Abstract: A new miniature rose plant which has abundant, cream-colored 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 spotted dead nettle cultivar named ‘Purple Dragon’, characterized by silver and green variegated leaves and unique in having rich purple colored flowers borne in spring through fall.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of grapevine denominated ‘Sweet Scarlet’ which is characterized by its midseason ripening seedless fruit, attractive raspberry red coloration, its ovoid fruit shape, its firm fruit texture with a light muscat flavor, and its medium to tight cluster.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Gaillardia named ‘Fanfare’ that is distinguishable by a long blooming period, gray-green leaves, a compact, low-growing habit and large fragrant daisy-like inflorescences composed of brilliant yellow-orange colored tubular ray flowers with red coloration to the outside and inside of each corolla. In combination these traits set ‘Fanfare’ apart from all other existing varieties of Gaillardia known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Scaevola plant named Wesscaeam, characterized by its spreading to cascading and uniformly rounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy plant form; freely flowering habit; and solid violet-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Argyranthemum plant named ‘Supacrest’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit, dense and bushy plants; freely flowering habit with numerous inflorescences per plant; anemone-type inflorescence form with purple-colored ray florets and yellow-colored disc florets.

Abstract: A new garden rose plant of the compact floribunda class which has abundant, apricot 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 Lily plant named ‘Simplon’ characterized by having large, upright flowers, white flower color, contrasting reddish brown pollen, and vigorous growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct plum tree variety, Prunus salicina ‘Suplumthirtyfive,’ that is a heavy and consistent producer of early-season (June 16-22) black plums that are larger (66 mm) than other commercial plums in ‘Santa Rosa’ (unpatented) ripening season. The amber-colored flesh is crisp and juicy with sugar levels (17-19° brix) that are higher than other commercial plum varieties harvested at the same time.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Koadore’, characterized by its compact and mounded growth habit; red and yellow-colored flowers; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: ‘SAVasalute’ is a new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant primarily identified by its dark red, non fading flowers of exhibition, hybrid tea form on straight stems held above the plant making them ideal for cutting. Fragrance is so slight as to be of no significance. Its dark green, semi-glossy foliage has shown very good disease resistance in national, outside testing. ‘SAVasalute’ is hardy at least to zone 4 and heat tolerant at least to zone 9.

Abstract: A system and method for altering a driver of a motor vehicle of the approach of an emergency vehicle in an emergency state, comprising a transmitter in the emergency vehicle which produces and transmits a radio frequency signal having a unique audio encoded data signature modulated thereon when the emergency vehicle is in an emergency status, a receiver in motor vehicle which receives the radio frequency signal, demodulates and decodes the radio frequency signal and produces a voltage output when the data signature is present; and an alarm producing device which produces an alarm in response to the voltage output warning the driver of the motor vehicle of the approach of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: A method for mounting safety shields onto eyeglass temples and a kit for carrying out that method. A temple of an eyeglass frame is placed in a channel forming part of a side shield thereafter, a pin is inserted into an opening formed in the side shield to create a force fit between the temple, the channel and the pin which attaches the side shield to the temple. The side shield is placed in its operative position before the pin is inserted into the opening and the force fit resulting from the insertion of the pin into the opening holds the side shield in its operative position. The kit includes a side shield having a longitudinally extending channel into which a longitudinally extending eyeglass temple may be inserted. The channel has an open lateral end through which the temple may be inserted and a supporting lateral end against which the temple may be supported. The side shield further includes an opening extending transversely to both the longitudinal direction and the supporting lateral wall.

Abstract: A necktie knot simulator closely resembling the shape of a necktie knot. Generally consisting of a one piece body with three properly dimensioned, fully enclosed circular apertures, one at the upper right, one at the upper left, and one at the base to provide both a means to thread a necktie through the necktie knot simulator and compressive resistance. The back side of the necktie knot simulator is predominantly open to allow wearer access to the necktie while threading it through the invention. The front surface of the necktie knot simulator can easily be modified to include inlays, logos, patterns or even precious and semi-precious gemstones.

Abstract: Pore-free rubber articles are prepared by dip-molding in a dipping medium that includes a vulcanizing agent, then by immersing the dip former in a heated liquid bath that is chemically inert. A particularly effective liquid bath is molten inorganic salt. In addition, the tensile properties of an article of vulcanized rubber can be improved to an unusually effective degree by immersing the already vulcanized article in a solution of a vulcanizing agent to cause the rubber of the article to absorb or imbibe the vulcanizing agent from the solution, and then immersing the rubber and the imbibed vulcanizing agent in a heated liquid bath to increase the degree of vulcanization.

Abstract: A peak cap (1) having a crown (2) with an inner elastically stretchable band (13) positioned to extend at least partway along a lower encircling edge (10) and a liner of stretchable fabric (12) secured to be on an inner side of the elastic material of the band (13). Also described is a band with the liner in the form of a sleeve (23) through which an elastic member (24) extends and where the liner but not the elastic material is secured to the lower edge of the crown (2).

Abstract: An ear warmer comprises a set of membranes and a frame. The set of membranes collectively defines an outer perimeter. The set of membranes is attached along the outer perimeter to define an attachment portion. The attachment portion is entirely disposed within an interior of the set of membranes. The frame is disposed within the interior of the set of membranes.

Abstract: A chemical/biological hazard protection suit has two pants legs which extend to a midsection below waist level. An opening in the midsection defines an outlet from the suit interior. A waste collector has an upper segment which is fixed to the midsection and which adjoins an intermediate segment which is in turn connected to a waste receptacle. A first seal is between the upper segment and the intermediate segment, and a second seal is between the intermediate segment and the waste receptacle. A region of weakened material encircles the intermediate segment between the seals. A wearer discharges waste through the outlet and past the two open seals into the receptacle, whereupon both seals are closed, and the receptacle is detached from the upper segment, leaving both the receptacle and the suit sealed. Prior to use, the waste receptacle may be retained within a pocket on one of the pants legs.

Abstract: A hip protecting device for minimizing risk of hip breakage upon a fall having a belt from which one or two gas inflatable pockets are suspended substantially over the hip joint or hip joints of a wearer. The hip protecting device further has a means for detecting rate and degree of attitudinal changes of the wearer, a microprocessor and inflation means. Upon detection of both a rate and degree of change in attitude of the wearer outside certain preprogrammed limits, the microprocessor sends a signal to the inflation means thereby causing the pocket or pockets to inflate and cushion the hips from the fall.

Abstract: A disposable, deodorant and splash proof urine dispersing device for placement in a urinal including a framework made of scented plastic material with a horizontal segmented supporting base and a central raised housing. The supporting base includes a plurality of perforated flexible segments and a central bottom frame with a central opening aligned with an outlet or drain in the urinal. The opening is surrounded by the multiple segments such that the device can flex and adapt to urinals of different sizes and designs. The central raised housing includes a horizontal or inclined top member and an upstanding peripheral wall connecting the top member with the central bottom frame in the supporting base. The peripheral wall includes flush relief openings and tapered for easy unit stacking. The top member includes a frame with a plurality of spaced parallel rods having a unique configuration for dispersing urine flow with reduced back splashing toward the user of the urinal.

Abstract: A flushing mechanism for toilet tank comprises an overflow tube (1) provided with a sealing valve (3, 4) co-operating with a discharge orifice (5?) including a first floater (30) mounted on a height-adjusting screw (31) and a second floater (40) mounted pivoting about a fixed pin (41). The adjusting screw (31) is articulated (33) on a lever (34) articulated about a fixed pin (35), the lever (34) is provided with a snug (36) co-operating with a first locking cam (37) and the second floater (40) is provided with a snug (42) co-operating with a second locking cam (43). The invention is applicable to double-volume flushing systems.

Abstract: A portable outdoor toilet (10) with advertising indicia including a platform (12) having a generally circular configuration. A base (18) is positioned atop the platform (12). The base (18) has a generally circular configuration. A cylindrical tube (26) is positioned atop the base (18). The cylindrical tube (26) has an open upper end (28), an open lower end (30), and a cylindrical side wall (32) therebetween. The open lower end (28) is positioned on the platform (12). The cylindrical side wall (32) has an opening (34) therein. The opening (34) has a door (36) hingedly coupled thereto. A roof (38) is positioned atop the open upper end (28) of the cylindrical tube (26). The roof (38) has a generally circular and arcuate configuration. A flexible sheet (46) is adapted for being wrappedly disposed around the cylindrical tube (26).

Abstract: A circular ring wave pool having an island in the center, the pool water depth becomes deeper the farther away from the island to the outside pool wall. A plurality of wave generators encompass the entire outer wall deep side of the pool. All wave generators point directly to the center of the island. Wave generators are synchronized in their action to produce waves that travel around the circular ring shaped pool in an endless loop therefore creating a traveling surfing wave that never ends. Many waves can be generated simultaneously creating a plurality of endless waves moving around the island. The sloping beach is at an angle to create a hollow tube breaking wave depending on wave speed and size. Hundreds of surfers can be in the pool at the same time all sitting out past the wave breakpoint waiting for an available wave to pass.

Abstract: A top for a starting platform at one end of a swimming pool has an upper surface, which is adapted to support both feet of a swimmer in a starting position, and a lower surface, at which the top is mountable so that the upper surface slants downwardly and frontwardly. Ribs on the upper surface slant downwardly and laterally and channels between the ribs slant similarly so as to drain water from the upper surface. Along each lateral edge, an upper trough and a lower trough facilitate grasping by one hand of such a swimmer. The upper trough receives water drained by some of the channels. The front edge is connected to each lateral edge by a unitary grip, which a swimmer in a different position can grasp with one hand.

Abstract: An inventive suction cover for a whirlpool bath includes a rearwardly extending disinfectant chamber. The disinfectant chamber is filled with a supply of a disinfectant. As the whirlpool is operated, water is drawn into the disinfectant chamber and mixes with the disinfectant. This water then passes through an outlet hole and into the suction passage along with the greater volume flow of water having passed through the suction cover. The invention allows the retrofitting of a disinfectant chamber into existing whirlpool bath designs, and further ensures a greater likelihood of presence of disinfectant in the suction line at shutdown for draining of the whirlpool.

Abstract: The water shower apparatus according to the present invention is constructed in a way to produce cold air intercepting screen having warming effects around the bather. In this water shower apparatus, the shower sprayed from the wide-angle spray nozzle of the shower system forms a shower curtain. That water shower of thin cold air intercepting screen is sprayed toward about the neck and the shoulders to the flanks of the bather. And, the shower curtain formed this way wraps about the horizontal face under the neck of the bather, the vertical face about in the vertical direction on the left and the right sides of the bather's body, and the front face centering on the lower half portion of the bather's body. This enables to intercept cold air from outside and enclose the hot air inside. Production of “cold feeling” at the time of entry of the bather into the chilled bathroom can be prevented. The entire body of the bather can be warmed with bathing.

Abstract: A multi-purpose mat has open and folded configurations. The mat includes a base and a plurality of sidewalls disposed about a periphery of the base. A first resilient flexible slat is disposed within one of the sidewalls and a second resilient flexible slat is disposed within the remaining sidewalls. The slats provide means for reinforcing the sidewalls and also provide a spring-like effect that allows the mat to automatically rollout into the open configuration from the folded configuration. The sidewalls fold about the periphery of the base; the sidewalls moving from a position generally adjacent to the base to a position generally perpendicular to and extending generally upwardly from the base when the mat is moved from the folded configuration to the open configuration.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable bed includes a bed frame attached to movable legs powered by a motor. Operation of the motor causes the legs to move longitudinally along a guide rod, collapsing the legs beneath the bed and moving the bed frame vertically. Collapsing the bed to its substantially lowermost position compresses a spring. The energy stored by the compression of the spring is used to raise the bed from its substantially lowermost position. Pivotally attached to the legs is a caster and foot arrangement. During normal operation, the foot engages the floor. When the bed frame moves to its substantially uppermost position, a pin extending from the leg engages one end of a slot, causing the caster to pivot and engage the floor, rendering the bed horizontally mobile.

Abstract: An elevation device for resiliently supporting an extremity of a patient that utilizes the packaging for the device to form the finished product. The elevation device includes a support cushion and a planar surface for supporting the support cushion at a desired elevation. At least one guide member is associated with the planar surface for positioning the support cushion on the planar surface.

Abstract: A bridge for use over a racetrack surface is provided. The racetrack surface has a cross-track width. The bridge includes a bridge structure supported over the cross-track width of the racetrack at a height sufficient to provide clearance for use of the racetrack. The bridge structure has a first end and a second end and a bridge length to span at least a portion of the cross-track width of the racetrack. The bridge structure has at least one walkway to provide access to at least one seating area. Viewing seats are located in the seating area, positioned on the bridge structure to provide for viewing of at least a portion of the racetrack.

Abstract: A power toothbrush including a handle and a brush head with bristles. In one embodiment, the toothbrush includes vibratory means for causing the brush head and the bristles to vibrate, and vibration isolation means for reducing the transfer of vibrations from the vibratory means to the handle. The vibratory means can include an eccentric motor positioned in the brush head or the brush shaft of the toothbrush. Vibration dampening material can be included in the vibration isolation means to reduce the transfer of vibrations to the handle.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a handle, a bristle head and a neck extending from the handle to the bristle head. A drive shaft extends through the neck to the bristle head. A motor is situated within the handle and has a pair of spaced recesses and an output shaft situated between the recesses. A reduction gearbox receives torque from the output shaft of the motor and transmits it to the drive shaft at a reduced speed. The gearbox has a base plate having a pair of projections extending into the recesses of the motor, a cover plate fixed to the base plate and at least one gear set between the base plate and the cover plate to transmitting torque from the motor to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted broom that has a modular construction, improved sweeping action and versatile mounting capabilities. The broom has brush strips and integral channels formed in a bottom side of the housings that reduce greatly or eliminate rocking of the brush strips with respect to the housing to which they are removably mounted. The main housing is extruded from aluminum.

Abstract: A brush for in situ cleaning of one or more passageways defined by a medical device. The brush includes a NiTiNOL shaft attached to a fill section by way of a proximal connector sleeve that is resistance welded to the fill section and the shaft. The fill section is preferably composed of braided wire and includes bristles, or fill, interweaved with the braided wire. The fill section in turn, is attached to an atraumatic tip by way of a distal connector sleeve which is resistance welded to the fill section and the atraumatic tip. The atraumatic tip includes a NiTiNOL core wire about which is disposed a gold-plated tungsten coil readily visible under a fluoroscope. The coil is bonded to the core wire. A bulb disposed on the coil helps effectuate cleaning of the passageway while also protecting the patient and the medical device from cleaning-related trauma.

Abstract: A tool for removing hair and other debris from a basin drain is disclosed. The tool comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end and a mid-section. The first shaft end forms a handle and the second shaft end forms a hook. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.