Abstract: The present invention provides a contractor apparatus and method for removing solvent from a polymer cement. The resulting polymer is substantially free of solvent and exhibits improved oil absorption and lower fines. In one aspect, a contractor is provided including a cylindrical casing having a high pressure section, a convergence section, a high velocity section, a divergence section, and a discharge section. The polymer cement is introduced into the high pressure section to significantly and unexpectedly improve solvent removal. The convergence and divergence sections have cross-sectional areas that correspond to an effective angle from about 4° to about 65°, such as 6°. The polymer cement is mixed with high pressure steam. After converging, the polymer cement forms more uniform droplets due to high shear of steam. In the divergence and discharge sections, the polymer is substantially devolatized.

Abstract: Provided is a novel high octane summer gasoline composition which is substantially free of oxygenates, and is in compliance with the California Predictive Model. The gasoline composition is suitable for use in the summer, i.e., having a Reid vapor pressure of 7.0 or less. The method for blending the gasoline comprises blending streams from a refinery in a controlled manner to maintain compliance with the California Predictive Model.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel GPCR polynucleotides, GPCR polypeptides, gene delivery vehicles comprising and/or expressing the GPCR polynucleotides, antibodies and fragments capable of specifically binding to the GPCR polypeptides, and modulators of the GPCR. Also provided by the invention are host cells, transgenic organisms comprising the gene delivery vehicle of the present invention. Further provided are methods of using these compositions for diagnosis and treatment of GPCR associated diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is new Viola cornuta plant named ‘Sunvioki’, which is a vegetative propagated variety, developed by specific hybridization between ‘9V-39a’ and ‘Alpine Sun’. ‘Sunvioki’ has a spreading habit with very long stem. The plant height is low. The branching is abundant. Flowers are vertically oblong and very small. The color of flower is brilliant greenish yellow with vivid yellow eye. The plant has a high resistance to cold, pests and diseases.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid tea rose plant having attractive large cream flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct all-male asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) hybrid denoted ‘NJ 854’ was developed through extensive breeding and selection. Asparagus hybrid ‘NJ 854’ has many desirable traits including vigorous plant growth, high yield, good resistance to rust (Puccinia asparagi) and good field tolerance to asparagus root rot (Fusarium oxysporum) and asparagus crown rot (Fusarium moniliforme). The plants and plant parts of ‘NJ 854’ are described as well as the hybrid asparagus seeds and plants produced by crossing asparagus plant ‘NJ 854’ with another asparagus plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Fisnics Burgsweet’, and particularly characterized by the combined features of lavender and purple bi-colored flower color; medium to large, round, almost flat flowers borne well above the foliage; uniform, dark green foliage, relatively wide leaves; medium sized to larger, round and bushy plant habit; and early to medium flowering response.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Visinflapi’, characterized by its rounded and upright plant form; vigorous and freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored foliage; freely flowering habit with flowers held above and beyond the foliage; and large salmon pink-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new garden rose plant of the floribunda class which has abundant, light yellow 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 Petunia plant named ‘Lanbor’, characterized by its cascading plant habit; freely branching habit; freely and continuous flowering habit; numerous single flowers that are light purple in color with dark purple-colored centers; good garden performance; and resistance to Powdery Mildew.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Visinfpiki’, characterized by its rounded and upright plant form; vigorous and freely branching growth habit; bushy appearance; dark green-colored foliage; freely flowering habit with flowers held above and beyond the foliage; and large soft pink-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Warm Yoursula’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and rounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; decorative-type inflorescences with elongated oblong-shaped ray florets; light orange-colored ray florets; natural season flowering in mid-September in the Northern Hemisphere; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Visinfblla’, characterized by its rounded and upright plant form; vigorous and freely branching growth habit; bushy appearance; dark green-colored foliage; freely flowering habit with flowers held above and beyond the foliage; and large purple and red bi-colored flowers.

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 ‘Visinfwhi’, characterized by its rounded and upright plant from; vigorous and freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored foliage; freely flowering habit with flowers held above and beyond the foliage; and large white-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Philodendron plant named ‘Variegated Sport #1’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; dark burgundy-colored stems; glossy leaves that are initially yellow green with dark reddish brown variegation; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct Ilex×meservae plant is provided that originated as a spontaneous mutation of unknown causation of the ‘Blue Prince’ variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,517). The foliage is dark green during the summer and unlike the ‘Blue Prince’ variety changes to an attractive Bordeaux coloration during the winter. The growth habit is dense, compact, vigorous and well-branched and commonly yields a smaller plant than the ‘Blue Prince’ variety. Good winter hardiness is displayed, and the plant is well suited for general landscape usage.

Abstract: A tool box includes a base portion with two side walls, two sliding plates slidably disposed to the two side walls and a plurality of receiving members pivotally connected between the two side walls at two ends of a front side thereof. The receiving members further are pivotally connected to the two sliding plates at the two ends of a rear side thereof. An actuating member is pivotally connected between the two side walls at two ends of a front side thereof, and between the two sliding plates at the two ends of a rear side thereof so that when pivoting the actuating member about the two ends of the front side thereof, the two sliding plates and the rear side of each the receiving members are moved upwardly.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter has an output voltage and sources an output current to a load. The DC/DC converter includes an error amplifier with a reference input and a summing input. The reference input is electrically connected to a reference voltage. The summing input is electrically connected to the output voltage and the output current. The summing input is configured for adding together the output voltage and the output current. The error amplifier issues an error signal and adjusts the error signal dependent at least in part upon the output voltage and the output current. A comparator receives the error signal. The comparator has a ramp input electrically connected to a voltage ramp signal. The comparator issues an output signal that is based at least in part upon said error input. A power switch has an on condition and an off condition, and supplies dc current to the load when in the on condition. The power switch has a control input electrically connected to the comparator output signal.

Abstract: The differential amplifier of a comparator circuit includes first and second n-type MOSFETs for receiving an input signal, first and second p-type MOSFETs of a current mirror circuit, and a third n-type MOSFET of a current source circuit. The output stage includes a third p-type MOSFET for transmitting a signal, and a fourth n-type MOSFET of the current source circuit. The differential amplifier further includes fifth and sixth n-type MOSFETs respectively series-connected to the first and second n-type MOSFETs. The output stage further includes a seventh n-type MOSFET series-connected to the fourth n-type MOSFET. The gates of the fifth, sixth, and seventh n-type MOSFETs are connected to voltage bias circuits. The fifth, sixth, and seventh n-type MOSFETs suppress variations in voltage at an output node caused by poor saturation characteristics of the first, second, and fourth main n-type MOSFETs.

Abstract: The present invention is a security monitoring system which effectively monitors a large number of areas in a cost effective manner using already existing communications infrastructure. More specifically, the method and apparatus of the present invention warns at least one security post of an undesired condition at a monitored area by sending a fax of an image of the monitored area via a phone line and/or by sending an E-mail of a color image via a global telecommunications network such as the Internet. Generally, the present invention includes a camera for creating a first image of the monitored area at a first time point and for creating a second image of the monitored area at a second time point. In addition, a data storage device stores the first image and the second image, and an image processor, coupled to the data storage device, compares the first image with the second image.

Abstract: A twinkle bulb light set includes, alternately from one end of the light set to an opposite end of the light set, at least one standard bulb socket configured and dimensioned to operatively receive a standard or steady-burning bulb and at least one non-standard bulb socket configured and dimensioned to operatively receive a non-standard twinkle bulb. The standard and non-standard bulb sockets are configured and dimensioned to operatively receive only standard and non-standard bulbs, respectively. Preferably the standard bulb socket is smaller than the non-standard bulb socket in at least one dimension such that the standard bulb socket cannot operatively receive a non-standard bulb, and the non-standard bulbs have at least one dimension greater than that of the standard bulbs, thereby to preclude operative receipt of a non-standard bulb in a standard bulb socket.

Abstract: A nuclear density gauge and test method is provided for measuring density material in a relatively thin zone beneath a surface of the material. The gauge comprises a gauge housing and a substantially planar base on said gauge housing adapted to be positioned on a surface of the material sample. A gamma radiation source having a characteristic primary energy and an activity of no more than 100 microcurie is mounted within the housing and cooperates with the base for emitting gamma radiation through the base and into an underlying material sample. An energy selective gamma radiation detector is mounted within the gauge housing and in laterally spaced apart relation from the gamma radiation source. The gamma radiation detector is operable for quantifying the energy level of the detected gamma radiation. Shielding is provided within the gauge housing between the source and the detector for preventing gamma radiation from passing directly from said source to the detector.

Abstract: Aspects for allowing variably controlled alteration of image processing of digital image data in a digital image capture device include forming an image processing chain with two or more image processors to process digital image data, and providing one or more parametric controls within each of the two or more image processors. The aspects further include accessing chosen controls of the one or more parametric controls to modify the two or more image processors for alteration of the image processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for producing powdered preparations for inhalation.

Abstract: A BIOCOMPATIBLE HYDROGEL, is provided for use in the treatment of humans for cosmetic and functional defects (e.g. in mammas, vocal cords, penis, etc. as endoprostheses), in the provision of intratissue storage sites the prolonged-action medicinal preparations, in various applications as electroconductive immersion media, and in the life-long tamponing of caverns. It contains an acrylamide-based polymer produced in the presence of an initiator of radical polymerization in apyrogenic water as the dispersion medium. An increase in elasticity, shape retention capability, and stability of bulky implants, as well as corresponding therapeutic and cosmetic efficacy, mainly in the endoprosthetic applications is achieved due to the hydrogel containing cross-linked polyacrylamide produced by using a biocompatible cross-linking agent, such as methylene-bis-acrylamide, and preferably a mixture of ammonium persulfate and tetramethylethylenediamine as the initiator of polymerzation.

Abstract: A method for forming a via through a dielectric layer within a microelectronics fabrication. There is first provided a substrate having a contact region formed therein. There is then formed upon the substrate and covering the contact region a blanket first dielectric layer formed of a first dielectric material which is not susceptible to etching with an oxygen containing plasma. There is then formed upon the blanket first dielectric layer a blanket second dielectric layer formed of a second dielectric material which is susceptible to etching within the oxygen containing plasma. There is then formed upon the blanket second dielectric layer a blanket hard mask layer formed from a hard mask material which is not susceptible to etching within the oxygen containing plasma.

Abstract: Modulation of the activity of the insulin receptor, enhancement of glucose uptake by cells, and other effects significant in the control and management of diabetes are accomplished using compounds of the formula wherein each A is independently a proton-accepting substituent; each R is independently a noninterfering substituent; n is 0, 1, or 2; and each linker is independently an isostere of —NHCONH— or of —N?N— or of —NHCO—. Compounds in the genus of Formula (1) can also be used for structure activity studies to identify features responsible for the relevant activities.

Abstract: A human gene termed APC is disclosed. Methods and kits are provided for assessing mutations of the APC gene in human tissues and body samples. APC mutations are found in familial adenomatous polyposis patients as well as in sporadic colorectal cancer patients. APC is expressed in most normal tissues. These results suggest that APC is a tumor suppressor.

Abstract: Worn flat on the forehead as a headband, the Sweat Diversion Band diverts perspiration from the upper forehead and away from the eyes using laminated neoprene. Laminated neoprene is a commercially available, low cost, off-the-shelf material. Laminated neoprene possesses the required capillary and hydraulic properties to absorb liquid perspiration on the forehead, and laterally divert the liquid perspiration to cylindrical outflow lengths bending downward behind the ears. The ends of the headband are folded extensions of the laminated neoprene and provide an optional means to secure the headband to the head. The top of the Sweat Diversion Band features an angular cut through the entire cross-section of laminated neoprene. Sloping toward the head, this feature facilitates absorption of the liquid into the inner wicking fabric worn against the skin. Liquid perspiration is then transported and eliminated below the ears.

Abstract: A football training aid including a device that detachably connects a football player's helmet to the player's shoulder pads, thereby and reducing the tendency and/or ability of the player to lower his head while wearing said device. The exemplary embodiment of the device provides a substantially “T” shaped piece of vinyl, polyurethane, or other resilient material in a length adequate to connect the rear portion of the helmet to a rear portion of the shoulder pads. The present invention also includes several attachment methods for attaching the training device to the helmet and shoulder pads, including VELCRO® strips and a plurality of snaps.

Abstract: An improved storage receptacle for an automatic swimming pool cleaning device that incorporates a cleaning head secured to a retractable hose includes a barrier that is selectively operated to block the opening of the storage receptacle and prevent the cleaning head from entering the storage receptacle during use and becoming trapped. The barrier is a rod slidably disposed within a tube adjacent to the receptacle opening, and hydraulic action drives the rod upwardly to block the opening of the storage receptacle.

Abstract: A method to make a whirlpool bathtub where bacteria growth is inhibited or bacteria is reduced, after tub drain down and between electrical system activation.

Abstract: An invalid person transfer system that has a rectangular frame suspended from a dolly moving on a track on the ceiling. There are left and right support columns that have gear boxes attached to their lower ends. The gear boxes each have at their ends attached thereto pivotal frame members that are connected to each other by a multiple of connecting rods. From the gear boxes conveyor belts are driven to front rollers that form a forward edge between the pivotal frame members in a return manner. The conveyor belts can be driven by either belt drives or gear drives from the gear boxes. In operation, a patient sits on a support and the fronts of each of the frame members move under the patients assisted by the conveyor belts from each side. When the fronts of the frame members are in a close proximity, the patient is sitting on the conveyor belts and then be transported or transfer to a different location without any assistance from an attendant.

Abstract: An infant rocking apparatus comprises an infant support and lifters that rock the infant support from side to side. In illustrative embodiments, the infant support has a trough in which an infant is received. A number of different types of lifters and orientations of the lifters are disclosed.

Abstract: A pillow case or cover converts from a first size to accommodate a pillow with a longer length, such as a king-sized pillow, to a second size to accommodate a pillow with a shorter length, such as a queen-sized pillow. In the larger pillow configuration, a flap adjacent to the open end of the case holds one end of the pillow and a fastener on the flap, such as a button, mates with a hole through the front face of the cover. In a smaller pillow configuration, the flap and a portion of the front and rear faces of the pillow cover are folded and inserted into the interior of the cover, and a different fastener on the rear face of the cover, such as a button, engages a mating fastener, such as a loop, that is appended to the front face of the pillow cover to secure the open end and encase the shortened cover over the smaller pillow. The pillow case or cover may be reversibly converted from the first configuration to the second configuration and back again.

Abstract: An adjustable bed skirt, for use with a bed having a mattress and a box spring, includes side panels having a non-slip portion, and end panels also including a non-slip portion. By inserting the non-slip portion of each side panel and each end panel between the mattress and the box spring, the side and end panels are retained in position so that the remaining non-inserted portion of each of the side and end panels hangs adjacent the box spring and forms a bed skirt thereon. Caps including a non-slip portion may also be inserted between the mattress and the box spring, adjacent edges of the box spring, to hide any gaps between edges of the side and end panels. The bed skirt may also be used with a bed having a mattress placed on a frame, and supported between the mattress and the frame.

Abstract: A generally impermeable mattress cover having expandable sidewalls is provided to enclose a mattress to provide protection against allergens, dust mites, fluids, and other spills and spoils. The cover comprises generally impermeable top and bottom walls, and sidewalls connected at edges between the top and bottom walls. The sidewalls are formed of a double wall construction comprising a generally impermeable inner wall of a fixed height joined at edges to an elastic outer wall. The outer wall stretches and the inner wall extends to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses. The outer wall can be relaxed and the inner wall retained neatly against the mattress and by the outer wall. An aperture can be provided in the bottom wall for allowing insertion and removal of a mattress and a fastener can be used to close the aperture.

Abstract: A surgical table having a patient support member mounted at the upper end of a column, the support member having at least two sections along its length, the two sections being mounted with one another on opposite sides of the table by respective gear means, each gear means including respective drive means for rotating the gear means about a common transverse axis, and the table including means for controlling operation of the two drive means so that they rotate the respective gear means through the same angle.

Abstract: A mattress for use in hospital, nursing homes, and the like, incorporates hand supports with hand grips built into the sides of the mattress. Raised bolsters built into the top surface of the mattress adjacent to its lateral edges help to prevent the patient from falling out of the bed.

Abstract: An air mattress apparatus includes a first mattress section which contains a number of first flotation-bottle-reception chambers which are separated from each other by first stitches. First mattress section closure means enable access to inside the first flotation-bottle-reception chambers. First flotation bottles are received in the first flotation-bottle-reception chambers through the first mattress section closure means. A second mattress section is connected to the first mattress section. The second mattress section contains a number of second flotation-bottle-reception chambers which are separated from each other by second stitches. Second mattress section closure means enable access to inside the second flotation-bottle-reception chambers. Second flotation bottles are received in the second flotation-bottle-reception chambers through the second mattress section closure means. The air mattress apparatus can be used as a floating raft on water or as an air mattress on land.

Abstract: An inflatable bed includes an envelope having first and second walls and a surrounding wall that cooperates with the first and second walls to define an air chamber, a flexible partition sheet disposed within the air chamber, a reinforcing sheet overlying the partition sheet and having a marginal end, a plurality of first retention members connected between the first wall of the envelope and the partition sheet, and a plurality of second retention members connected between the second wall of the envelope and the reinforcing sheet. The flexible partition sheet has a peripheral end welded to the surrounding wall and dividing the air chamber into first and second air chambers. The reinforcing sheet is welded to the partition sheet solely at the marginal end.

Abstract: An inflatable stuffing is inserted into and removed from footwear. The stuffing has an insert and a gas inlet. The inlet allows gas to be admitted into the insert. A toe region of the insert is bent to the right or the left about a pivot seal to more fully support a curved toe portion of a shoe.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner discharges water jets under the cleaner body, directed toward its center from its sides, to agitate and lift debris toward one or more vacuum intake openings, to greatly enhance the cleaning ability of the cleaner. The suspended dirt and debris become semi-buoyant under the force of the jetted water which is preferably moving in the same direction as the cleaner, so that the relative speed between the cleaner and the suspended dirt and debris is reduced, thereby enabling the cleaner to move at a relatively faster rate and still clean with equivalent or even greater efficiency than a pool cleaner that is not equipped with directional cleaning water jets. In addition, displaced front and back orientations of the intake ports allow for longer time for any dirt and debris to be picked up.

Abstract: A burnishing machine having a burnishing motor in a motor compartment covered with a hood defining an air plenum having at least one air inlet positioned near the top of the hood spaced from the floor. The plenum includes a discharge outlet immediately adjacent the motor such that clean air is drawn through the air inlet, flows through the plenum to the discharge outlet for providing clean air to cool the burnishing motor.

Abstract: A combination dustpan and broom form a kit wherein the dustpan includes a handle adapted to receive and grip the handle of the broom and further wherein the dustpan is formed in an asymmetric shape including a straight sidewall that facilitates directional movement of dust or trash collected in the dustpan.

Abstract: A vacuum debris removal system for an integrated circuit manufacturing device is disclosed. The vacuum debris removal system comprises at least one vacuum tube. An opening is formed in the at least one vacuum tube at a selected location to cause air flow away from an element of the integrated circuit manufacturing device.

Abstract: In a brush assembly of a cleaner including plural brushes arranged at the bottom surface of a cleaner body radially at regular intervals; plural supporting shafts for rotatively supporting the brushes; and a driving unit connected to the brushes in order to rotate the brushes, by arranging the plural brushes radially, dust and filth can be collected in a wider region, and accordingly a cleaning performance can be improved. In addition, by forming the brushes as a curved shape, it is possible to compact a size of the cleaner.

Abstract: A surface traveling mobile apparatus which moves by an endless track belt installed to be wrapped around a case from end to end, traveling on a surface by the rotation of wheels driven by a power source is provided. The surface traveling mobile apparatus includes vacuum chambers installed to be attached to the sides of the wheels, a vacuum tube for connecting the vacuum chambers to each other, a vacuum pump formed in part of the vacuum tube, the vacuum pump for inhaling and exhausting air, and suction mechanisms installed along the endless track belt at predetermined intervals, valve driven by contacting the wheels, and vacuum attached to the surface by the vacuum pump inhaling and exhausting air. Also, a cleaning apparatus including a spray unit for spraying water or wash liquid to the surface when the surface traveling mobile apparatus moves, and a rotating brush for washing the surface using the sprayed liquid, are provided.

Abstract: Mounting plate (10) which can be fixed on the supporting wall of the carcass of a piece of furniture for adjustably retaining the bracket of a furniture hinge, wherein the said mounting plate has a flat base plate (12) with wing projections (22), which project from opposing long edges and in each of which at least one through hole (28) for a fixing screw is provided, and an elongate bracket retaining part (16) projecting from the base plate (12) between the wing projections (22). The base plate (12) is provided in its underside facing the carcass supporting wall with a flat recess of large surface area in which a planar adjusting plate with a thickness substantially equal to the internal depth of the recess is adjustably disposed so as to be movable in at least one co-ordinate direction.