Abstract: Polyester containers having a reduced coefficient of friction (“COF”) are produced by increasing the surface roughness of the polyester using either thermal crystallization or solvent crystallization. Because the low COF reduces or eliminates friction between polyester containers, the containers do not become entangled and disrupt the manufacturing process. As a result, the containers move easily through typical conveying and filling lines in manufacturing processes that use the containers.

Abstract: A composite structure having a substrate is protectively covered during fabrication by a barrier layer, such as an intumescent mat or felt, into which a fire resisting agent such as phenolic resin or water, or oil based intumescent coating is infused in-situ before attachment to the substrate and completion of composite structure fabrication. The barrier layer is infused in-situ with the phenolic resin before attachment by adhesive bonding to the substrate or infusion is performed during formation of the underlying substrate layer so as to achieve attachment without adhesive.

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

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Fisnics Lil’ particularly characterized by the combined features of uniform, brilliant purple flower color; large, round flowers on relatively long peduncles; intense medium green foliage, relatively large leaves; medium to tall, round and bushy plant habit; early to medium flowering response; and suitable both for sale as a flowering pot plant and as a relatively weather tolerant outdoor plant.

Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Nighthawk Yellow’, having a domed, round habit and yellow decorative flowers. The new variety has good foliage presentation and weather resistance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Leucocoryne plant named ‘Paulina’ characterized by having: green, white and violet lightly obovate tepals and red-purple lines across them; yellow-green staminodes; and a pleasant aroma.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Antirrhinum plant named ‘YACOY’ that is characterized by fragrant, large orange and yellow flowers, mounding habit, and green foliage. In combination these traits set ‘YACOY’ apart from all other existing varieties of Antirrhinums known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Portulaca plant named ‘Pink Panther’, characterized by its outwardly spreading and trailing plant habit; freely branching growth habit; relatively rapid growth rate; double flower form; and pink-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Aster plant named ‘Kiestrbl’, characterized by its uniform and mounded plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored foliage; uniform flowering habit; daisy-type inflorescences with non-fading violet blue-colored ray florets and yellow-colored disc florets; flat and straight ray florets; and good container and garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct Malus Mill. plant that produces apples having a pleasant aroma and harmonic sugar/acid content suitable for use as a dessert fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘Bahamas’ characterized by its red ray floret color, RHS 53A; compact plant habit; and vigorous growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘Bounty’ characterized by its white ray floret color, RHS 155A; compact plant habit; and vigorous growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘KLEC03085’, characterized by its cascading plant habit; freely branching habit; golden yellow-colored flowers; and good weather tolerance.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named ‘KJ 2002 0521’, characterized by its upright plant habit; dark green-colored leaves; large red purple-colored flowers with more than 15 petals per flower; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Espinal’, characterized by its pompon-type inflorescences with golden yellow-colored ray florets; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; early and uniform flowering response; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lily plant named ‘Tarragona’ characterized by its creamy white flowers with yellow center color and contrasting orange pollen, and vigorous growth.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Fisupnic Flame’, particularly characterized by the combined features of brilliant, orange-red flower color; large, butterfly-shaped flowers; dark green foliage, elliptical leaves; moderately tall plant habit; and beginning of flowering in mid season.

Abstract: A new Clematis cultivar with compact growth habit, profuse, white and violet blue flowers which is well suited to propagation in glasshouses. 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 asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new Clematis cultivar which is well suited to propagation in glasshouses. With a tall growth habit, profuse, nodding pink flowers, continuous summer flowering and good disease resistance. 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 asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Thuja plant named ‘Steeplechase’, characterized by its broadly pyramidal plant form; dark green-colored leaves; finely-dissected foliage; and dense and bushy appearance.

Abstract: Methods for treating plants and fields in agricultural applications are provided by selective delivery of superheated steam. Particularly preferred applications include delivery adjacent to grape vine leaves in order to defoliate basal leaves and to kill localized insect pests, and by injecting superheated steam in strawberry beds prior to planting to kill nematodes. The superheated steam is delivered at temperatures in excess of about 250° F.

Abstract: An elastomeric belt laying vehicle is disclosed for transmitting greater tractive effort to the earth as compared to comparably powered wheel vehicles and being operable at high speed on improved road surfaces without inflicting damage thereto. A pair of the wheels are arranged on each lateral side of the vehicle's chassis for support thereof. An inextensible, endless belt is highly tensioned throughout its length, is entrained about each pair of wheels, and is frictionally, drivingly coupled to at least one wheel of each pair. The structure of the belt, structure of the wheels and cooperating components thereof ensure engagement therebetween, provides long service with minimum maintenance thereof, and supplies the necessary frictional couple to effectively transmit driving torque from the wheels to the belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drip-catcher for, for instance, a bottle and intended for preventing dripping and drops seeping from the bottle orifice during pouring. The drip-catcher of the invention simply consists of a piece (1) of flexible and elastic foil material, preferably plastic material foil having the thickness of 0.1-0.2 mm. The diameter of the piece of material may be 60-80 mm. When used as a drip-catcher the piece of material is rolled into an oblong cylindrical form and inserted in the orifice of the bottle. Due to its elasticity the piece of material will positively engage the orifice and constitute a tube-formed outlet spout. Due to the small thickness of the foil material and its liquid-repellent nature this spout cuts off the jet very efficiently and is also a very efficient drop-catcher. The drip-catcher of the invention is extremely simple and cheap.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope comprising a laser source, a scan optical system for scanning a sample with a laser beam from the laser source, a spectral resolving optical system for resolving spectra of fluorescent rays from the sample, a wavelength splitting optical system for splitting the fluorescent rays that have passed the spectral resolving optical system into rays of a plurality of different wavelengths and guiding the split rays to optical paths of the plurality of different wavelengths, a plurality of image forming optical systems, respectively provided in the optical paths of the plurality of different wavelengths, for forming images of the fluorescent rays from the sample, a plurality of confocal apertures respectively provided in the optical paths at focal points of the image forming optical systems, and a plurality of photosensors, respectively provided in the optical paths, for sensing the fluorescent rays from the sample that have passed the respective confocal apertures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to direct ions away from their otherwise intended or parallel course. Deflectors are used to establish electric fields in regions through which ions are to pass. With such electric fields, ions may be deflected to a desired trajectory. According to the present invention, a multideflector, in the form of a series of bipolar plates spaced evenly across the ion beam path, is used as an ion deflector.

Abstract: An oscillator includes four identical cells each producing a phase shift of 90 degrees. The output signal from one cell is applied to the input of the next cell, and with the cells looping back to themselves. Each cell includes a current amplifier and a parallel inductance-capacitance resonant circuit configured such that the output current from one cell is a fraction of the capacitive current of the parallel resonant circuit. This causes the 90° phase shift between the input and output currents of each cell.

Abstract: A chemotaxis assay procedure which is non-destructive of the cells being studied, which permits the ready performance of kinetic or time-dependent study of cell migration from the same sample, and which produces objective measurements includes the steps of:(a)labeling cells with a dye; (b) placing the labeled cells in a first chamber; (c) placing a chemical agent in a second chamber adjacent to said first chamber; (d) separating said first chamber from said second chamber with a radiation opaque membrane, said radiation opaque membrane having a plurality of substantially perpendicular transverse pores therein; (e) stimulating the labeled cells on the side of the membrane closest to said second chamber with electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength whereby said labeled cells will emit electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength; and (f) measuring the emitted electromagnetic radiation from the side of the radiation opaque membrane closest to the second chamber; wherein said radiation opaque membrane

Abstract: Process for making a butyl ester from butadiene, comprising (a) reacting butadiene with a saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid to form a mixture of n-butenyl and secondary butenyl esters, (b) separating the n-butenyl ester from the secondary butenyl ester, and (c) hydrogenating the n-butenyl ester separated in step (b) in the presence of a catalyst to the corresponding n-butyl ester.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of a computer system in running application programs in accordance with system capabilities, user preferences and configuration parameters of the application program. More specifically, with this invention, an optimizing program gathers information on the system capabilities, user preferences and configuration parameters of the application program to maximize the operation of the application program or computer system. Further, user selected rules of operation can be selected by dragging rule icons to target optimizer icon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling protective glove to easily and effectively cool the human hand. By natural air and water vapor convection and associated conduction of heat, or the forced flow of other safe gases at an appropriate velocity and pressure, as required, and channeling it by means of an internally molded intrinsic distribution network that is incorporated into the glove. The natural cooling results from providing flow passages for air and water vapor pressure differentials between the parts of the hand, inside the protective glove and the cooler outside ambient conditions. Supplemental cooling may be achieved from a source of a cooling medium.

Abstract: A hockey glove that uses a combination of high and low density padding in finger and knuckle pads to protect the user's fingers and knuckles and rigid thumb plates to protect the user's thumb from impact injuries and backward hyper-extension. The high density padding protects the user from impact injuries and breakage caused by sharp blows to the hand. The high and low density padding combination provides a comfort fit with a limited range of flexure of the fingers stalls. Additional flex of the finger and knuckle pads is achieved with one or more hinge panel joints associated with notch openings in the high density padding to permit a clasping or gripping movement by the user. Cooperative thumb support plates are attached to the back of the hockey glove adjacent to the thumb stall and allow the user's thumbs to bend inward toward the palm, but prevent the thumbs from hyper-extending backward.

Abstract: A structure with extensible/retractable panels, which provides variable surface area for items such as headgear brims, furniture tops, etc., includes a first panel, a second panel pivotally mounted to the first panel, and a third panel pivotally mounted to the first panel. The second and third panels are rotatable from a retracted position in which the second and third panels are positioned underneath the first panel, and a deployed position in which the second and third panels extend beyond both the length and width of the first panel.

Abstract: Apparatus having a harness including a first piece of a detachable connector. The first piece is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a second piece of the detachable connector. The harness is configured to be worn on the upper part of a body in a manner that enables it to support a garment worn on a lower part of the body.

Abstract: A protection suit, particularly a spacesuit, has an opening in a back portion of the spacesuit for entering and exiting the suit. The spacesuit is suspended on one side of a bulkhead (5?) so that a hole in the bulkhead is aligned with the opening in the back portion of the suit. The opening is closeable by a backpack (3) which fits through the hole in the bulkhead into a decontamination chamber (7) on the opposite side of the bulkhead. Two sealing and interlocking systems are used. Each system has two subsystems to provide a total of four sealing and interlocking subsystems. A first subsystem (4) connects the spacesuit to the bulkhead that separates a living and working space from an airlock. A second subsystem (6) connects a backpack to the spacesuit (1). A third subsystem (9) connects the spacesuit, preferably through the backpack (3), to a decontamination chamber (7). A fourth subsystem (12) connects the decontamination chamber to the bulkhead (5?).

Abstract: A roof vent ingress prevention device includes a generally tubular base having a circumferential side wall, a lower pipe-engaging section and an upper section having at least two side vents formed therein, the side vents extending through the side wall for venting of gas from within the generally tubular base. A base slippage prevention device such as a circumferential bead or outward slant to the wall means is mounted on an outer face of the circumferential side wall intermediate the lower pipe-engaging section and the upper section of the generally tubular base and is operative to prevent the generally tubular base from slipping downwards into a roof vent on which it is mounted. Finally, a vent cap is mounted on the upper section of the generally tubular base, the vent cap including a plurality of vent openings formed therein for venting of gas from within the generally tubular base.

Abstract: A toilet seat with decorative effect includes a toilet lid as well as a circular seat with a plurality of isolated sections. Each of the isolated section forms a transparent closed space for accommodating liquid or ornaments with different colors such as single-liquid with lustrous foil fragments or dual-liquid with floats so as to achieve a colorful decorative effect. Thus no matter the toilet lid or the circular seat is lifted up or put down, the isolated sections with liquid and ornament have decorative effects. The toilet seat can also match the interior design of the whole bathroom.

Abstract: A body washing unit for a toilet has a first tube (211) for drawing warm water. A second substantially vertical tube (212) is connected rotatably with the first tube (211). A third tube (213) is connected rotatably with the end of the second tube (212) and a nozzle (214) is on the end of the third tube (213) for ejecting cleansing water. A drive rotates the second tube (212) around its axis (A2) to displace the third tube (213) angularly around the axis (A2) of the second tube (212). A converter (MC) converts rotational motion of the second tube (212) into rotational motion of the third tube (213) so that the nozzle (214) moves between its downwardly oriented posture (DP) at a standby position (S.P.) and its upwardly oriented posture (UP) at a usage position (U.P.).

Abstract: A portable wash basin device is disclosed. The device includes a sink for receiving fresh water therein for permitting a user thereof to wash. The sink defines an open top for the reception therein of the fresh water so that the user thereof is permitted to wash therein. A container is disposed adjacent to the sink for containing the fresh water and a pump is operably connected to the container for pumping the fresh water from the container into the sink. A lid is secured to the sink such that when the lid is disposed in an open disposition thereof, access to the sink by the user thereof is permitted and when the lid is disposed in a closed disposition thereof, the lid covers the sink.

Abstract: A detachable sink accessory includes a unitary and continuous body having a substantially dome shape covering a surface area of a sink. The body is situated forwardly of the faucet and extends upwardly from the sink about a top perimeter thereof. A plurality of coextensive openings are equidistantly spaced along a front surface of the body and extend upwardly from the bottom surface of the body and terminate subjacent to an apex of the body. The present invention further includes a plurality of monolithically formed flange portions protruding away from the opposed corners of the body such that the body can be removably positioned on a support surface surrounding the perimeter of the sink. The outer surface of the body is transparent such that a user can maintain a continuous line of sight into the sink while standing exterior of the body.

Abstract: A bassinet having an accommodating space is provided. The bassinet can be supported on a baby play yard and has an accommodating portion. The accommodating portion is connected to the underneath of the bassinet and configured to define an accommodating space for receiving articles. A side face of the baby play yard is provided with an opening, so that it is convenient for a user to take out the articles received in the accommodating space. As a result, when necessary, the user just squats down, opens the opening on the side face, and thus can take out the articles very easily.

Abstract: A bed guard assembly includes a number of end panels, flexible connecting material for placement beneath a mattress, and connection pieces. The connection pieces connect the flexible connecting material to the end panels such that at least one end panel opposes another end panel when the flexible connecting material is disposed beneath a mattress. The end panel includes a rigid frame, a substantially horizontal rigid segment spanning an interior of the outer frame, and a fabric cover. The connection pieces are adjustable, and include a mechanism for pulling taut the connecting material.

Abstract: A pregnancy air mattress/raft is inflatable which is useful for floating in water or sunning on the beach. The air mattress is inflatable and deflatable and is adjusted by adjusting air pressure. The mattress has a rectangular cavity reaching through the mattress, allowing the pregnant torso to bathe in the water when used as a raft. The cavity is elongated to receive the breasts of the user in a prone position. Removably attached side bolsters are mounted on each side of the rectangular cavity by engaging hook and loop material (Velcro) strips and may be adjusted in air pressure for needed support throughout the pregnancy. The side bolsters may be totally removed during the latter stages of pregnancy. An elongated, face-receiving cavity is provided having an air tunnel leading to the front of the air mattress. An ankle bolster is provided useful as an additional pillow.

Abstract: The invention is a magnetized tool for holding or retrieving nails. This is shown as a hammer having a magnet which may be on a removable cover or an extendable arm, mounted within the shaft or adjacent to the shaft of a hammer on the removable cover. The magnet is removable from the shaft to temporarily magnetize the striking face of the hammer so that a nail mail be held on the striking face temporarily. The magnet may be removably held to the hammer with a magnetic metal, such as another magnet which may be similar in size and shape and may be glued in place on the hammer. In another embodiment, the tool is a paint shield which may have bens to fit under walls. The shield may also serve to hold paint absorbing sheets to prevent spills and to clean up spills. The sheets may define a curving lip which curves upward to catch paint spills.

Abstract: A power management system for a surface maintenance machine, such as a street sweeper is disclosed. The system includes a variable speed engine for transporting the surface maintenance machine, a hydraulic pump powered by the engine, a vacuum fan motor powered by the hydraulic pump, an engine speed sensor coupled to the engine, an electric proportional valve coupled between the hydraulic pump and the vacuum fan motor, said valve for selectively restricting a flow rate to the vacuum fan motor, and a control unit operatively coupled to the engine speed sensor and the proportional valve, said control unit receiving engine speed information from the engine speed sensor and communicating a predetermined signal to the proportional valve to control the flow rate to the vacuum fan motor as a function of engine speed. A method of managing engine power from a single-engine street sweeper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A brush roller assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a rotatable spindle having a longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end and a central portion. A first airflow enhancing device (“AED”) is positioned, by being molded onto or operationally attached to, the first end of the rotatable spindle. The first AED includes a central portion, which is positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rotatable spindle when the first AED is positioned on the first end of the rotatable spindle. The first AED includes at least one fan blade projection outwardly extending from the periphery of the central portion of the first AED. The fan blade projection facilitates the movement of debris directly or indirectly from the first end of the rotatable spindle toward the central portion of the rotatable spindle. A second AED device may be positioned on the second end of the rotatable spindle, wherein the second AED has similar structure to and attaches in similar fashion as the first AED.

Abstract: A vent adjusting apparatus for opening and closing air vents of a recreational vehicle includes a handle provided with a first adapter attached to one end portion thereof. The first adapter includes a groove that has first and second bores oppositely spaced for engaging a portion of an air vent and rotating same in a selected radial path. A second adapter is attached to an opposite end of the handle and includes protrusions for engaging an alternate air vent design. The top surface of the second adaptor includes a bore that is in continuous contact with the second adapter receptacle for securely maintaining the handle secured thereto. In an alternate embodiment, the handle may include a telescopic portion for adjusting a length thereof as desired by a user.

Abstract: A pliable handle for a hand-held device is provided. The handle includes a core member, an outer sheath disposed about the core member, and gel disposed between the core member and the outer sheath. The outer sheath is deformable, such that when a hand grips the pliable handle, the force applied causes the pliable handle to deform and conform to the shape of the hand, and the applied force causes load movement of the gel. The pliable handle has a so-called memory effect, meaning that after the grip on the handle is released, the deformation in the handle will remain for a period of time before the handle returns to its original shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably securing a line having a cross sectional thickness and at least one free end. The fastener has a shaft dimensioned for wrapping the line around the shaft. The shaft has a pair of ends at least one of which includes: an insertion structure extending from the end that defines an insertion opening and a retaining structure extending from the end a distance greater than the cross sectional thickness of the line. The retaining structure defines a retention aperture operably dimensioned smaller than the cross sectional thickness of the line. When the free end of the line is inserted through the opening, positioned adjacent the shaft, wrapped around the shaft and positioned in the retention aperture, the line is thereby releasably secured.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink jet print head includes the steps of bonding a body of piezoelectric material to a base plate and cutting channels into the piezoelectric material to form ink chambers which are actuated by applying voltages to electrodes provided on surfaces of the chambers. The base plate carries IC's which contain the drive circuitry for actuating the ink chambers. To ensure reliable electrical connection between the chamber electrodes and the IC's, the electrodes and conducting tracks on the base plate are formed in a single step by depositing a conductive layer over both the PZT body and the base plate. A step of masking or selective removal of material may be performed to achieve the necessary patterning of the electrodes and tracks.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a quartz crystal oscillator, at least one of a chemical etching method, a physical etching method, and a mechanical method is utilized to form a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator having a quartz crystal tuning fork base, quartz crystal tuning fork tines connected to the quartz crystal tuning fork base, a fundamental mode of vibration, and a second overtone mode of vibration each comprised of a flexural mode of an inverse phase. An amplification circuit is provided having at least an amplifier. A feedback circuit is provided having the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator and capacitors. The amplifier of the amplification circuit and the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator and capacitors of the feedback circuit are electrically connected together.