Abstract: Vari ramp blankets holding X-ray file, 14? by 17? in dimensions, in pockets on top of the vari-ramp inlets on an F-15 aircraft have been used by us for the detection of foreign objects, i.e. washers, bolts, safety wire. These blankets ensure inspection consistency each and every time the aircraft is X-rayed when it is grounded after flight or is in phase. The blankets are placed on top of the F-15 vari-ramp, taped securely in place and film is placed individually in the pockets. The placement and the consistency of results that the blankets provide enhances the accuracy and duplicability of the overall X-ray process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquefaction reactor with three distinct elements. First, an anchor type mixer with vertical blades near the reactor wall is used to prevent accumulation of viscous materials near the reactor wall. Second, the center shaft of the anchor mixer doubles as an auger mixer to provide vertical mixing and to draw any floating, unmelted waste below the surface. Finally, a dead zone nozzle at the bottom of the reactor is used to accumulate inorganic, undissolved solids and facilitate removal of these solids.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘Lan Depink’, characterized by its compact, low and outwardly spreading, and decumbent plant habit; freely branching habit; early and uniform flowering habit and deep hot pink-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘Rap Orch’, characterized by its compact, low and outwardly spreading, and decumbent plant habit; freely branching habit; early and uniform flowering habit and bright purple-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘Rap Burg Two’, characterized by its compact, low and outwardly spreading, and decumbent plant habit; freely branching habit; early and uniform flowering habit and dark red purple-colored flowers.

Abstract: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mini Penny’ is a mophead with compact, mounded habit, leathery, lustrous dark green, mildew resistant leaves, which reblooms on new growth without the need for cool temperatures and short days.

Abstract: A new Clematis cultivar which is well suited to propagation in glasshouses. With a tall growth habit, profuse, lavender double flowers, and continuous summer flowering. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for cultivation in commercial glasshouses. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from propagation.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Hebe plant named ‘Clear Skies’ that is characterized by a compact, upright habit, steel-blue foliage and violet-blue flowers in summer. In combination these traits set ‘Clear Skies’ apart from all other existing varieties of Hebe known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Brugmansia plant named ‘Miner's Claim’ that is characterized by upright, spreading habit, variegated cream-white and light green foliage, and large salmon-pink flowers. In combination these traits set ‘Miner's Claim’ apart from all other existing varieties of Brugmansia known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new garden rose plant of the floribunda 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 distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Storm’, characterized by its upright plant habit; dark green-colored foliage; freely flowering habit; large decorative spider-type inflorescences that are about 10.7 cm in diameter; attractive white-colored ray florets; response time about 58 days; strong peduncles; and good postproduction longevity with inflorescences and foliage maintaining good substance and color for about two weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Ivy Geranium plant named ‘Dueacanta’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely basal branching habit; freely and early flowering habit; and dark pink-colored double flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Ivy Geranium plant named ‘Dueamelia’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely basal branching habit; freely and early flowering habit; and red purple-colored double flowers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry named ‘Driscoll Osceola.’ The variety is similar to the varieties ‘Biscayne’, and ‘Madeira’. The variety is distinguished from ‘Biscayne’, and ‘Madeira’, in particular, by a an orange red internal color of the fruit, a fruiting truss length of about 16.6 cm, a flat terminal leaflet margin profile, an obtuse terminal leaflet teeth shape, a dense petiole pubescence, a cordate fruit shape, and a very narrow band without achenes on the fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of landscape shrub rose plant is provided which forms on a continuous basis in clusters attractive semi-double rich medium pink blossoms blended with rosy pink and white. The plant exhibits a compact, upright and bushy growth habit, satiny medium green foliage, and excellent tolerance to Black Spot and Powdery Mildew. The attractive medium green foliage contrasts nicely with the pink blossom coloration. A tough rose plant of good hardiness is provided. The plant can be grown to advantage as a specimen, border planting, or as a mass planting.

Abstract: A ring binder adapted to be secured to an article by at least one integral rivet, the ring binder comprising a substantially rigid integral upper plate supporting a pair of pivotable lower plates to which a plurality of ring members are mounted, the rivet comprising (1) a barrel that is in direct engagement with the upper plate and (2) a plurality of claws for securing the article, wherein at least 75% of said claws extend away from a longitudinal axis of the barrel. Also disclosed is a rivet adapted to secure a ring binder to an article, the rivet comprising (1) a barrel for engaging the ring binder and (2) a plurality of claws for securing the article, wherein at least a majority of the claws generally extend away from a longitudinal axis of the barrel.

Abstract: An aquatic sports garment having an outer layer, provided with at least one multi-layered zone including at least the outer layer and an underlying layer which, in a protective zone, lines the skin in an elastically deformable manner so as to protect it from contact with the outer layer, in that the underlying layer has a fixing zone, whereby it is fixed directly or indirectly to the outer layer, and wherein, at least in the protective zone, the two layers are free from one another.

Abstract: A goggle having a frame and lens assembly, a mask attached to the goggle assembly, and a strap securing member.

Abstract: A protective garment of the type typically worn by fire fighters with improved water resistance is disclosed. In particular, the present invention is directed to an outer shell material for protective garments that is made from a fire resistant material coated with a durable water resistant coating. The durable water resistant coating is applied to the outer shell in a manner so that the coating will not degrade when exposed to normal wear and tear and even after the garment has been laundered repeatedly. Protective garments constructed in the past typically lost most of their water repellency after being laundered as little as five cycles. It has been discovered that water resistant coatings applied according to the process of the present invention, on the other hand, can survive at least 30 laundry cycles, and in many applications at least 50 laundry cycles without significantly degrading.

Abstract: A protective glove is set forth. It is constructed to protect snag prone garments and especially hosiery. It is intended to be worn by a person donning or doffing such garments to protect those garments from rough skin, fingernails and jewelry on the hand or wrist that may be worn on either hand. It may also be worn by persons working with the delicate materials in industry. The glove is generally of a mitten configuration constructed from one or two pieces of a slick finish fabric or synthetic material and joined on the edges with a coating on the exterior side of the pieces except on the finger and thumb tip area which gives greater grip control without snagging the garments. The coating provides a non-snagging gripping area to allow the user to control the garment especially while donning while having the slick fingertip and thumb tip to allow a smoothing action to prevent folds and wrinkles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device for use with a sports helmet as a means of reducing neck and spinal cord injuries that are common to contact sports. The preferred embodiment of the inventive device is intended for use with a sports safety helmet. The device comprises an elastic cord having a fastening member at a first end that engages a complementary fastening member disposed on the safety helmet. A second end of the elastic cord attaches to an adjustable strap that attaches to a belt disposed on the body of a user. In operation, the device provides resistance to the user's ability to hold his head in a lowered position. It is appreciated that holding the head in an upright position reduces the risk of accidental neck and/or spinal cord injury due to collisions.

Abstract: Pool covers embodying the invention are formed of a very dense mesh material which ensures substantially one hundred percent shade while allowing water to pass uniformly through the cover and which is adequately strong to support the weight of an adult. The pool cover is formed of plastic fibers which are interwoven to form a dense mesh which is then subjected to a pressure and heat cycle to ensure that the resultant material has the requisite properties for allowing water to pass through at a desired rate (e.g., 0.1 to 5 gallons per square foot per minute) while blocking light (e.g., 100% shade). Thus, a self-filtering safety pool cover is formed which allows for water to pass through uniformly across its surface while blocking sunlight.

Abstract: A lid support bracket assembly for supporting a pool cover box lid includes a wall mount and a bracket angularly adjustably coupled to the wall mount.

Abstract: A playing pool includes an upper ring, a middle ring and a bottom sheet made from a flexible and water-proof plastic sheet by thermal fusion. The upper ring is a rolled hollow ring, and the middle ring and the bottom sheet are made from a sheet. The middle ring has an upper side and a lower side to connect the upper ring and the bottom sheet by thermal fusion to contain water. The middle ring is formed from an integrated and elongated plastic sheet and formed with a plurality of trapezoids that have a narrower upper side, a wider lower side and slant lateral sides to mate different perimeters of the upper ring and the bottom sheet. Every two neighboring trapezoids are bordered by a wedge type slit notch directing vertically from the upper side to the lower side thereof. The two lateral sides of two neighboring trapezoids are connected by thermal fusion to form the middle ring to contain water. The integrated middle ring can enhance the resistant force against water pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning the exposed drain in finished surfaces in construction with the underlying drains and conduits of the construction infrastructure. The device features an inner generally planar center section, preferably round, with an off center drain aperture communicating between a top surface and a bottom surface. The center section is rotatably in a similarly shaped aperture formed in the surface material surrounding the underlying drain which can also be formed in a surrounding tile to be placed over the drain or in the finished material itself. Once the off center drain aperture is aligned with the underlying drain with the perimeter of the center section aligned with the aperture in the surrounding material, the center section is placed into the similarly shaped aperture and fixed in position with adhesive or grout and the drain strainer may be mounted into the off center drain aperture.

Abstract: A soaking apparatus utilizing a soaking basin and a disposable liner configured to fit within the basin cavity. The basin is comprised of a material layer formed to define an integral floor and a peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The basin floor and peripheral wall together define the boundary of a basin cavity. An elongate protrusion protrudes from the floor into the basin cavity between left and right foot areas. The liner is comprised of a thin (e.g., 3-12 mils) material layer formed to define an integral floor and peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The liner floor and peripheral wall are dimensioned to closely nest within the basin cavity. The liner floor also defines left and right foot areas spaced by a protrusion projecting into the liner cavity. The underside of the liner protrusion forms a concave recess for accommodating the basin floor protrusion.

Abstract: A toilet lifting and transport device. The device has forward legs and rear legs, with the forward legs being selectively deployable in an open configuration for lifting and transporting use, and a closed configuration for storage. A screw lift is positioned on at least one horizontal support that is positioned between the rear legs. The lifting device is coupled to a toilet fixture via a tank strap and bridge straps. Lifting of the toilet fixture is then accomplished utilizing the screw lift. Transport of the lifting device with the toilet fixture thereon is accomplished by rolling the lifting device on wheels located on the bottoms of the rear and forward legs.

Abstract: A bath waste 10 is described including an overflow head 12 having an inlet, and an outlet portion 16 connectable to a down pipe 18, the head 12 and the outlet 16 being connected by a ball and socket joint 34. The joint 34 is factory-sealable to prevent users accessing the joint. Embodiments of the invention may also include a faucet outlet on the head, and a lever-operated bath plug actuator. The bath waste 10 is preferably produced from brass.

Abstract: A wheelchair convertible into a gurney that includes a main frame, a rear frame and a supplemental rear frame pivotally secured to the rear frame. The main frame includes a back portion pivotally secured to a seat portion which is pivotally secured to a leg portion. The rear frame is pivotally secured to the back portion. A guide arrangement is provided that coacts with the supplemental rear frame and the main frame whereby the main frame is in a first position. The back portion, seat portion and leg portion are arranged so that they are in different planes and when the main frame is in a second position, the back portion, seat portion and leg portion are arranged so that they are in a gurney position.

Abstract: A cradle includes first and second frames in the form of an inverted “U”, the legs thereof crisscrossing and being connected to one another by sliding clamps in the crisscrossing point. Above the crisscrossing points, the structure has a third frame supporting a basket. The third frame is hinged to opposite points of the legs of the second frame and linked to the first frame so that altogether there are at least three connecting points between the first, second and third frames. An element adjustably joining both parts of the first and second frames is provided beneath the crisscrossing points, the element fixing the degree of opening between the frames thereby regulating the height of the basket.

Abstract: A bed rail is disclosed for use with a bed. The bed rail includes a fold controller to control foldable movement of the bed rail.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly of bedclothes for a mattress for making a bed, and more specifically, to: a mattress cover; a bottom sheet; a top sheet; one or more blankets; a bed assembly covering in the front of a bedspread, comforter or duvet cover; and a dust ruffle; and to a method of assembling and fastening said bedclothes assembly. A second embodiment provides for the top and bottom sheets to be integrated.

Abstract: A table is provided for positioning a patient for a medical procedure on a breast, the table comprising: a supporting platform having a back end for supporting the patient's legs and a front end for supporting the patient's torso while the patient is in a prone position, and a cavity at the front end for allowing the breast and a surrounding axilla region to be pendantly suspended therethrough; and an armrest for positioning and supporting a forearm such that a shoulder adjacent to the axilla region is at a desired height, wherein the armrest is lower than the platform.

Abstract: A surgical table which includes a patient support surface 16 for receiving a patient, a vertically-movable support column connected to and supporting the patient support surface, and a pair of four-bar linkages for laterally tilting patient support surface relative to the support column. The support column includes a base that is mounted for vertical movement between a first position in which the surgical table is movable on rollers and a second position wherein the base contacts the floor to lock the position of the surgical table during a procedure. One or more trays may be pivotally connected to the patient support surface and selectively deployed to hold objects such as surgical instruments.

Abstract: A patient support is provided comprising a support surface, a base, and a lift assembly positioned to support the support surface above the base. The lift assembly includes an actuator configured to adjust the height of the support surface. The actuator includes a housing formed to include first and second cylinders. The actuator further includes a first piston positioned in the first cylinder and a second piston positioned in the second cylinder. The first piston includes a first fluid passage therein. The second piston includes a second fluid passage therein.

Abstract: A pair of opposing pillows is interconnected by a connecting member to provide an adjustable transverse spacing between the opposing pillows. Each asymmetrical opposing pillow is formed with a sloped portion to provide proper support for the abdomen of a pregnant woman sleeping on her side and an adjacent thick portion to provide proper support for the legs of the pregnant woman. The sloped portion is formed with internal baffles to maintain the sloped configuration. The connecting member is attached to the pillow case for one of the pillows and has loop fastener strips affixed in a transversely spaced manner to permit a detachable connection to a hook strip affixed to the underside of the opposing pillow. The pillow case for the opposing pillow is formed with a reinforced opening therein to permit engagement between the hook and loop fastener strips on the pillow and connecting member, respectively.

Abstract: An inflatable seat cushion having separate compartment that can either exchange air between them or not acording to adjustments made by the user. The seat can also be folded into a small package when not in use.

Abstract: A mattress lifter having a base member and tubular lifting elements pivotably supported thereby. Handles at opposite ends enable the homemaker to lift the mattress with ease and convenience.

Abstract: A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. A pump unit is adapted to be fluidly connected to and for providing pressurized air to the first mattress, the second mattress and the bellows unit. The multiple position air mattress can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated, a recessed lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated and atop the second mattress, an adjustable lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress, and a chair position with the first mattress under the second mattress, and the mattresses and bellows unit inflated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a self-propelled running apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface, comprising in combination a rigid transverse motor housing (1), two lateral flanges (6) rigidly fixed on either side of the motor housing (1) so as to form a rigid H-shaped frame (72), a front transverse wall (9) removably fixed to said frame (72), a rear transverse wall (10), a base (11) provided with water inlets (66) and a top hood (5) fixed to the frame (72) provided with a top orifice (4) for water evacuation, a unidirectional hydraulic circuit being provided from the inlets (66) between the transverse walls (9, 10), the motor housing (1) and the flanges (6), up to the top orifice (4) of the hood (5).

Abstract: A method for inhibiting corrosion (18) in the arch of a pipe (10) carrying a multiphase corrosive liquid containing a liquid phase (12) which flows off at the lower part of the pipe (10) and a gaseous phase (14) which flows off at the upper part of the pipe. The method includes the following: a scraper (16) is introduced into the pipe, a joint (27) is provided between the scraper (16) and the inner wall of the pipe in such a way that the scraper is moved along the pipe from top to bottom as a result of the effect of the pressure difference between the top and bottom, a liquid that inhibits corrosion is introduced into the scraper or the liquid is injected into the pipe where it is mixed with the liquid phase (12), the scraper is provided with an uptake and projection device (22) that enable the corrosion-inhibiting liquid contained in the scraper or the mixture contained in the pipe to be taken up, whereby the liquid is projected onto the inner wall of the arch of the pipe as the scraper advances in the pipe.

Abstract: The toothbrush of the present invention comprises an elongated handle having a head attached to one end. The head has a bristle-bearing face having longitudinal perimeter portions adjacent longitudinal edges and at least two perimetric, elastomeric massaging elements alternately arranged with groups of bristle tufts along each of the longitudinal perimeter portions. The brush can comprise further massaging elements which are not located along the longitudinal perimeter portions though the use of such additional elements is preferably minimised. The perimetric massaging elements have rotational symmetry through an angle of 120° or less, preferably being circular. The cross-sectional area proportion of elastomeric massaging elements to bristles on the brush head is less than 25%. Alternately there are four or fewer elastomeric massaging elements which are not perimetric massaging elements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a powered or manual toothbrush having a polymer battery as a power source. The polymer battery contains no heavy metals, making it environmentally safe, and contains no alkaline, making it physically safe. The polymer battery is inexpensive and rechargeable, making it an economical power source for the toothbrush. The small size of the polymer battery saves space in the toothbrush housing, enabling the housing to be smaller and saving on materials of construction. The flexible nature of the polymer battery enables it to be shaped to fit into or around the periphery of the toothbrush housing design.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.

Abstract: A floor mat system for placement directly near an entryway to permit the disinfecting and cleaning of shoe soles and all other surfaces contacting directly with the fibers of the mat. The floor mat system consists of a frame structure either mechanical or rubberized in construction. The top portion being of a carpet type fiber construction, with a hollow center portion and rubberized non-skid backing against the floor and sides. The hollow center portion of the system may be enclosed and a microbicidal component introduced to the carpet fiber portion in a capillary action. Alternatively, the microbicidal component may be contained in a separate enclosed package which is introduced to the carpet fiber portion through spray heads located on the enclosed package in a pressure action activated by weight on the top carpet layer. The floor mat system may also be integrated into other floor or carpet.

Abstract: A wall mountable razor cleaning device including a pad portion mounted on a rear panel. The pad portion includes a textured forward surface. The textured forward surface is capable of removing hair from a razor blade.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus that decreases the number of tightening means and can efficiently carry out connecting and fixing work with respect to integration of a wiper motor and pivot axes with a pipe member. A linkage piece at the second pivot axis side is arcuately formed so as to match half the outer circumference of a linkage pipe member, a linkage piece at the wiper motor side is formed so as to be arcuate, on the inner circumferential surface of which, an external fitting portion of a pipe member along the outer circumference of the linkage pipe member and an external fitting portion of the linkage piece along the outer circumference of the linkage piece are formed. The respective linkage pieces, that are disposed on the outer circumference of the linkage pipe member, are connected in a laminated manner at the position of the external fitting portion of the linkage pieces.

Abstract: A proposed wiper blade serves to clean the windshields of motor vehicles. The wiper blade (10) has an elongated rubber-elastic wiping strip which can be placed in contact against the windshield to be wiped and which is held substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis at an elongated, springing-elastic carrying element (12). A connection device (16) for complementing connection means of a driven wiper arm (18) which are loaded toward the windshield is arranged at the center portion of the carrying element (12). The connection device has two stop surfaces (36) which are located at a distance from one another, extend transverse to the driving direction, are parallel to one another and oriented in planes extending vertical to the windshield, and cooperate with counter-stops of the wiper arm.

Abstract: A steam jet apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, which can be removably mounted to a handle of a vacuum cleaner body to supply a jet of steam to a cleaning surface, and which employs the power supply and switch for the vacuum's attachment accessories. The steam jet apparatus includes a housing comprising a reservoir with an open upper side for holding water, and a steam jetting nozzle formed to be interconnected with the reservoir. A steam generating device is disposed in the reservoir, and when in operation, generates steam from the water in the reservoir. The apparatus has a cover assembly comprising an inner cover connected to the housing to cover an upper side of the reservoir and the nozzle for supporting the steam generating device. The cover assembly includes a cover connected in electrical and fluid communication with the inner cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprises a vacuum cleaner fill tube. The fill tube is configured for the bag to be mounted on the fill tube. The fill tube has an outlet through which a working flow of vacuum cleaner air can exit the fill tube to enter the bag when the bag is mounted on the fill tube. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a valve shiftable into and out of a closed condition in which the valve blocks the air from exiting the fill tube through the outlet.