Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named ‘Bbeva’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; double flowers with yellow orange and orange bi-colored tepals; and excellent flower longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Echinacea purpurea plant named ‘Fragrant Angel’ characterized by its unique flowers with clean white rays that are spread out perpendicular to the stem, orange cone, lovely fragrance, and an upright vigorous habit.

Abstract: A gas turbine comprises a compressor for compressing a gas supplied therein and discharging the compressed gas, a combustor in which the discharged gas from the compressor and a fuel are combusted, a turbine to be driven by a combustion gas from the combustor, and a water injection unit which injects water into the gas to be supplied to the compressor, thereby lowering the temperature of the gas to be introduced into the compressor to a temperature lower than the atmospheric temperature, and causing water droplets having been injected in the gas and within the compressor to be vaporized while flowing down therein, wherein the quantity of water spray injection is controlled while monitoring operational conditions of the gas turbine.

Abstract: A dual-function lock in accordance with the invention has an axis-defining lock sub-assembly including first and second axially aligned rotator members having confronting first end faces and oppositely facing second end faces. The sub-assembly has a lost-motion recess and an anchor recess on one confronting face and one recess-engaging member extending from another confronting face to permit lock function selection by placing the recess-engaging member into a particular recess. Alternative dual-function lock sub-assemblies include a unitary rotator bolt and a companion actuator. The rotator bolt has a release-mechanism-engaging portion and an actuator-engaging portion. While a first section of the actuator-engaging portion permits limited lost-motion between the rotator bolt and a companion actuator, a second section prevents lost-motion. The lock function can be selectively determined by placing the companion actuator into the desired first or second section of the actuator-engaging portion.

Abstract: A caliper type bow string release includes a reversible trigger which is operable selectively in either the push fire mode or the pull fire mode. The caliper jaws of the release include automatic alignment and locking features. Movement of the string into the release mechanism engages the automatic locking mechanism and closes the release into a string retaining position until the release is fired by activation of the trigger. A complex cam surface is provided on the actuator for permitting incremental linear adjustment of the trigger force.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a housing assembly with a nosepiece assembly defining a drive track. A driving mechanism is housed within the housing assembly to drive a fastener through the drive track and into a workpiece in response to a trigger. The tool includes a safety trip assembly which includes a trigger enabling portion and a workpiece engaging portion and is movable between an extended disabling position and a retracted enabling position. The safety trip assembly is biased toward the extended position and is moved toward the retracted position by engagement between the workpiece and the workpiece engaging member. The workpiece engaging portion is movable to permit adjustment of a length of the safety trip assembly. The safety trip assembly includes a coupling mechanism including a fixed locking structure formed on an exterior portion of the workpiece engaging portion and a manually operable locking mechanism.

Abstract: A brake release mechanism for an elevator machine includes apparatus to reduce the braking force on the machine shaft. The apparatus may be actuated from a position located remotely from the machine.

Abstract: A modular cabinet system is disclosed whereby a number of modules can be combined to form a unique cabinet configuration. Each module may be an accessory, such as a lamp or cable duct, or a storage compartment. The storage compartment may be configured as a square or rectangular box with one open side and side walls made of a multiplex. Each side wall has at least one system hole and at least one system thread positioned so that the holes and threads of one module line up with the holes and threads of another module for assembly. The pre-existing system holes and threads allow the modules to be separated and combined repeatedly without damage.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for one or more F32T8 or F25T8 or F1718 fluorescent lamps has a new design tool for efficient transfer of power to the lamp or the lamps. The design tool is constructed from the ballast DC voltage and the commercially available lamp specifications by the manufacturers or from the American National Standards (ANSI). This design tool is shown below. F × C = K 2 ? W 2 V 1 2 - V 0 2 R 0 2 2 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? V 1 where W=Lamp rating in watts, V0=Lamp voltage. V1=Electronic Ballast DC voltage, R0=Lamp Impedance in ohms, (ANSI C78.1-1991). k=Empirical constant=1.5 to 10.0.

Abstract: A monitoring system provides for monitoring of a person and taking an action to dissuade the person from a course of action. The system has a device attached to the person which includes mechanisms to provide for an intervention to dissuade the person from the course of action. The intervention may be in the form of delivery of either a medication or an electrical shock to the person. The system may further include monitoring of a bodily function of the person or positional tracking of the person. Various scenarios are described to provide for activation of the intervention. The system may include a second device in possession of a restrictor person with positional tracking of this person and comparison relative to the positional location of a restrictee person.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described that are needed to design and fabricate modified surfaces on contact lenses or on corneal tissue that correct the eye's optical aberrations beyond defocus and astigmatism. The invention provides the means for: 1) measuring the eye's optical aberrations either with or without a contact lens in place on the cornea, 2) performing a mathematical analysis on the eye's optical aberrations in order to design a modified surface shape for the original contact lens or cornea that will correct the optical aberrations, 3) fabricating the aberration-correcting surface on a contact lens by diamond point turning, three dimensional contour cutting, laser ablation, thermal molding, photolithography, thin film deposition, or surface chemistry alteration, and 4) fabricating the aberration-correcting surface on a cornea by laser ablation.

Abstract: Surfboard having an essentially elongate, flat basic body which is capable of floating and, during use, rests with its underside on the water, and on whose upper side there is provided a standing surface for the feet of the sports person using the board, and in which at least one fin is attached to the underside. An opening extending from the underside towards the upper side is provided in the basic body for receiving the said fin, whose extent in the transverse direction of the board, that is to say transversely to the direction of travel and transversely to the surface plane of the fin, is less than the cross-section of the fin; the outer edges of the fin cross-section at the connection point to the board are preferably designed in such a way that the outer edges rest essentially completely against the underside of the board.

Abstract: An integrated baby bottle holder, bib, and pillow to aid infant care givers in conveniently and comfortably feeding suckling infants in any number of environments. A bib contains a central pocket for insertion of a soft pillow, and a baby bottle holder attachment portion. The bib is made of a soft structural material for reducing irritation and discomfort of the baby during feeding. The bib contains neck straps, made of soft structural material, which may be connected or disconnected with a hook and loop type fastener. The central pocket within the bib may be accessed from a side portion of the bib and may be sealed with snaps. The pillow is constructed of a very soft structural fabric with sponge like fill material for supporting a baby's head. The baby bottle holder attachment portion of the bib may be located at a central frontal location of the bib and may be made of a hook and loop type fastener for securing a baby bottle holder to the bib.

Abstract: Restraining devices for neck apparel, such as a necktie, for attaching an item of neck apparel in place on the shirt of a person wearing an item of neck apparel are provided, the shirt being of a type having a plurality of buttons spaced along its front. The restraining device comprises an elongate, flexible cord having a first button loop formed at a first end of the cord and a second button loop formed at a second end of the cord opposite the first end. The first and second button loops are adapted to releasably engage adjacent ones of the plurality of shirt buttons. In a further aspect, methods of securing a neck apparel device to a shirt are also provided.

Abstract: A helmet (12) includes a thermoelectric heat pump (14) mounted onto a rear surface of the helmet shell (12) for delivering temperature conditioned air to the interior of the helmet shell. A multi-layer structure (48) on the helmet shell interior distributes conditioned air across the scalp and directly onto the face. An optional scoop (38) directs ambient air to the heat pump (14). Another version locates the heat pump (68, 84) remotely and conditioned air is transmitted to the helmet apparatus (70, 78) via a flexible conduit (72, 85).

Abstract: Disclosed is an article-dropping proof pocket for garments, which pocket is capable of preventing small articles from springing out and failing down from the pocket even if a person wearing the garment bends downwardly or moves quickly. The pocket comprises a piece of seal cloth fixed to a front or rear side of a garment cloth inside of and in the vicinity of an upper edge of a small flat cloth for closing an opening of the upper edge of the small flat cloth, and fastening structure for detachably fastening the piece of seal cloth to the small flat cloth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to belts which are fastenable with one hand and method of using such belts. In an exemplary implementation, a method generally includes anchoring a first end portion of the belt to a belt loop, positioning the belt through the other belt loops, and fastening the belt by using only one hand to engage a second end portion of the belt with the first end portion. The first end portion can be anchored to the belt loop by looping the first end portion generally about a belt loop, and then engaging the first end portion upon itself.

Abstract: A pluming vent cover is described herein which is easily manufactured and adapted to a roof on or off-site. A roof's pluming vent pipe requires a cover for both aesthetics and improved operation. In the preferred embodiment the pluming vent cover comprises an upper pyramidal cap, two rounded metal straps and a cone-shaped base. The operator can trim the lower ovoid continuous edge of the cone-shaped base to conform to the slope and pitch of the roof, shingles, or both. A method for producing this pluming vent cover is also described.

Abstract: An accessory for a swimming pool includes pool cover means having a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge wherein the pool cover means is dimensioned to completely span and extend beyond all edges of the swimming pool; motorized water pump means having a pump input with a first hose connection and a pump output with a second hose connection adapted to threadably connect to a garden-type hose; a flexible hose portion having a hose inlet and a hose outlet wherein the hose outlet is connected to the first hose connection of the pump input; and drain cover means secured to the top surface of the pool cover means wherein the drain cover means establishes a location of the pump means on the top surface of the pool cover means such that the second hose connection of the pump output is operatively spaced in close proximity to an edge of the swimming pool, protects the pump means from the elements, and operatively locates the hose portion such that the hose inlet is spaced near the center of the swimming

Abstract: A playpen with columns comprises a plurality of first corners each having a first bulge and a second bulge, a plurality of second corners each having a first sleeve and a second sleeve, a first rod unit connecting the first corners, a second rod unit connecting the second corners, a plurality of first columns whose one end bushes around the first bulge and another end thereof is inserted into the first sleeve, a plurality of second columns whose one end bushes around the second bulge and another end thereof is inserted into the second sleeve, and a boundary shelter unit covering the first columns. The distance between two opposite second columns is larger than that of two opposite first columns so that the second columns are revealed.

Abstract: A foldable hanging bed includes a hanging bed fabric, main support tubes, pillar support tubes, pillars tubes, side support tubes, transverse connecting tubes, iron check elements, hanging chain fitting elements, and shoes. The upper portion of each of the main support tubes is connected to a pillar tube, and is provided with an iron check element. At the upper end of the pillar tube is provided a hanging chain or rope fitting element. At the lower ends of the side support tubes are provided shoes. Around the side support tubes are provided sponge sleeves, which are easier for hand operation when the bed is supported or folded. At both ends of the fabric are provided lining tubes, on which the hanging chains or ropes are disposed. The bed fabric is sleeved over the hanging chain or rope fitting elements via the hanging chain or rope.

Abstract: A gurney is provided for a patient wearing a spica cast with a fixed bar extending between the legs. The gurney includes a base structure, a platform for holding the patient, and a bar support structure coupled to the platform. The platform is coupled to the base structure and is capable of being in at least one elevated position. The bar support structure supports the bar so as to support the patient when the platform is in the elevated position. In one embodiment, the gurney further includes a motorized elevation variance system coupled between the platform and the base structure for changing the elevated position of the platform, and the platform is rigid so as to always be substantially planar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structurally rigid, X-ray translucent backboard for transporting an injured person from the scene of an injury to a treatment center. The backboard comprises a planar top side which contacts the patient and a bottom side forming a single curvilinear shape that provides structural support to the planar top side. A hollow, foam filled core formed between the planer top side and the curved bottom side helps provide sufficient X-ray translucence and structural support to the backboard.

Abstract: A novelty cushion is disclosed including a plurality of grooves on a first side, a plurality of grooves on a second side, the second side opposite the first side, and wherein the at least two grooves of the plurality of grooves on the first side are substantially perpendicular to one another and wherein at least two grooves of the plurality of grooves on the second side are substantially perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: An infant positioning system and method for positioning an infant during sleep. The infant positioning system includes and infant support device and a headgear. The infant support device is configured for receiving the infant, and selectively changing the position of the infant each night. The headgear is configured to fit about the head of the infant, dispersing the pressure a sleeping surface places on the head of the infant.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing the position of an infant while sleeping including a substantially rigid basin assembly having three sides and a base and defining an open end. A basin cover conforms generally to the basin and defines a sleep space, sized and configured for holding an infant, the cover includes a fabric outer surface and at least one of the sides of the basin assembly comprises a plurality of standoffs extending into the basin assembly and defining recesses therebetween. The cover can have an air-permeable section overlaying the recesses to enable pneumatic communication between the sleep space and the recesses.

Abstract: A fire retardant pillow top mattress has a base which is covered by a fire barrier material. A ticking covers the fire barrier material. Sheets of these combined materials are formed into a top, a bottom and side walls for the mattress, the pillow top and the gusset between the mattress and the pillow top. The intersecting planar surfaces are mated between a fire-retardant treated edge binding tape. The mated surfaces are sewn with a fire retardant thread and the mattress, pillow top and gusset are encapsulated with fire retardant components.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a top; a first fastener member positioned along at least a portion of a side edge of the mattress; a pocket formed on the top by a layer extending along the top and attached along its periphery to the air mattress, at least a portion of the layer being removably connectable to the air mattress by a second corresponding fastener member positioned along a section of the layer; and a visco-elastic pillow top removably received within the pocket. The fasteners may be zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons and eyelets, snap fasteners, magnets, or line connectors.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a multi-use broad bladed knife is provided. The multi-use knife includes a broad blade, such as commonly used to apply spackle to a wall or other surface. The broad blade is attached to a handle, with a striking surface comprised of an appropriate hard material on the heel of the handle. Within the handle are slidably extendable and retractable implements, including a cutting edge and a screwdriver implement. The cutting edge and screwdriver implement may be extended through the heel of the handle through slits using buttons. The screwdriver implement and cutting edge may lock into place when extended for use and may also lock in place when retracted within the handle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supplemental lift system for use with an aircraft passenger boarding bridge of a type that includes a tunnel section for being extended over the wing of an aircraft in a cantilever-like fashion. The supplemental lift system is for use in an event that a main elevating mechanism of the passenger boarding bridge is other than operable, such that the over the wing portion of the boarding bridge may be moved out of the way of a wing of the aircraft, permitting the same to move in a direction away from the boarding bridge. A preferred embodiment of the supplemental lift system comprises at least a jack including a first portion that is mounted to the aircraft passenger boarding bridge at a point that is distal from an outboard end thereof.

Abstract: A self-propelled running apparatus for cleaning a surface immersed in a liquid, includes a tranverse running member having two ends through which it is mounted rotatable on a frame about a tranverse axis of rotation, a device for driving in rotation the member and a frame-mounted guide borne by the frame. The guide is adapted to enable, without dismantling relative to the frame the frame-mounted guide and without dismantling the frame itself, at least the displacement of the running member between a working position and a maintenance position.

Abstract: A light emitting toothbrush is provided that includes three light emitting diodes, each having a different primary color. A battery is provided as a power source, and a control circuit is used to control the diodes. The control circuit is configured to sequentially or simultaneously power some or all of the diodes, and it can be configured to vary the power to each diode, thereby providing an almost infinite spectrum of colors of light. A switch is actuated when the brush head contacts an operator's teeth, thereby activating the diodes. A package is provided that allows a potential purchaser to apply a force to the brush head and activate the lights while the toothbrush is still in the package. The control circuit can be configured to control the diodes to provide signals to the operator and/or provide aesthetically pleasing light.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-scraper structure. A plurality of scrapers is used in a cleaning panel process for repeatedly scraping the remnant contaminants on the surface of the panel. Moreover, a pressure control unit is used for immediately modifying the output pressure applied to a second scraper according to the resistance encountered by a first scraper.

Abstract: A pull tab is formed at a separable edge of each of a plurality of individually separable sheets of outwardly faced adhesive tape wound into a roll by a non-adhesive portion carried on the adhesive layer of the tape to facilitate gripping and removal of an outermost sheet from the tape roll to expose an underlying sheet. The separable edges extend at least partially through the tape roll dividing the tape into a plurality of separable sheets.

Abstract: The Paint Brush Scrubber is a two sided device, for left and right handed use. It has a multiple notched scrub board on each side and a semicircular cutout on one edge. It cleans regulator and sponge paint brushes, paint rollers, and paint pad applicators. Can also be used to clean other types of brushes and other things including clothes etc. The size of the scrubber can vary from a size for an artist brush to the size of a house painters 4? brush. It has a hole in handle so it can be stored with your paint brushes. It is safe to use and will never require parts or service. Paint brushes are cleaned by scrubbing action, which separates the bristles, cleaning quickly and easily, without getting your hands dirty. As the brush being cleaned it cleans the scrubber, so when the brush is clean the scrubber is also clean. The bristles are combed back into shape after cleaning using the cutout and scrub board.

Abstract: Windshield wiper apparatus is provided to substantially increase the amount of heat and the speed with which the heat is delivered to the wiper mechanism and blade to clean the ice and snow accumulation. Hot air is provided from either or both the exhaust system or a special electric heater directly into the modified windshield wiper and onto the windshield.

Abstract: A cleaner for use in nursing care including: a warm-water tank, a contaminated-water tank, a head assembly which sprays warm water supplied from the warn-water tank, and a suction mechanism which sucks water and contaminants along with air into the contaminated-water tank from the head assembly via a suction hose, separates water and contaminants from air by a separator assembly, and collects water and contaminants in the contaminated-water tank; wherein the contaminated-water tank and the warm-water tank are accommodated in the main body casing of the cleaner, and a weight sensor which detects then amount of contaminated water collected in the contaminated-water tank is installed in the bottom of an accommodating section that is provided in the main body casing and accommodates the contaminated-water tank.

Abstract: New form of handgrip for various home appliances, and method for fabricating the same, including a core 2 with decorative color, and a transparent outer shell 3 for enclosing the core 2, thereby solving problems of the present handgrip of peeling off of coating, and damage to carved, or relieved figures, or characters, and providing an outer look distinctive from the present handgrip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for holding together, adjusting, fitting or fastening parts of a garment, shoe or any other accessory. It contains a first part (2) comprising a sheath (3) in which a first magnet or ferromagnetic element (4) is inserted, these being movable inside the first sheath, and a second part (5) containing a second magnet or ferromagnetic element (6) subject or submitted to the magnetic attraction of the first magnet or ferromagnetic element of the first part, and is used to hold together, adjust, fit or fasten the garment, shoe or accessory when one of the said first and second parts (2, 5) is activated by a user to work in conjunction or alterations is thus possible through the sliding (7) of the first magnet or ferromagnetic element (4) in the first sheath (3).

Abstract: A reclosable fastener strip for securing to a film web comprises first and second flangeless, elongated profile strip having a plurality of interlocking hooks, recesses and protuberances. Each hook, as extruded, has a half arrowhead-shaped tip, a concave or partial-concave tail, and a generally upstanding neck connecting the tip and tail. Each recess has a base with a pair of generally upstanding neck elements disposed on opposite ends of the base. The base does not extend laterally beyond the neck elements. Each protuberance, as extruded, has a rounded tip, a concave or partial-concave tail, and a generally upstanding neck portion connecting the tip and tail. The profile strips are readily secured to the web without entrapping air between the profile strips and the film web and form an airtight and watertight seal. The interlocking hooks, recesses and protuberances are dimensioned to provide and airtight and watertight seal upon interconnection thereof.

Abstract: A slider (10), a slider insertion apparatus (50) and a method for inserting the slider (10) on an interlocked fastener or zipper (25) of a reclosable bag (44). A loading rack (58, 72) feeds individual sliders (10) to the slider insertion apparatus (50) wherein the slider (10) is inserted on the interlocked profiles (24, 28) being held by a zipper guide (56). After insertion, a keeper (15) and retaining shoulders (19, 20) of the slider (10) secure an interlocking member (22) of the profile (24) from unintentional engagement with an interlocking member (26) of the opposing profile (28). A positioner (200) is used to move the inserted slider (10) and/or to move the attached reclosable bag (44) in conjunction with driving rollers (217) of a vertical form-fill-and-seal machine.

Abstract: A fetal heart monitoring system preferably comprising a backing plate having a generally concave front surface and a generally convex back surface, and at least one sensor element attached to the concave front surface for acquiring acoustic fetal heart signals produced by a fetus within a body. The sensor element has a shape that conforms to the generally concave back surface of the backing plate. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor element comprises an inner sensor, and a plurality of outer sensors surrounding the inner sensor. The fetal heart monitoring system can further comprise a web belt, and a web belt guide movably attached to the web belt. The web belt guide being is to the convex back surface of the backing plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of inserting, retaining, protecting, and positioning a bearing (101) or other parts of similar construction or manufacture includes an installation tool (300) that utilizes a saddle (301) capable of seating the bearing (101), and members that position the bearing with respect to a mating part, e.g., a connecting rod (201). The installation tool (300) protects and retains the bearing (101) with its mating part (201 or 203) throughout the installation and/or assembly process.

Abstract: An assembly system for automatic installation of a roof module in a vehicle body comprises an adhesive bonding station, in which a cylindrical dose of adhesive is applied to the inside of the roof module, and an assembly robot, whereby the roof module is then inserted into the body delivered on an assembly line. For accurate positioning and fixing of the roof module in the roof opening of the body, the assembly robot is provided with a floatingly mounted assembly tool. On the assembly tool are provided centering tools by which the assembly tool can be positioned with high accuracy relative to the roof module and the body. In addition, fixing hooks are provided on the assembly tool and permit a controlled firm pressing on the roof module into the roof opening of the body.

Abstract: In a method of constructing a rail track on a concrete slab, the concrete slab is poured around anchor members for fixing tie plates supporting the rails of the rail track. The method includes the following steps: suspending the rails premounted on their tie plates above the location at which the concrete slab is to be poured, each tie plate including a base under which is disposed a temporary tie plate for accurately guiding the anchor members, adjusting the position of the rails, pouring the concrete slab up to the height of the temporary tie plates, raising the rails and removing the temporary tie plates, and accurately positioning the rails premounted on their tie plates on the concrete slab in their final position and fixing the tie plates to the anchor members.

Abstract: A ramp member is provided for attachment with an edge of a floor mat to facilitate transportation of an object from a floor to an upper surface of the mat. A tab is provided which extends from the ramp member and defines a plane. Two projections extend from the plane of the tab out of alignment with the plane. Additionally, two cavities are formed in the ramp member adapted for receiving at least one of the two projections therein. A method of connecting ramp members is also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved die member, panel and fastener assembly and method for installing a fastener into a panel. The die member has a pair of opposed clinching lips protruding from an end face. The opposed clinching lips have a contact face that narrows as it approaches the opposed ends of the contact face and sidewalls that are angled with respect to vertical. The lips, due to the dual angles, substantially and simultaneously drive panel metal into fastener grooves both longitudinally and laterally. The fastener and panel assembly have panel metal deformed into the fastener grooves resulting in generally wedge-shaped portions of panel metal in the opposed ends of the fastener grooves.

Abstract: A medical balloon catheter assembly includes a balloon having a permeable region and a non-permeable region. The balloon is constructed at least in part from a fluid permeable tube such that the permeable region is formed from a porous material which allows a volume of pressurized fluid to pass from within a chamber formed by the balloon and into the permeable region sufficiently such that the fluid may be ablatively coupled to tissue engaged by the permeable region. The non-permeable region is adapted to substantially block the pressurized fluid from passing from within the chamber and outwardly from the balloon. The porous material may be a porous fluoropolymer, such as porous polytetrafluoroethylene, and the pores may be created by voids that are inherently formed between an interlocking node-fibril network that makes up the fluoropolymer. Such voids may be created according to one mode by expanding the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting a head element of a computer disk drive during rework operations by applying thioropolymeric protective coating or film to the head element after the disk drive has been opened. Application of the protective coating is preferably performed utilizing a solvent-mediated deposition process. Further aspects of the invention include the application of the protective coating to the head element prior to storage of the head element or prior to shipping the head element in order to facilitate rework of the head element or other components of the disassembled disk drive.