Abstract: A diode pumped optical parametric oscillator is disclosed. The apparatus includes a MOPA laser positioned to pump a photorefractive BaTiO3 crystal placed within a ring resonator formed by four mirrors. The interaction of the MOPA laser light incident on the BaTiO3 crystal and with the light reflected within the cavity efficiently converts the MOPA pump beam to a single frequency beam of high beam quality. Once the pump beam exceeds a threshold power level, it interacts with a nonlinear periodically poled lithium niobate crystal received within the ring cavity. The lithium niobate crystal efficiently converts the pump beam to signal and idler beams of different wavelengths, providing an efficient, tunable laser.

Abstract: A process for producing flat or parabolic mirrors for visible wavelength applications is described and includes the steps of casting onto a substrate of substantially the selected mirror shape a liquid polymer resin in multiple cured layers whereby the last applied layer has the selected mirror shape unaffected by topography flaws in the surface of the substrate. A reflective coating may then be applied to the last applied and cured resin layer.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Rugosa rose plant is provided which forms in clusters attractive single bright purplish-red blossoms having a strong fragrance. The blossom coloration is well maintained upon maturity. The plant exhibits a compact and typically broader than high growth habit with good vigor. Excellent resistance to Black Spot, Powdery Mildew and Downey Mildew is displayed. The very dense medium green to dark green foliage with a semi-glossy aspect contrasts nicely with the blossom coloration. The new variety is particularly well suited for growing as attractive ornamentation in the landscape and serves particularly well in small spaces and in mass plantings with minimal maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Duesumpink’, characterized by its compact and uniformly mounded plant habit; Freely branching growth habit; freely and early flowering habit; and inflorescences with light purple-colored ray florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Duesumwhite’, characterized by its compact and uniformly mounded plant habit; Freely branching growth habit; freely and early flowering habit; and large inflorescences with white-colored ray florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct Rhododendron hybrid plant used as a rootstock that exhibits hardy and vigorous growth.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘New Dimension’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and uniform plant habit; freely flowering habit; and light violet-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Gazania named ‘California Gold’, characterized by its compact, low-growing and bushy growth habit; upright, outwardly spreading and rounded plant form; freely-flowering habit; large fully inflorescences with yellow and orange bi-colored ray florets; and relatively less susceptible to fungal pathogens common to Gazanias.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Japanese Maple plant named ‘Taylor’, characterized by its upright plant habit; brownish red-colored stems; and green and pink bi-colored leaves.

Abstract: ‘VerDale’ is a new cultivar of Betula platyphylla, Asian white birch. This new cultivar has white bark and dark green leaves in addition to being highly resistant to bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius Gory).

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by russet to amber colored foliage, bold size and vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct strain of apple, designated ‘Walden’, originated as a whole tree mutation in a ‘Honeycrisp’ planting. The fruit are more attractively colored and glossier than parent tree fruit, which will greatly improve fresh fruit packout. Fruit color is solid scarlet red over 90 to 98 percent of the fruit surface compared to patchy red over a yellow-green background from parent trees. Color development is seven days earlier than ‘Honeycrisp’.

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

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Tolmiea menziesii plant characterized by its yellow green foliage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grommet capable of easy installation by reducing an insertion resistance when conducting an insertion of the grommet into an opening of a vehicle panel. The configuration of the grommet allows molds for forming the grommet to have reduced processing costs, and molding and installation time can also be decreased. The grommet includes wire harness holding areas for tightly engaging around the periphery of the wire harness and an engagement area which fixedly engages an opening provided on a vehicle panel. A tapered area connects a wire harness holding area and an engagement area with a near-conical tapered surface extending over the outer surface of a tapered area, and a plurality of linear convex areas are provided to extend from a wire harness holding area to the engagement area, in an insertion direction of the grommet over the entire periphery on the tapered area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a packaged integrated circuit device. The device includes a die having a plurality of electrical contacts on a first surface of the die and a protective film adhered directly to a back surface of the die, the protective film being thick enough to allow laser marking of the protective film without the laser penetrating to the die. In one preferred embodiment, the protective film of the device is a thick film formed by screen printing. In a preferred embodiment, the protective film has a thickness of between about 1.5 and 5 mils. Also, disclosed is a method of fabricating a semiconductor wafer having a wafer substrate with a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of dies. In this embodiment, the method includes providing a plurality of dies on the top surface of the wafer substrate, applying a thick film over the bottom surface of the wafer substrate, adhering the thick film to a mounting tape that is not ultraviolet curable, and dicing the wafer to separate the dies.

Abstract: A power output apparatus 20 includes a clutch motor, an assist motor, and a controller. The clutch motor and the assist motor are controlled by the controller to enable the power output from an engine to a crankshaft 56, and expressed as the product of its revolving speed and torque, to be converted to the power expressed as the product of a revolving speed and a torque of a drive shaft and to be output to the drive shaft. The engine can be driven at an arbitrary driving point defined by a revolving speed and a torque, as long as the energy or power output to the crankshaft is identical. A desired driving point that attains the highest possible efficiency with respect to each amount of output energy is determined in advance. In order to allow the engine to be driven at the desired driving point, the controller controls the clutch motor and the assist motor as well as the fuel injection and the throttle valve position.

Abstract: A helically continuous projection 1a is formed around a sliding surface 1A of a sliding bearing 1 at a given pitch p. The surface roughness h of the sliding surface 1A, including the projection 1a, is chosen to be equal to or less than one-half the height H of the projection. This provides a sliding bearing 1 which exhibits an improved running-in performance.

Abstract: This invention provides a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 10 to 100 nm and a width of 160 to 1000 nm or a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 10 to 100 nm and a width of 50 to 70 nm. The former bacterial cellulose can be produced by culturing cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium containing a cell division inhibitor, and the latter can be produced by culturing the bacterium in a culture medium containing an organic reducing agent. The bacterial cellulose is modified from conventional bacterial cellulose in the major axis, and is improved in Young's modulus, etc. This invention provides a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 1 to 9 nm and a width of 160 to 1000 nm or a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 1 to 9 nm and a width of 50 to 70 nm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the isolation and bioactive characterization of compounds isolated from the clam Spisula polynyma. These compounds include three sphingoid-type bases, spisulosines 285, 299 and 313 (1-3), each of which shows unique cytotoxicity against L1210 murine lymphocytic leukemia cells. In addition, sphingosine (also referred to as 4-sphingenine or octadeca-4-shpingenine, 4) and two related compounds, nonadeca-4-sphingenine (a one carbon longer homolog, 5) and sphinga-4,10-diene (a dehydrosphingosine deravitive, 6) were also obtained, These compounds also contribute to the cytotoxicity of the Spisula polynyma extracts, but did not cause the morphology changes observed with compounds 1-3.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet includes a rigid shell configured to fit over a wearer's head, with top, rear, and side portions to protect the top, rear and side of a wearer's head. The shell has a face opening in the area of the wearer's face and an upper face cage attached to the shell so as to cover a part of the face opening to protect the wearer's eyes and upper face. A lower face cage is attached to the shell covering a part of the face opening to protect the wearer's lower face, nose and mouth.

Abstract: A cap with sunglasses has an elongated holder mounted on the underside of the visor. A carrier partially surrounds the holder and is slidable therealong for adjusting the position of sunglasses mounted on the carrier. A latching assembly is captured in the carrier and has projections in the form of tines for being selectively inserted between teeth disposed along the length of the holder. A spring normally urges the latching means to insert the tines between the holder teeth. Movement of the carrier relative to the holder is permitted when the latching assembly is pressed against the restoring spring force to disengage the projections on the latching assembly from between the holder teeth to permit adjustment of the position of the sunglasses.

Abstract: An adjustable tensioning strap is mounted in a glove worn on the bowling hand and connecting the glove finger tip and an anchor point proximate the wrist or palm. The tensioning strap, from the finger tip to the anchor point, is held adjacent the glove lining by one or more transverse support straps so when placed on the hand and with tension applied to the tensioning strap, the tensioning strap is held or forced by the transverse support straps toward and substantially adjacent the bowler's finger and palm.

Abstract: A wrist band construction (10) for connecting at least one helium filled balloon (100) provided with a tether (101) to the wrist of a child wherein, the wrist band construction (10) includes a wrist band member (20) fabricated from a strip of heavy material (21) and provided with a pivoting D-ring member (30) that is adapted to make audible contact with a pair of metal rods (40) (40) disposed on the wrist band member (20) on the opposite sides of the D-ring member (30).

Abstract: A shroud plate for headgear is provided that may comprise a shell, an insert, a lock, a release mechanism wherein the shell extends around at least a portion of the insert has a smooth surface with rounded edges and corners and is shaped to match the contour of the headgear, and at least one attachment point wherein the attachment point is laterally movable within a restricted area. Further, the shroud plate may be attachable to headgear at a single attachment point and may be given rotational stability by an elevated ridge or a plurality of legs which may extend over or wrap around an edge of the headgear.

Abstract: Eyewear member includes a structure for fitting peripherally on or around or behind lens and structure of conventional eyewear. Interfitting structure ranges from sealing segments to eyewear members which may attachably engage or simply interfit behind conventional eyewear. The eyewear members enables conventional eyewear to form a closer fit with the face of the user to protect the person's eyes from wind, water and foreign material. All embodiments contemplate selectable removabilty, replace ability and interchangeability.

Abstract: A clip-on training urinal configured to be clipped onto the rim of a toilet bowl, preferably at the side of the bowl. The training urinal extends downward from the outside of the rim and is in the general shape of a rectangular open-top container having a flat base and an upper open rim. The front wall is cut out to form an opening similar to a urinal which a small boy can reach while standing on the bathroom floor, the opening having a front wall extending down to the base to form a urine reservoir. A side handle is provided to lift the urinal from the toilet bowl rim to empty the urine by pouring it into the toiled bowl.

Abstract: A container having an opening that extends through the container. The outer surface of the container includes a tapered section located within the opening. The tapered section extends from the bottom of the container towards the inner surface of the container. A plug is retained within the opening of the container. The plug has a head, an upright section and a base with a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge of the base contacts the tapered section of the container to enable the plug to remain in an upright drainage position.

Abstract: A lavatory (1), in particular a toilet or urinal, with sensor-controlled flushing is proposed, which eliminates the need to exchange a battery, or at least ensures a considerably longer service life. This object is achieved by providing a solar cell (22, 23) to supply power.

Abstract: A combination foldable spa cover and lifting device including a folding spa cover with integral lifting sockets and a lifting device having a pair of first ends pivotally connectable to a spa structure, and second ends having engagement shafts keyed to the lifting sockets such that a folded spa cover is easily lifted and displaced to one side of the spa structure by pivot of the lifting device and transport of the folded spa cover.

Abstract: A tableware washing apparatus is adapted to allow garbage deposited to tableware to be washed off by washing water injected toward the inside of a shower sink, and the garbage dropped into the inside of the shower sink to be washed out with the washing water. A cross-sectional shape of the shower sink includes a bottom wall having a large curvature, a first sidewall rising substantially vertically from one of opposite ends of the bottom wall, and a second sidewall rising from the other end of the bottom wall and having a curvature smaller than that of the bottom wall. A sectional area of a flow path at the bottom wall is small, as compared with a shower sink having a quadrilateral section or a circular section. Therefore, even if the flow rate of the washing water is reduced to save water, the flow speed of the washing water flowing on the bottom wall can be raised to effectively wash out the garbage.

Abstract: A sink and faucet support assembly includes a housing that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall attached to and extending between the top and bottom walls. The peripheral wall includes a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A back side of the housing is open. The top wall has an opening extending therethrough. A sink apparatus includes a bowl portion and a base that has a shape adapted for being positioned in the opening. The bowl portion has a drain opening therein extending through the base. A ledge is attached to an upper edge of the bowl portion. A faucet apparatus is mounted on the ledge. A water supply is fluidly coupled to the ledge. A drainpipe extends into the housing through the back side and is fluidly coupled to the drain opening.

Abstract: A washstand unit 10, a waste storage compartment 11, a mirror 12, an upper cabinet 13 and a lighting equipment 14 are disposed on a side panel 5. Fitting concave portions 15 and 16 are formed on the washstand unit 10 for receiving portions of the waste storage compartment 11 and lighting equipment 14. Fitting portions 19, 20 and 21, 22 are formed on the mirror 12 for receiving portions of the upper cabinet 13 and lighting equipment 14. The washstand unit 10, the waste storage compartment 11, the mirror 12, the upper cabinet 13 and the lighting equipment 14 are mounted independently on the side panel 5 without assembling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a patient transfer device comprising lifting arrangement positionable adjacent a patient and movable between a first position and a second position, and support arrangement for supporting the patient. The support arrangement is attachable to the lifting arrangement along a number of anchor locations thereon, the anchor locations including a pair of central anchor locations, a first pair of outer anchor locations on one side of the pair of central anchor locations and a second pair of outer anchor locations on an opposite side of the central pair of anchor locations; the support arrangement including a pair of central contact locations near a central location on the body of the patient, a first pair of outer contact locations on one side of the pair of central contact locations and a second pair of outer contact locations on an opposite side of the central pair of contact locations.

Abstract: A crib is sized to permit the legs of a wheel chair bound care giver to fit beneath the bed. The access side of the crib is equipped with at least one laterally opening door which folds out of the way to provide access to the infant. More preferably, the access side of the crib is formed by a pair of bi-fold doors which are secured by a pair of latches which are resistant to operation by anyone other than the caregiver.

Abstract: A beach or lounge chair includes a generally horizontal component for supporting a user thereon and a leg assembly for holding the supportive component above the ground. The supportive component includes a first opening for accommodating the breasts of a female user. A pocket is attached to and depends from the lower side of the supportive component beneath the opening. The pocket accommodates and obscures the breasts of a user lying face down in a prone position on the support chair. Pressure on the breasts is thereby alleviated.

Abstract: A kit for converting a cross-legged folding cot into a tiered cot, which stilt legs having a longitudinal axis, a top end and a bottom end. A female coupling is positioned at the top end of each of the stilt legs. Each female coupling is offset from the longitudinal axis by between 45 degrees and 65 degrees, and is adapted to receive a leg from a first cross-legged folding cot. With each female coupling holding a leg of a first cross-legged folding cot, the first cot is effectively elevated, such that gear can be stowed or a second cot can be positioned in the space provided beneath the first cot between the stilt legs.

Abstract: A bed siderail support assembly which includes a frame, a support deck mounted on the frame and having upwardly and downwardly facing sides. The support deck has a head end, a foot end and opposite lateral edges extending between the head end and the foot end. At least one siderail is oriented along side of at least one of the lateral edges and a connecting mechanism is provided which is configured to connect the siderail to either the frame or the downwardly facing side of the support deck. The connecting mechanism includes a support configured for securement to either the frame or the support deck, an elongate toothed rack longitudinally movably mounted on the support, a pair of parallel arms pivotally mounted on the support, a toothed pinion gear on each arm supported for meshing engagement with the toothed rack and a mount pivotally secured to each of the arms and being configured to support a bed siderail thereon.

Abstract: Impact energy forces to the spine are reduced through the use of multiple overlying pliable impact energy absorbing layers. Each layer comprises a plurality of cells that are in fluid communication which provides for a valved transfer of fluid between the cells. Additionally, each layer has a different durometer.

Abstract: A music box of a play bed includes a box member used for playing music, and a toy hanger, on which several toys are hung for a small child to play in the play bed; the box member has two fitting holes as well as a fitting cavity on an upper side; hooks are respectively detachably connected with the fitting holes so that the box member can be hung on two adjacent upper horizontal rod parts of the bed frame; various types of hooks are available for suiting various types of bed frames whose rod parts have different shapes; the toy hanger is detachably connected with the fitting cavity at a lower end, and can fold such that it can be removed from the box member, and folded to occupy less space when it is not use.

Abstract: The invention is a bi-directional carpet trimmers and tucker. The trimmers may be adjusted or sized to trim the carpet edge to the correct length for tucking. At least two trimmers are provided, one for each direction of operation. The height offset of the trimmers above the carpet trimmer and tucker baseplate may be fixed or may be adjustable to allow for variances in carpet thickness and different depths of the tucking trough. Guides extend from the trimmers to slidingly or rollingly engage the wall or baseboard and to orient the trimmers. The trimmer blades are oriented horizontally. The invention also includes a retrofit trimmer for existing carpet tuckers. The retrofit kit comprises a replacement handle, or grip, with integral or attachable trimmers extending to align with the wheels of existing 3-wheeled carpet trimmers.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush include a head containing a rotating or oscillating first bristle carrier and also containing a second bristle carrier movably connected to the head, which second bristle carrier may include elastomeric walls for enhanced cleaning and may include a weakened section to permit it to at least partially collapse during a brushing motion to couture to the teeth in use for enhanced cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powered toothbrush with two moving bristle bearing parts, the first such part is disc-shaped and rotates or oscillates back-and-forth, the second such part is coupled to the brush head by an elastomeric material, such that the second section can be moved either by the force of brushing or by selective engagement with the drive mechanism of the toothbrush.

Abstract: Orbital floor treatment device having a two-component flywheel which facilitates installation and reduces vibration.

Abstract: A portable golf club washer has a first golf iron brush that has a bristle side. A second golf iron brush has a bristle side. The second golf iron brush and the first golf iron brush are connected to end plates so that the second golf iron brush bristle side faces the first golf iron brush bristle side. A golf wood brush has a bristle side. The golf wood brush is connected to the second golf iron brush. The golf wood brush bristle side faces away from the second golf iron brush bristle side. A handle is connected to the first golf iron brush.

Abstract: A wiper assembly for use in vehicles is provided, including a shaft which is connected to a driving motor via a linkage and rotated by the driving motor, an arm head including a shaft hole into which the shaft is inserted, an arm having one end combined with the arm head by a rotating shaft and rotatable about the rotating shaft and the other end combined with a wiper blade which wipes a window of a vehicle, a locking member which is supported by the arm head and movable between a locking location where the locking member is locked in the shaft so that the shaft cannot be separated from the shaft hole of the arm head and an unlocking location where the locking member is unlocked from the shaft so that the shaft can be separated from the shaft hole of the arm head, and a locking member moving unit which moves in gear with a rotation of the arm so as to move the locking member between the locking location and the unlocking location.

Abstract: A mobile robot is described for random movement across a surface where a drive unit is arranged inside a top-hat. Cleaning equipment such as electrostatic dusters or equipment for vacuuming can be fixed to the top-hat so that the mobile robot functions as a cleaning robot.

Abstract: A wet-dry vacuum cleaner with both a tool caddy and a waste receptacle basket is disclosed which has a mechanism by which the basket can be securely and positively connected to the tool caddy. One of the tool caddy and basket may include a deflectable tab while the other of the tool caddy and basket may include a slot adapted to receive the tab. Upon connecting the basket onto the tool caddy the tab may be inserted into the slot to thus positively connect the basket to the tool caddy and thereby provide a secure attachment.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a stroller includes a wheel with a rim that has two vertical side surfaces and a vertical central plane. A vertical pivot shaft is disposed within a mounting space in the wheel, is located in the central plane, and extends through a fixed seat that is adapted to be mounted fixedly to a stroller frame and that is attached to a rotatable seat. A wheel seat is connected to the wheel and the rotatable seat so as to permit rotation of the wheel and the wheel seat about the vertical pivot shaft.

Abstract: A bed frame includes a base frame, an articulated support decks, an intermediate frame positioned between the base frame and the articulated support deck, and an auto-contour mechanism. The articulated support deck includes head, seat and foot deck portions. When engaged, the auto-contour mechanism adjusts the elevation of the seat deck portion and the foot deck portion in response to an adjustment of the head deck portion. The auto-contour mechanism is easily engaged/disengaged by manipulating a control lever. The bed frame can include siderails which are provided with a latching mechanism. The bed frame can also include a caster assembly that allows casters to be pivoted in an engaged position in which the bed frame rests on the casters, and a disengaged position in which the bed frame rests on legs.