Abstract: A method for digital preemphasizer high fidelity reconstruction of an original pulse code modulation (PCM) serial stream binary data signal which has suffered degradation of fidelity, and consequent increase in bit-error-rate, during transmission on a single channel from a transmitter to a receiver. Prior to transmission, amplitude encoded digital pre-emphasis of each bit of the original binary data signal to be transmitted mitigates or remedies the signal degrading frequency dependent losses concomitant with the signal transfer network characteristics of the fixed transmission line. Subsequently, the amplitude encoded signal is transmitted to the receiver connected to the other end of the fixed transmission line. Compared to a conventional transmitter, transmision line, and receiver system, the end result of amplitude encoded pre-emphasis is superior reconstructed fidelity and quality of the PCM waveform, i.e. lower bit-error-rate, at the output of the receiver for the same length of transmission line.

Abstract: Netting constructed from strong elongated tubular elements encloses optic fiber signal lines. Such netting is anchored at spaced locations underwater adjacent to a dock to establish a protection zone for sea vessels within the zone from terrorist threats to be delivered underwater by penetration or attempted penetration of the netting which may also block damaging impact inflicted on sea vessels within the zone by missiles. If a missile however penetrates the netting for impacting the sea vessel, the location of such netting penetration is then indicated through the signal lines so as to enable rapid threat response.

Abstract: A new and distinct Torenia plant named ‘Dantorwhite’ particularly characterized by having shiny green foliage, dotted with plenty of delicate, cup shaped flowers in shades of white with a yellow throat; bush cascading, vigorous, compact rounded growth, densely branched; early flowering, flowers all year round in moderate climate; suitable for use as an annual for hanging pots outdoors under partial shade; and good weather tolerance with preferred temperature range of 15-25° C.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Sabani Blue’ which carries upward-facing dark blue flowers early in the season and whose foliage forms a tight dome or mound which does not die down in the summer. In combination these traits set ‘Sabani Blue’ apart from all other existing varieties of Geranium known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Diascia plant named ‘Sumdia 03’, characterized by its compact, upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching habit; freely and early flowering habit; intense purplish red-colored flowers; and good temperature tolerance.

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

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Agastache plant named ‘Kiegador’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and open plant habit; freely basal branching growth habit; numerous orange-colored flowers positioned close together on erect flowering spikes; and good garden performance.

Abstract: An advanced generation interspecific hybrid of (Cornus kousa×C. nuttallii) that is distinguished by its exceptionally high vigor, superior foliage, floriferous display of very attractive and exceptionaly large white floral bracts, high level of winter hardiness, good drought tolerance and high resistance to the incitants of powdery mildew and dogwood anthracnose.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Artichoke plant named ‘BCS 7-12’. This new variety is characterized by red or violet bud color. Further, ‘BCA 7-12’ has a significantly larger fruit size and an earlier maturation compared to other red artichoke varieties. This variety has also shown to be more vigorous than its parents with a larger leaf area.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Veronica plant named ‘Pink Panther’, characterized by its upright, compact and sturdy plant habit; freely basal branching habit; dense and bushy plant form; long flower racemes; freely flowering habit; and pink-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Scaevola plant named Cajun Blue, characterized by its compact and trailing plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy plant form; freely and early flowering habit; long flowering period; and blue violet-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new garden rose plant of the shrub rose class which has abundant, red 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 Nierembergia plant named ‘Blue Eye’, characterized by its semi-upright to cascading plant habit; freely branching habit; numerous large single flowers that are white in color with purple-colored centers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Genvada’ that is characterized by semi-double purple red flowers, medium green foliage with a light zonation pattern and an early to medium flower response.

Abstract: A new and distinct Limonium plant named ‘Danlisadablue’ characterized by: violet-blue flower color, RHS 93B; red-purple bud color; RHS 60 C; stem height of 70-90 cm; panicle type stem branching; and a yield of 6 to 10 stems per plant in the first flash.

Abstract: A new miniature rose plant which has abundant, medium yellow 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 Aster plant named ‘Yoballad’, characterized by its uniform, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored foliage; uniform flowering habit; natural flowering season around September 2nd; daisy-type inflorescences with violet blue-colored ray florets; resistance to Powdery Mildew; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Sunmilk’, characterized by its outwardly spreading and decumbent plant habit; vigorous and freely branching growth habit; relatively small leaves; numerous light yellow green to white-colored flowers with red purple-colored venation; long flowering period; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Canna plant named ‘RobToyRed’, characterized by its upright and compact plant habit; vigorous plant growth habit; non-persistent flowers; dark green-colored foliage; and flowers that are bright red in color.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea plant named ‘200724077’, characterized by its upright and mounded plant habit; strong stems; large durable leaves; large inforescences; and inflorescences with red purple-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helenium plant named ‘Chelsey’, characterized by its upright and somewhat outwardly spreading plant habit; freely basal branching growth habit; large upright-facing inflorescences with yellow and red bi-colored ray florets; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea plant named ‘1701’, characterized by its upright and mounded plant habit; strong stems; large durable leaves; large inflorescences; and inflorescences with bright pink-colored flowers.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘USCALI67’, characterized by its semi-upright to cascading plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; relatively large light purple-colored flower; good weather tolerance; tolerant to rain and low and high temperatures; and resistance to Thielaviopsis.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hypericum plant named ‘Vermelcla’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; dark green leaves; red-colored fruits; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hypericum plant named ‘Verivocla’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; dark green leaves; cream-colored fruits; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hypericum plant named ‘Versalcla’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; dark green leaves; salmon pink-colored fruits; and good portproduction longevity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a flow of air and particulates through a vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an intake body having an intake opening configured to receive the flow of air into particulates. An airflow propulsion device is coupled to the intake opening to draw the flow through the intake opening and through a flow passage having an approximately constant flow area. The flow continues through one or more conduits from the propulsion device to a filter element housed in a filter housing where the particulates are separated from the flow of air.

Abstract: A self-propelled lateral inspection apparatus includes a propulsion motor that drives friction members to propel the apparatus along an inside surface of a main sewer pipe. The apparatus also includes a main camera and a lateral camera. The main camera is used to view the relative positions of the lateral camera and an opening to a lateral sewer pipe to be inspected. The lateral camera is interconnected to a push rod cable having a flexible core and lateral camera wiring encased in a resilient shell. A rotate motor and a tilt motor act on a launch chute assembly to properly align the lateral inspection camera with the lateral sewer pipe opening. A drive assembly, including a drive motor, at least one drive gear, and at least one pressure roller, inserts and retracts the push rod cable and lateral camera into and from the lateral sewer pipe.

Abstract: A method of modifying the surface of a solid polymer substrate comprising the steps of a) generating radicals on the substrate surface by subjecting it to a gas plasma or by subjecting it to UV light, and b) treating the surface with a vapor of a monomer or a monomer mixture comprising cyano acrylate and/or isocyanate, where step b) starts before step a), simultaneously with step a), under step a), or follows immediately after step a), and a polymer substrate modified accordingly; a method of binding an organic binder material to a surface of a solid polymer substrate comprising the steps of modifying the surface of the substrate by said method, and bringing the organic material in contact with the surface of the substrate, and a polymer bonded to an organic material by the last mentioned method.

Abstract: A method for cutting a ceramic wafer to form individual sliders for use in supporting the read/write heads in magnetic recording disk drives uses multiple parallel scans of a pulsed laser to ablate the ceramic material. After the wafer has been cut into individual rows, a pulsed laser beam is directed to that surface of the row that will become the disk sides of the sliders (i.e., the sides of the sliders that will face the disks in the disk drive). The laser is pulsed as the laser spot is moved along a first scan line across the surface of the wafer row to form a generally V-shaped trench. The laser spot is then moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the first scan line a distance less than the laser beam diameter, and then pulsed while the laser spot is scanned along a second line generally parallel to the first scan line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag cushion which simultaneously exhibits a low amount of seam usage (in order to attach at least two fabric panels or portions of a single panel together) as well as a very low amount of fabric utilized to produce the target airbag cushion, both in correlation to an overall high amount of available inflation airspace within the cushion itself. These two separate, but correlated factors, one based on an effective seam usage index are now combined for the first time in what is defined as an effective seam usage index (being the quotient of the length of overall seams on the cushions and the available inflation airspace volume) and the other based on an effective fabric usage index (being the quotient of the amount of fabric utilized in the construciton of the airbag cushion and the available inflation airspace volume). The inventive airbag cushion must possess an effective seam usage factor of at most 0.11 and an effective fabric usage factor of at most 0.0330.

Abstract: Method of providing closed captioned data to a television viewer comprised of detecting closed captioned data signals transmitted in conjunction with a television signal, decoding the data signals to caption display signals, and displaying the caption display signals on an auxiliary screen separate from a screen displaying the television signals.

Abstract: A negative pressure air bearing slider includes a slider body for flying above a surface of a recording disc during relative rotation of the recording disc. First and second projections extend from a lead portion of a principal surface of the slider body to define first and second air bearing surfaces, respectively, the first and second air bearing surfaces being spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of said slider body. A third U-shaped projection extends from the principal surface and includes a curved front wall portion at least partially located between the first and second projections and first and second side wall portions extending from opposite ends of the curved front wall portion to a rear portion of the principal surface so as to define a rounded negative pressure cavity therein.

Abstract: In the method raw starch is treated with the amylase with the enzyme classification EC 3.21.133 below the gelatinization temperature, whereafter the maltose and the limit dextrin are recovered. The method is simple and cheap and gives rise to a maltose of high purity and to a cheap limit dextrin useable as a fat replacer in foods.

Abstract: Improved method for detecting and/or counting the appearance of hematopoietic progenitor cells which comprises the steps of mixing a blood sample with a reagent capable of detecting immature cells without employing any immunological techniques, obtaining cell information about the thus treated sample using a particle analyzer and constructing a cell distribution profile, delineating a portion of the profile as a zone in which at least one subclass of hematopoietic progenitor cells appear, and counting the cells within the zone. The method is capable of detecting the appearance of hematopoietic progenitor cells in a simple and positive manner.

Abstract: Methods for amplifying target nucleic acid sequences using a nucleic acid polymerase lacking 5? exonuclease activity and a set of oligonucleotide primers. Preferably, a primer array is used. The primer array contains two sets of primers. One set contains at least two complementary primers. The other set contains at least two sense primers. Using the described methods amplification can be carried out under essentially constant environmental conditions without the requirement for exonuclease activity or restriction endonu- clease activity.

Abstract: A face shield assembly including a frame and a removable protective element supported by the frame is disclosed herein. The protective element is removably supported in an opening of the frame by a channel, without the use of fasteners. Because the face shield lacks fasteners, it is easy to remove and replace, even with the use of gloves. In one embodiment, the frame is molded as a single, unitary member and includes an upper detent, a lower detent and a channel formed between a lip and the frame that receives an edge of the protective element in order to hold the protective element within the frame. In another embodiment, the frame is pivotally supported on a support structure such that the frame can be moved between an upper (out of use) and a lower (in use) position, and may further include an adjustable mounting member so that the frame can be selectively spaced relative to the user's head.

Abstract: A vest to be worn by a driver/passenger of a two-wheeled vehicle or the like provided with a plurality of air chambers which are folded and housed wherein the air chambers instantaneously expand in two stages by being filled with carbon dioxide gas injected through a carbon dioxide gas cylinder connected to the activating device, creating a buffer effect to cushion the impact on the driver/passenger, who is thrown out onto a road surface, a construction on the road, a wall surface, or the like, which is a circumstance typical to traffic accident disasters of two-wheeled vehicles or the like.

Abstract: A system of manufacturing to incorporate protective materials with high cut and puncture resistance into standard safety and apparel products including gloves, to create a highly effective and low cost system of producing safety garments while preserving the characteristics of the original garment. This includes attaching a cut and puncture resistant protective liner or multiple liners to the inside or outside of or within a garment such as a glove by means of adhesives or stitching. The liner may be a protective liner with cut resistance greater than 450 lbs per inch/thickness and/or puncture resistance greater than 50 lbs per inch/thickness depending on the application requirement for protection and dexterity.

Abstract: An improved dance tight and dance tight stocking. In accordance with one embodiment, the dance tight includes a leg portion in the form of a tubular fabric member terminating in a foot portion. The foot portion includes an open forefoot collar bordered by an elastic finished edge and through which a wearer's toes protrude when the dance tight stock is worn. An open hindfoot collar is disposed on the foot portion proximally with respect to the forefoot collar such that a portion of the rear heel surface of the wearer's foot is exposed therethrough. The dance tight stocking further includes an instep collar defining an elastically bounded open mouth through the leg portion in substantial longitudinal alignment between the forefoot collar and the hindfoot collar such that forefoot and hindfoot retention bands are formed therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved integrated swimming goggles mechanism. The swimming goggles of the present invention comprises a first frame made from rigid material and a second frame made from soft material. The first frame includes a pair of front lens frames each having a lens receiving grooves, a first bridge member which is connected with the inner sides of the front lens frames and has at least a joint section and at least a bending point. The second frame includes a pair of rear lens frames which are adjacent to the front lens frames and the second bridge member between the rear lens frame encircles the first bridge member. The rigid first frame mechanism provides fixing and assembling of the head strap of the swimming goggles. Due to the first bridge member and at least one bending point, the rigid first frame is provided with a desired flexibility. Moreover, the soft second frame can provide a comfort contacting with a user's face when the goggles are worn.

Abstract: A pair of swimming goggles (1) comprises left and right lens frames (2, 3) retaining lenses (9) therein, a connecting device (5) integrated with the lens frames, and a head strap (8) connecting outer sides of the lens frames. A strap adjusting device (4) is provided on the outer side of each lens frame, and comprises a base (40) and a panel (43) assembled together for extension and retention of the head strap, a push button (411) and a stop tongue (410) pivotally connected between the base and the panel, and two resilient arms (42) for providing resumption strength to the pressed push button. The stop tongue abuts against one side of a stop channel (80) of the head strap, whereby the head strap may be tightened by direct pulling, or loosened by pulling oppositely after the push button is pressed to release the stop tongue from the stop channel.

Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic time release system for regulating the flow of liquid therethrough. The time release system comprises a timer body having a timer inlet for providing liquid at a timer inlet flow rate and a timer outlet for discharging liquid at a timer outlet flow rate. The timer body is divided into a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a third reservoir and a float reservoir. The first reservoir includes a catch pan mounted on an open drain tube that is positioned below the timer inlet. The first, second and third reservoirs are in at least partial fluid communication with the float reservoir. A timer float assembly is moveable between open and closed positions in response to variations in the float reservoir liquid level. The closed position is such that the flow of liquid into the drain tube is blocked causing the timer body to fill with liquid whereupon the timer outlet flow rate is substantially equivalent to the timer inlet flow rate.

Abstract: A health apparatus to be used in conjunction with toilets. The apparatus works to prevent contact from men's or women's genitals with either the toilet bowl itself or the water within the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A device for use with bathing and changing a baby includes a structure for removably supporting a baby bath. In one embodiment, the structure comprises a panel having a cut out for the baby bath and includes side rails for slidably mounting a change table that can slide over the baby bath from a position beside the baby bath. Additionally, at least one work table is also mounted by the panel structure between the change table and the baby bath. Also, the work table may also be slidable over the baby bath. In one aspect, the panel structure includes a support framework that is at least height adjustable for supporting the device over a household bath tub. Advantageously, the device saves space within a bathroom as it is locatable over a household bath tub. Moreover, it also allows for safe handling of a baby which can be lifted from the baby bath and immediately placed on the change table located next to the baby bath. The change table can then be easily slid across to cover the baby bath.

Abstract: A base for a shower stall comprising a first layer of fiber glass and resin, and layer of filament material, and a second layer of fiberglass and resin. The base also includes at least one external edge, an external opening, and a thickness that increases from the at least one external edge to the internal opening. Included is a shower stall comprising a plurality of shower walls, a sloped floor attached to the shower walls, and a base attached to the slope floor. Also included is a method of attaching a base to a shower stall. The method comprises creating the base by applying fiberglass, resin, and filament material to a mold, engaging the base to the shower stall by removably attached the mold to the shower stall, curing the base, and removing the mold from the shower.

Abstract: An emergency water release device comprises heating elements adapted to heat water, a shower and an eyewash, a valve and a controller which sends a first signal to turn off at least one of the plurality of heating elements when a temperature of the water exceeds a predetermined limit, and when a flow rate of the water is reduced to a reduced flow rate, the valve opens so that water is dispersed away from both the shower and the eyewash in an amount equal to the difference between the flow rate and the reduced flow rate. The heating elements form a first set electrically connected in series which provides heat for water to be dispensed by the shower, a second set electrically connected in series which provides heat for water to be dispensed by the eyewash. The first and second set of heating elements can be connected in parallel. The controller may also be configured to send a signal to another valve to open so that unheated water is mixed with heated water.

Abstract: This invention deals with a sink having a flange can be flush mounted in a countertop where the countertop is made of a laminate upper layer supported by a wood based body such as particle board. The countertop is readied for sink mounting by ploughing out a sink channel in the supporting body of the countertop. The sink channel is filled with a hardenable plastic such as an epoxy. The upper surface of the epoxy and the laminate is machined such as by a router to create a rabbet to accommodate the flange of the sink. The sink channel is arranged so that the hardened epoxy extends under the laminate so that any water which passes under the flange of the sink will contact the epoxy and not the wood based structure. A faucet having holes to accommodate hot water, cold water, spigot and faucet accessories can be mounted using the same channel and epoxy system.

Abstract: A lavatory system is disclosed. The lavatory system comprises a base, a panel coupled to the base and configured for translating movement between a first position and a second position, a cover configured for pivoting movement relative to the base between a deployed position and a stowed position, a linkage coupled to the cover and the panel, and a motion control device including a damper configured to affect the movement of the cover and the panel. The linkage comprising at least one member configured to transfer the pivoting movement of the cover to translating movement of the panel. Movement of the cover from the deployed position towards the stowed position actuates the at least one member to move the panel from an extended position towards a retracted position. The damper is configured to control the velocity of the cover during movement.

Abstract: An overflow device for a bathtub with an overflow inlet arranged for mounting in a conventional overflow hole of the bathtub and a valve connected between a water supply and a conventional bath tap. A spring can be used to change the valve from its open state to its closed state. A float and trigger lever can detect water that has entered the overflow inlet and trigger the device to change, using the stored spring energy, from a set state in which the valve is open to a triggered state in which the valve is closed. A manually operable resetting element can be operated by a user to replenish the spring with energy and return the device to the set state. The device can be permanently plumbed in and the bulk of the device can be hidden from view outside the bathtub.