumbing drainage systems is shown. The device has a first tubing element having a pipe attachment bell at one end and a first coupler portion at the other end and a second tubing element having a pipe attachment bell at one end and a second coupler portion at the other end, wherein said first and second coupler portions are sized and shaped to be coupled together. The device further has at least one of said first or second tubing element being a generally unshaped section sized and shaped to trap water therein. A connector to releasably couple said first and second coupler portions together is included, the connector including a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket, first coupling portion and second coupling portion are sized and shaped to permit the first and second coupler portions to be coupled together over a range of angles to form a leak resistant joint without introducing stresses into the plumbing system.

Abstract: A baby crib includes a bed frame structure, a fabric member mounted on the bed frame structure to define a surrounding wall around the bed frame structure, and a plurality of positioning posts mounted on the fabric member. The bed frame structure includes a plurality of upright tubes, each of which has a tube wall defining a receiving hole and having a slit that extends along the length of the tube wall and that is in spatial communication with the receiving hole. The positioning posts are inserted respectively into the receiving holes in the upright tubes. The fabric member is clamped between each upright tube and a corresponding positioning post, and extends outward through the slit in each upright tube.

Abstract: An enclosure for a crib or playpen includes a dome-shaped top and a box-shaped bottom structure completely enclosing the interior of a crib or playpen. The enclosure includes a flap in the dome-shaped top to allowing a parent or guardian to easily place a child in or remove a child from the crib or playpen. The enclosure also has features which prevent a child from opening the flap.

Abstract: A spring-support lath for supporting upholstery of furniture includes a lath body defining a longitudinal direction and having a pair of longitudinally extending U-profiles. Each U-profile is of U-shaped cross-section open in a downward direction and spaced apart in a lateral direction. The U-profiles are interconnected at their longitudinally spaced ends by end pieces and by fixed links situated intermediate the end pieces. The fixed links are spaced apart longitudinally, and at least some of the fixed links include a fastener structure such as a T-shaped member or an oblong hole for connecting to spring elements.

Abstract: A nap roll includes a base panel with padding, and an integral covering or sheet that forms an extension of the base panel but without padding. An integral pillow is provided and attaches to the base panel. The nap roll may be placed in a rolled configuration and secured as by straps. Optionally, a carrying case may be used to store the nap roll when placed in the rolled configuration.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and method including a bed and a therapeutic mattress having a cover therefor. The bed has a frame and a therapeutic mattress with a plurality of inflatable air chambers; a cover on the mattress has a generally planar extent sufficient for covering at least a portion of the mattress; a plurality of spaced apart bolsters extend upwardly from the top surface of the cover adjustably connected and oriented generally parallel to a periphery of the mattress; a plurality of connectors is positioned on the cover and are engageable with the mattress and/or the bed frame to thereon secure the cover; the plurality of bolsters includes at least two bolsters sufficiently spaced apart along a lateral periphery of the mattress to therebetween leave a gap to aid ingress and egress of a person, and at least one bolster positioned along the foot of the mattress.

Abstract: A set of sheets includes an upper sheet with a top panel and a lower sheet with a bottom panel. In conjunction, the upper and lower sheets are sized, structured and configured to enclose a mattress. A waterproof panel is positioned between the upper sheet and the top of the mattress to protect the mattress from damaging exposure to moisture and liquids, including bodily fluids. In several embodiments, the upper sheet and waterproof panel are removable for washing and changing thereof while the lower sheet remains fitted to the mattress, thereby avoiding the need to lift or move the mattress when changing the sheets. The waterproof panel may be independently removable to selectively control air permeability of the sheets, and particularly the upper sheet.

Abstract: A pair of carabiner mounting members are rigidly mounted or mountable to each top rail of a basket rescue stretcher. The carabiner mounting members are mounted or mountable spaced longitudinally apart along the each top rail. Each carabiner mounting member extends into the stretcher cavity and defines a carabiner receiving opening which lies in a first plane which is perpendicular both to a vertical second plane containing the corresponding top rail to which the carabiner mounting member is mounted or mountable and to a horizontal third plane which contains the pair of top rails on opposite sides of the stretcher.

Abstract: A cushion construction includes a center cushion portion having superposed top and bottom cushions and a plurality of peripheral cushions, each formed from two fabric layers with a filling therebetween. An insert end of each peripheral cushion is inserted between the top and bottom cushions with the outer end exposed beyond such that all of the peripheral cushions can be arranged in an assembled condition at positions around the outer edge of the center cushion portion with the outer ends exposed to simulate petals of a flower. Patches of hook and loop fastening materials fasten each peripheral cushion between the top and bottom cushions and allowing release of the peripheral cushions and the center cushion portion for individual use.

Abstract: A tension relieving apparatus for the arms and neck which combines a generally oblong shaped pillow with first and second ends having attached connecting members which are further attached to first and second resiliently tensioned arm supporting members. The interior portion of the pillow is at least partially filled with a cushioning material conformable to the shape of a portion of the human neck. The arm supporting members allow insertion therethrough of human wrists and forearms and once so inserted generally sustain the forearms at a right angle to the upper arm. Via downward pressure on one or more of the arm members, compensating tension is applied to the neck affording the wearer simultaneous neck support and gravity negating ability to maintain one or more arms in a preferred position for typing activity.

Abstract: A diaper changing station includes a support platform configured for supporting a child and having a bottom surface and side surfaces. The support platform is hingedly fixable at an edge with respect to a wall to move between an open position and a closed position against the wall. A panel is configured to overlie and cover at least a portion of the bottom surface and to be generally exposed when the support platform is in the closed position. A frame structure is configured to engage the bottom surface and side surfaces of the support platform for securement thereto. The frame structure secures the panel with the support platform. A lip is formed around the side surfaces of the platform. An edge of the frame structure abuts the lip when the frame structure engages the support platform to present a seamless appearance. In another aspect, the changing station includes a backer plate coupled to the base and having a cleat. Another backer plate is mounted to a wall and has a cleat.

Abstract: An overlay mattress has a plurality of internal elevating means, such as inflatable bladders, for raising selected portions of the mattress to achieve a wide range of patient positions. A fluid such as air may be supplied from a conventional surgical room air supply, a compressed canister, or a compressor to inflate the bladders. A fluid distribution system controls the flow of fluid to desired bladders. The overlay mattress may be used in conjunction with conventional surgical tables and mattresses. A thermal control means is also included in the overlay mattress to regulate a patient's body temperature. A pressure shifting means is also included to reduce the risk of bedsore formation.

Abstract: The power toothbrush, which has a rotating brushhead movement, includes a housing with a motor mounted therein having an armature which in operation rotates through an arc of predetermined magnitude. The toothbrush also includes a brushhead mounted on a shaft which is connected to an output mass. A spring assembly couples the armature to the output mass, the spring assembly including two spring portions with a node point therebetween, wherein when the armature rotates, the brushhead moves in an opposite direction. The frequency of the movement of the armature is set equal to the resonant frequency of the spring coupling system and the output assembly.

Abstract: Multi-directional wiping elements are disclosed. The wiping elements comprise intersecting squeegee segments that provide top wiping squeegee edges and side wiping squeegee edges. Devices utilizing the multi-directional wiping elements of the present invention can include bristles that are configured to simultaneously wipe a working surface with the wiping elements. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the multi-directional wiping elements are utilized in a toothbrush cleaning head that is configured to be operated manually or, alternatively, is motorized and is configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or move according to a combination thereof.

Abstract: An agitator includes an axle, a pulley having a hub mounted to the axle and a belt receiving face having at least one lengthwise channel and a sleeve of molded material received over the axle and in the at least one lengthwise channel. A method of constructing an agitator from an axle and pulley includes the fitting of the axle into the pulley, the injecting of plastic resin into one end of the agitator forming mold on a first side of the pulley and the directing of plastic through at least one channel in the pulley to a second side of the pulley.

Abstract: A wiper assembly having a wiper frame and a wiper boot is provided. The wiper boot includes an upper wall integrally connected between two side walls. A lower leg is integrally connected to each side wall at an end opposite that of the upper wall. Each lower leg runs transversely and inwardly from the side walls, the lower legs integrally connecting to a u-shaped wall. The upper wall, the side walls, the lower legs, and the u-shaped wall define a cavity that receives the wiper frame. The wiper boot is made from silicone elastomer that preferably includes approximately 30 to 60 weight percent of polyvinylmethylsiloxane, approximately 15 to 40 weight percent of filler, approximately 0.1 to 10 weight percent of pigment, and approximately 0.1 to 10 weight percent of catalyst.

Abstract: A wiper system for use with a windshield is provided and includes a wiper arm having a first and second end. The first end of the wiper arm includes a reaction surface disposed thereon while the second end includes a wiper blade biased into engagement with the windshield. In addition, a drive motor is fixedly attached to the first end of the wiper arm, whereby the drive motor includes a drive shaft operable to pivot the wiper arm across the windshield. A separator assembly is further provided and is supported by the drive shaft. The separator assembly is disposed within the arm and is operable to react against the reaction surface of the arm to selectively lift the wiper arm from engagement with the windshield.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a squeegee and brush holder in combination with a bucket for holding a liquid consisting of a first portion having a plurality of suction cups for adhering to the inside of the bucket and an outer portion having three openings, the outer portion extending outwardly from the bucket for holding the brushes and squeegees in an upright position.

Abstract: A low pressure blower operated airknife having a housing with an elongated primary air discharge orifice for directing a narrow width curtain of air. The airknife includes an air-augmenting shroud which defines auxiliary discharge orifices on opposite longitudinal sides of the primary air discharge orifice such that air discharging from the primary discharge orifice creates a low pressure condition adjacent the auxiliary air discharge orifices for drawing additional air through the auxiliary discharge orifices which augments the velocity and volume of the discharging air current without the necessity for increasing the air inlet pressure or blower size. The shroud may take alternative forms, including pairs of wings disposed on opposite sides of the primary discharge orifice or hollow structures that surround the airknife housing. The airknife further is adapted for low pressure direction and application of air laden particles, such as preatomized liquid particles.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a cyclone dust collector 4, arranged in a suction air passage, for separating dust by making sucked air into a whirling stream. The cyclone dust collector 4 has an inlet port 41a through which the sucked air is introduced, a dust collection chamber 41 for collecting separated dust, a lid 42 for opening and closing the dust collection chamber 41, an exhaust cylinder 44 through which the sucked air is discharged out of the dust collection chamber, and a shielding member 46 arranged below the exhaust cylinder 44. Dust is separated as a result of a whirling stream of air colliding with shielding ribs 46b and a circular portion 46a of the shielding member 46.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a housing to be moved along a surface to be cleaned. Within the housing, a cleaning ribbon is disposed between a supply reel and a take-up reel. A portion of the cleaning ribbon is held parallel to, and in substantial contact with, the surface to be cleaned, for attracting and retaining smaller debris. Another portion of the cleaning ribbon is configured to create a particle trap. A rotatable brush, also disposed within the housing, sweeps larger debris into the particle trap. The supply reel, the take-up reel, the cleaning ribbon, and/or the rotatable brush are alternatively included in a cartridge which is detachably secured within the housing.