Abstract: A system, and a method of operation thereof, for analyzing the performance of a tape recorder having a playback head is disclosed. The system allows for the recorded data of the tape recorder to be routed to a analog-to-digital converter whose output is delivered to a digital signal processor preferably having a routine to convert the digital data to an FFT data stream which, in turn, is routed to a microprocessor. The computer analyzes the FFT data and provides digital signals to external display devices that indicate the proper recording of the tape recorder, the need for the recorder's heads to be cleaned, the occurrence of excessive dropout data recording rate, or the need to manually or automatically adjust the bias and equalization levels of the tape recorder.

Abstract: A layered optical circuit including a multi-substrate optical circuit. The multi-substrate optical circuit includes a plurality of optical fibers, a first substrate supporting a first portion the optical fibers to form a first optical subcircuit, and a second substrate supporting a second portion of the optical fibers to form a second optical subcircuit. A third portion of the optical fibers between the first and second portions extends between the first and second substrates. Free fibers in the third portion are elongated to permit repositioning of the first and second optical subcircuits in an overlapping arrangement without exceeding a minimum bend radius of each of the optical fibers. The overlapping arrangement of the first and second optical subcircuits forms a layered optical circuit. Accordingly, a layered optical circuit having a large number of fibers and/or a complex circuit pattern may be affixed on a relatively small footprint of a backplane, etc.

Abstract: A platform, housing, conduit, exhaust duct or other structural element that encloses or supports a hot operating engine or other machinery is described wherein a pattern of micro-cavities is defined on the outer surface of the structure for mitigating ignition of a flammable liquid that comes into contact with the structure, the micro-cavities being sized to minimize seepage into the cavities of the liquid because of its surface tension, thereby preventing wetting of the interior of the cavities by the liquid.

Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Allegro Jazz’ having a good uniform canopy of bright purple decorative flowers. The new variety has medium vigor, a free branching and uniform spreading habit, and good foliage presentation.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named ‘Pago’, characterized by its numerous large yellow orange and orange bi-colored flowers; upright, uniform and compact plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green glossy leaves; early flowering; and excellent postproduction longevity.

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

Abstract: ‘Maestro Rich Red’ is a new variety of Geranium having early flowering, good leaf zoning, excellent outdoor performance, and distinct cranberry red flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Echinacea plant named ‘Sunrise’, characterized by its upright and columnar plant habit; freely branching growth habit; large inflorescences with pale yellow-colored ray florets and orange-tipped receptacle spines; relatively early flowering habit; fragrant inflorescences; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Diascia plant named ‘Sumdia 02’, characterized by its compact, upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching habit; freely and early flowering habit; intense red-colored flowers; and good temperature tolerance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘PER6401’, characterized by its inflorescences with light red-colored flower bracts with random pale yellow-colored flecks; dark green-colored leaves; uniform, compact, upright and mounded plant habit; early season flowering; natural season flower maturity date is late November for plants grown in Encinitas, Calif.; and excellent post-production longevity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry named ‘Driscoll El Dorado.’ The variety is similar to the varieties ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Ventana.’ The variety is distinguished from ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Ventana,’ in particular, by a greater number of teeth per Terminal Leaflet, fewer achenes per fruit, a rounded shape of the base of terminal leaflets, a rounded shape of the teeth terminal leaflets, sparse to medium petiole pubescence, larger size of calyx in relation to fruit on secondary fruit, and a medium sized hollow center of fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Asiatic Hybrid Lily plant named ‘Tiny Hope’ characterized by its medium to large plant size; vigorous growth habit; freely flowering habit; dark red-colored tepals that are slightly recurved and ruffled at the apex; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new plant variety of Lonicera periclymenum characterized by its fragrant and abundant flowers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry named ‘Driscoll Pearl.’ The variety is similar to the varieties ‘San Juan’ and ‘Driscoll Lanai.’ The variety is distinguished from ‘San Juan’ and ‘Driscoll Lanai,’ in particular, by its longer petiole length, longer fruiting truss length, upright growth habit, strong sweetness of fruit, and highly susceptibility to powdery mildew.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Balserlav’ characterized by its single inflorescence form with lavender-colored ray florets, violet-blue-colored disc florets, dark green-colored foliage, freely branching character, and compact, upright, and mounded growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the Floribunda Class is provided which abundantly forms attractive very double starkly brilliant white blossoms that well retain their coloration upon maturity. The growth habit is upright bushy. Very dense dark green semi-glossy foliage is formed that contrasts nicely with the blossom coloration. The plant develops well following budding and grafting. Good disease resistance is displayed. The new variety is well suited for forming attractive ornamentation in the garden or for cut flower production.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Agapanthus plant named ‘Back in Black’ characterized by its strong, mostly upright, long and black-colored scapes; umbels with numerous violet blue-colored flowers; and freely flowering habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea plant named ‘2001’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; strong stems; durable leaves; large inflorescences; and inflorescences with blue-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Asiatic Hybrid Lily plant named ‘Mount Duckling’ characterized by its medium to large plant size; vigorous growth habit; freely flowering habit; light red purple-colored tepals that are slightly recurved; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A portable video cassette camera or minicam, preferably a palmcorder, is placed within a vehicle so as to monitor the activity within the passenger compartment. The minicam is contained in a box fastened to a wall within the vehicle so as to prevent the theft of the minicam. The minicam is mounted on a base adapted to fit snugly inside the box, the door of the box is opened, the base and minicam are placed inside the box once the minicam is set to record, and the door is closed. The minicam records the activity occurring in the passenger compartment through a solar cool glass window located in the door of the box.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method useful for inhibiting the loss of bone using 6-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-benzo(B)-thien-3-yl-4[2-piperidin-1-ethoxyphenol]methanone hydrochloride.

Abstract: A heterocyclic derivative of the formula (I) wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compound (I) of the present invention and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof exhibit superior ACAT inhibitory activity and lipoperoxidation inhibitory activity in mammals, and are useful as ACAT inhibitors and lipoperoxidation inhibitors. Specifically, they are useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of arteriosclerosis, hyperlipemia, arteriosclerosis in diabetes, and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular ischemic diseases.

Abstract: According to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, a cross section of an examining human body having bubbles implanted as ultrasonic shadowing agent is scanned by an ultrasound so as to obtain an echo signal. Image data is repeatedly generated based on the echo signal. Then, image data is displayed as a motion image. Power of the ultrasound to be transmitted is changed from first power to second power, which is stronger than first power. The ultrasound of first power breaks a first amount of bubbles. The ultrasound of second power, which is stronger than first power, breaks a second amount of bubbles, which is larger than the first amount of bubbles. Though the image generated by use of first power is unclear, the amount of breakage of bubbles can be extremely retrained. Since the image is used to examine the state of the bubble flow to the region of interest, unclearness can be allowed.

Abstract: A multi-element occlusion device (10, 20, 30, 40) provides an improvement over existing systems by increasing the occupation of a vascular lumen. The device (10, 20, 30) comprises an anchoring element (12, 22, 32), a lead element (14, 24, 34) and at least one fiber (16, 26, 36) attaching said elements. The elements and fibers produce a cumulative occlusive effect greater than the sum of the individual elements. When placed in the blood stream, the anchoring element (12, 22, 32) lodges against the vessel wall and the lead element (14, 24, 34) is carried to a position distal thereto. In another embodiment, an “umbrella” of support members extend from the lead element. A fabric web extends between these support members. The umbrella intravascular device expands upon its exit from the catheter. The fabric web produces complete occlusion of the vessel without the need for thrombosis to form between the elements.

Abstract: An altitude protection device for an acceleration protection suit having a plurality of liquid-filled veins is comprised of a bladder inserted in a pocket. A spacer fabric that is non-compressible under the loads to be provided is enclosed in the pocket and defines a minimum volume inside the bladder. The bladder is closed off or opened relative to surrounding air in the aircraft cabin via a valve that is opened if a rate of pressure change in the cabin is less than or equal to a presettable maximum value, and closed if the rate of pressure change is greater than the value. If the valve closes and the pressure falls further, air located in the bladder inflates the bladder and pocket, increasing tensile stress in the fabric, and thereby raising the internal pressure of the veins resulting in increased internal pressure in the entire acceleration protection suit.

Abstract: A draft barrier system having a sliding fastener that lets a user selectively alternate a volume of material between open and closed formations. When the sliding fastener closes the volume of material into the closed formation, insulation is compressed together to form a seal that helps prevent air from moving between the interior and the environment through the sliding fastener.

Abstract: A grasping-enhanced industrial glove comprises an inner cotton layer having a finger portion; a sheet of net layer being seamed to the finger portion; the net layer being adhered with thick rubber material by placing the inner cotton layer in a hand mold and soaking in a rubber material; the rubber material of the net layer having a width of about 20% to 30% of the net layer; and an outer rubber layer having a texture portion. By above structure, the glove has a strong grasping force. The net layer can be extended to the fingernails from the inner portion of the fingers. The net layer is made of cotton material or metal material. The material of the outer rubber layer is selected from one of Nitrile-Butadiene Rubber, Nature Rubber, Polyvinylchloride and Polyurethane.

Abstract: A headwear assembly that includes a reversible crown, shaped to fit the head of a wearer with fabric with hook and loop fasteners, fabric ties, plastic, one-size-fits-all or other size adjustment mechanisms, having first and second opposing major surfaces and a detachable and reversible dual visor with first and second opposing major surfaces. The reversible crown includes cooperating attachment members located on the inside non-focal surfaces of the first and second major opposing surfaces, providing the base for attaching, detaching and reattaching the removable and reversible dual visor. The removable and reversible dual visor has first and second major opposing surfaces along with cooperating attachment members used to attach, detach and reattach itself to the reversible crown. The visor and crown are easily removable and reversible to include one major surface each being displayed upwardly during wear and accounts for different headwear assembly looks plus the reversible crown worn alone.

Abstract: A battery operated self-contained submersible liquid dispenser for dispensing discrete quantities of a liquid from a remote liquid reservoir is provided. The dispenser comprises a hermetically sealed walled housing containing a peristaltic pump driven either directly or via a speed reduction gear train by an electric motor in response to motor activation signals received from an electric control circuit within the housing. The pump includes a flexible liquid dispensing tube connected to respective liquid inlet and liquid outlet ports extending through the wall of the housing, a pump actuator for forcing liquid received via the liquid inlet port through the tube to the outlet port, and a sensor on or in the wall of the housing connected to the circuit. The sensor is adapted to sense a changed condition from a required parameter external to the housing, e.g.

Abstract: A dispenser for releasing a treatment substance into a toilet bowl, said dispenser being in the form of an elongate tubular member, adapted to release the substance when the toilet is flushed, and resilient so that in use it is self-supporting under the rim of the bowl. The substance to be released is at least one of a bleach, cleanser, surfactant, perfume or disinfectant.

Abstract: A bathtub pillow has a resilient cover with a bulged portion having a cavity and a flat area formed around the bulged portion; a resilient spacer received inside the cavity of the resilient cover; multiple sucking disks formed under the flat area of the resilient cover; and a bottom grating detachably attached to the resilient cover to enclose the resilient spacer inside the bulged portion. Thereby, the bathtub pillow is detachable and has no seams formed on the bathtub pillow, whereby the bathtub pillow can be kept clean. The resilient spacer props the bulged portion to make the bathtub pillow have a certain flexible rigidity to support a user's head. The bottom grating allows water inside the bathtub pillow to drain out to enable the bathtub pillow dry out after use.

Abstract: An adjustable and transportable mattress support for adjustably supporting a mattress in the cab of a truck including a pivotally connected elongated mattress support member for supporting a mattress; a vertical adjusting system located between the mattress support member and the floor portion of the truck cab, the vertical adjusting system including an expandable gaseous fluid cushion means being expandable and contractable in a vertical direction located between the truck cab floor and the mattress support member; means for applying a gaseous fluid under pressure to expandable cushion means located generally at the corners of the mattress support member between the member and truck cab floor whereby the vertical position of the mattress support member can be adjusted.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is disclosed including a patient support and a powered transport device to facilitate movement of a patient support.

Abstract: A custom, therapeutic pillow is constructed based on measurements of a person's torso and head widths. The custom, therapeutic pillow comprises rails to support the user's neck and a memory foam-bottomed cavity in which to receive the user's head.

Abstract: A variable stackable ramp system for forming ramp assemblies for providing challenging obstacle courses including ones for aerial lift for sport jumping with skateboards, inline skates, bicycles and the like. The ramp system includes ramp modules of at least two different configurations with one being an inclined ramp module having an inclined upper riding or support surface and a straight ramp module having a generally horizontal straight upper riding or support surface. The ramp modules are adapted to be interconnected horizontally and vertically in a variety of orientations to provide ramp assemblies of selectively different overall configurations.

Abstract: An elongate covered passageway formed of modular pultruded sections adapted for use in the construction of aircraft boarding bridges is disclosed. The passageway includes a four principal structural elements, namely a floor element, two upright, spacedly positioned wall elements and a ceiling element positioned atop the two wall elements. Each of the structural elements is formed of one or more pultruded panels, each panel defining one or more compartments therein. The compartment type construction of the panels provides channels for the installation of wiring, ducting and insulation for servicing the passageway construction.

Abstract: An actuator assembly and packaging feature for an electric toothbrush is disclosed. The actuator assembly includes a positionable member accessible along the outer surface of the toothbrush body. The actuator assembly further includes a spring member retained within the interior of the toothbrush body which urges a cam member against the underside of the positionable member. The positionable member defines an aperture extending through its midsection within which is disposed a depressible member. The depressible member has an outer end which is also accessible along the outer surface of the toothbrush body. Upon pressing the depressible member, the cam member and spring are urged against an electrical circuit provided within the body of the toothbrush which is used to selectively operate a motor and drive mechanism to move one or more sets of bristles.

Abstract: Oral devices are provided, including oral brushes that include bristle tufts and a rocking member having radially extending protrusions constructed to penetrate between a user's teeth. The protrusions are shaped to penetrate the interproximal region, cleaning between a user's teeth and stimulating the gums.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scrub pad comprising a scrubbing layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer; a wiping layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer; and an absorbent core layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer comprising at least one absorbent material selected from the group consisting of short-fiber, air-laid nonwoven material, nonwoven plastic batting, cellulosic fibrous web materials, wax coated paper, corrugated paper, fluff pulp, cotton balls, cotton batting, or mixture thereof; wherein the absorbent core layer is located intermediate to the scrubbing layer and the wiping layer and wherein the scrubbing layer, the absorbent core layer and the wiping layer are joined at the periphery of each layer.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus and method of attaching the same to a vehicle includes a brush assembly having at least one brush unit. A linkage includes a first end selectively coupled to the brush assembly and a second end selectively coupled to a hitch receiver of the vehicle. A hitch sleeve is inserted into the hitch receiver and is secured in an installed position. In an alternate embodiment, a shoe cleaning apparatus and method of attaching the same to a hitch receiver of a vehicle includes a frame having a forward end including a mounting arm and at least one brush unit coupled to the frame. A coupling element couples the mounting arm of the frame to the hitch receiver of the vehicle. A mounting aperture of the frame is aligned with an aperture formed on the hitch receiving portion of the vehicle defining a mounting axis. The mounting arm is secured to the hitch receiving portion at the mounting axis.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing particulate cleaning material onto a floor surface includes a hopper holding the particulate material and a dispensing aperture extending across the hopper through which the material may be dispensed. A separator, which may for example be a wire, is located adjacent the dispensing aperture for separating the particulate cleaning material at the aperture. The wire helps to break up clumps of particulate cleaning material which may form. In use, a plate is vibrated to impart motion to the particulate material in the hopper. The wire can be carried by the plate or by the hopper and is preferably held under tension.

Abstract: A hinge for an orthopedic splint has two plates hinged for pivotal movement relative to each other and a detent engageable for locking the plates at a selected angle to each other, and a spring urging the detent into engagement. The detent is protected in a recessed guideway against operation with the unaided hand to discourage tampering with the splint settings by the patient fitted with same, but is retractable with a pointed tool inserted in the recess or a removable screw threaded in the detent as a finger hold. The screw may also pass through the detent and if tightened against an underlying plate keeps the detent disengaged to facilitate adjustment of the splint. The hinge allows left and right hand angular settings of the splint to either side of a zero angle for ambidextrous use of the splint, and radial tabs with directional markings are provided as visual indicators of the angular setting of the splint hinge.

Abstract: A wafer box with a handle device is provided. A wafer box includes a wafer box main body for carrying at least one wafer, a handle device having a holding portion being evenly and securely held by an operator with digits so as to transport the wafer box conveniently, and a connecting component for connecting the wafer box main body to the handle device. The connecting component further includes an engaging portion for being engaged with the wafer box main body, a positioning portion for positioning the connecting component on the wafer box main body, and an urging portion for urging against the wafer box main body.

Abstract: A slider for slide fastener provided with an automatic stopper device which allows automatic assembly and manual assembly and holds a leaf spring in a stabilized condition, the slider having five members, that is, a body, a pull tag, a pawl member, a leaf spring and a cover. Mounting posts for attachment of the cover are provided on front and rear portions on a top face of the body. The top face of each of the mounting posts has a protrusion as a first holding portion for holding the leaf spring in which concave portions are formed in both ends. The cover to be mounted on the mounting posts has protrusions as second holding portions for holding the leaf spring at front and rear ends of the inner face of the top wall. Each of the concave portions in the leaf spring is engaged with the protrusions of the first holding portion and second holding portion with play.

Abstract: A method for applying diffusion aluminide coating on a selective area of a turbine engine component and the coating produced by that method is disclosed. A quartz infrared lamp heats only substantially the localized area of the component to be coated, rather than the complete part. Either halide activated or non-activated tape is applied on the area to be coated and is held in place during coating using a high temperature dimensionally stable tape holder manufactured from graphite or ceramic. The quartz infrared lamp is used to heat only the desired area to a coating temperature of about 1800° F. to about 2000° F. under an inert atmosphere for about 3 to about 8 hours to achieve the desired aluminide coating thickness. No powder masking of the machined surface area is required. Due to the localized heating, aluminum vapor generated from the tape will only deposit aluminide coating on the taped area.

Abstract: Inner individual electrodes are formed at intervals on a piezoelectric ceramic layer so as to correspond in a one-to-one relationship with ink channels, and an inner common electrode are formed on another piezoelectric ceramic layer. The required number of piezoelectric ceramic layers with inner individual electrodes and with an inner common electrode are laminated alternately. An outer common electrode is connected to the inner common electrodes, and outer individual electrodes are connected to the respective inner individual electrodes. The capacitance between the outer common electrode and each of the outer individual electrodes is measured. A polarization electric field adjusted based on the measured value is applied between the common electrode and each of the outer individual electrodes to perform polarization.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive film-type actuator has a ceramic base and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element, which has piezoelectric/electrostrictive films and electrode films and which is disposed on the ceramic base, and is driven in accordance with a dislocation of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is formed such that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive films and the electrode films are alternately laminated so as to construct the uppermost layer and the lowermost layer with the electrode films. Also, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive films have two layers and no pores, containing a different phase formed by a decomposed material thereof, in the boundary sandwiched therebetween. In addition, the upper layer of the two-layered piezoelectric/electrostrictive films is thicker than the lower layer.

Abstract: A capacitor structure is fabricated by forming a bottom plate, forming a dielectric layer overlaying the bottom plate, and forming a top plate over the dielectric layer. In addition, at least one insulating sidewall spacer that protects the dielectric layer during processing is formed along the perimeter of the top plate and overlaying a portion of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) is described for upholstering components of chairs, armchairs, or the like, in particular backrests and/or seats having a sandwich structure (11) with a covering layer (12) fitted so as to cover a frame (14) at least partially, the apparatus comprising at least one stapling gun (8), a support table (10a) for the sandwich structure (11), means (16) for compressing the sandwich structure (11), and a robotic arm (4) on which the stapling gun (8) is mounted, as well as means for controlling the robotic arm (4), the control means being arranged to guide and operate the stapling gun (8) along a stapling path defined peripherally on the sandwich structure (11).

Abstract: A retaining ring installation tool for use in installing retaining rings onto shafts and into bores is formed from a single piece of metal to define a cylindrical, elongated body. A hollow cavity is formed in one end of the body and the wall of the body that defines the cavity is slotted to form a plurality of individual, flexible spring contact arms or fingers which extend forwardly from a rear body portion and which collectively define an insertion end of the tool. The ends of the fingers are enlarged to ensure contact occurs between the tool and the retaining ring during the installation of the ring onto a shaft or into a bore. The contact arms are bent either radially inwardly or outwardly so that they will contact the retaining ring at all times during installation of the ring.