Abstract: A new and distinct apple tree named ‘Nicoter’. The new variety is the result of a cross between ‘Gala’ and ‘Braeburn,’ and is most similar in appearance to ‘Gala’. The new variety is distinguishable from ‘Gala’ by its red coloration and slightly less conical shape.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by flowers having white ray florets with a slightly creamy center. The plant naturally blooms in the last two weeks of August. The plants are freely branching, and have a round and mounding growth habit.

Abstract: A new plant variety of Davidia involucrata distinguished from its parents and all other varieties of Davidia involucrata of which I am aware by the dark burgundy colored foliage in spring through leaf abscission in fall.

Abstract: This invention is a new and distinct cultivar of a zonal geranium Pelargonium×hortorum) named ‘Faith’ the cultivar has a white centered light lavender pink blossom and medium green foliage on a stable, full, well branched plant.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Campanula plant named ‘PKMp01’, characterized by having compact, upright plant habit; dense and bushy plant form mainly due to more upright stems; vigorous growth habit and less need for chemical growth retardation; greater number of flowers per plant; large upright blue flowers, and no need for vernalization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nectarine tree, Prunus persica, and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a large size, vigorous, hardy, self-fertile, productive and regular bearing tree that requires about 500 chilling hours. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described in the latter half of June, with first picking on Jun. 19, 2005. The fruit is uniformly large in size, sub-acidic and sweet in flavor, nearly globose in shape, clingstone in type, firm in texture, yellow in flesh color, and full dark red in skin color. The present variety resulted as a second generation cross of ‘Spring Bright’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,507) nectarine by an unnamed white flesh nectarine (unpatented).

Abstract: A new variety of Lantana named ‘WHITE GOLD’ that is characterized by mounding spreading habit, medium-green colored foliage, and inflorescence that is predominantly white composed of pure-white florets with yellow eyes. In combination these traits set ‘WHITE GOLD’ apart from all other existing varieties of Lantana known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by to burgundy colored foliage, white flowers on short, burgundy flowering stems, mounding habit, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Echinacea purpurea plant named ‘Fancy Frills’ characterized by its unique frilled and doubled ray florets that are held out stiffly, reddish to maroon cones, lovely fragrance, and an upright vigorous habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct Gaura lindheimeri plant with red-purple colored flowers, attractive variegated foliage, and a long blooming season.

Abstract: The new grape cultivar ‘90-3618’ can best be characterized as a large, productive, seedless, dark table grape with excellent quality for handling abilities. The berries of the new cultivar are sweet and firm with very strong attachment and almost no shatter at commercial maturity. The berries reach full maturity in early to mid-September.

Abstract: A new and distinct Sedum spectabile plant characterized by an extremely compact habit with stems that do not fall over after bloom and large purple red flower heads.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Cuphea named ‘FLAMENCO RUMBA’ that is characterized by open upright habit, dark yellow-green foliage, and large light red flowers that bloom continuously through spring, summer and fall. In combination these traits set ‘FLAMENCO RUMBA’ apart from all other existing varieties of Cuphea known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new Sanvitalia plant particularly distinguished by its compact, low mounding, and spreading habit, early flowering, large flowers, good vigor, and good branching habit is disclosed.

Abstract: A new Diascia plant particularly distinguished by large light pink flowers with deep pink markings, large medium green foliage with rounded leaves, a round, uniform, and medium-sized plant habit with dense branching and floriferousness is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of crapemyrtle, Lagerstroemia indica×L. fauriei, which is characterized by compact, upright-mounded growth habit and raspberry red flowers.

Abstract: A new Diascia plant particularly distinguished by large salmon-orange flowers, medium-green foliage with large rounded leaves, vigorous growth, and a round and tall plant habit is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Petgrabl’ characterized by its trailing, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit, freely branching habit, freely flowering habit, single flowers that are blue in color, and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of crapemyrtle, Lagerstroemia indicia×L. fauriei, which is characterized by very compact, mounded growth habit; reddish-purple foliage all growing season, which holds up well in heat and humidity; high leaf powdery mildew and Cercospora leaf spot resistance; pink flowers, not as profusely borne as other Gamad varieties.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a glove 11 having an elongated elastomeric base member 34 substantially positioned over the proximal thumb phalanx 30 having a plurality of pliable blade-like elements 28 whereby the wearer 23 of the gloves can extend the thumb 30 and in a single motion using the pliable blade-like elements 28, wipe the transparent visor portions 20 of eye protection devices 24 without totally obstructing the vision of the wearer. The elongated elastomeric member 34 is comprised of a plurality of pliable blade-like elements 28 exteriorly positioned on the glove 11 extending through an aperture 38 to a planar flange element 40 located between the exterior glove material 36 and the interior glove liner 14 providing structure 46 for fixedly positioning the elongated elastomeric member 34 to the exterior 36 and/or interior layer 42 of the glove by any structure 46 known within the art, such as, bonding, sewing or riveting.

Abstract: A bicycle brake device has a first brake arm body, a first lid, a second brake arm body and a second lid. The first brake arm body has a first attachment opening and a first fastener recess located adjacent to the first attachment opening. The second brake arm body has a second attachment opening and a second fastener recess located adjacent to the second attachment opening. The second brake arm body is adapted to be operatively coupled to the first brake arm body to move the first and second brake arm bodies between a release position and a braking position. The first lid is detachably coupled to the first brake arm body to overlie the first fastener recess. The second lid is detachably coupled to the second brake arm body to overlie the second fastener recess. First and second covers can also be provided to overlie the attachment openings of the brake arm bodies. The lids can be attached to the brake arm bodies in a variety of ways.

Abstract: There is provided a cholesterol sensor with high-accuracy and excellent response, whose object to be measured is whole blood, where plasma with which is obtained by filtering out hemocytes therein filtered in blood can rapidly reach an electrode system. In a biosensor where plasma with which is obtained by filtering out hemocytes therein filtered with by a filter is sucked into a sample solution supply pathway due to capillarity, there are formed: a first pressing part for holding a primary side portion of the filter from the bottom; a second pressing part for holding a secondary side portion of the filter from the top and the bottom; a third pressing part for holding the central portion of the filter from the top; and a void for surrounding the filter between the second pressing part and third pressing part.

Abstract: A composite bowl has a seamless, one-piece, stainless steel inner body with a covering or outer body formed of a flexible and resilient frictional material. The outer body has an enlarged bead around the rim of the bowl and the stainless inner body is rolled around the bead.

Abstract: A bracket is used for mounting onto the standard of a stadium or theater seat. The bracket can be bolted in place at the same time as seat backs are bolted onto the seat standard. The bracket has latches that permit a drink cupholder to be installed by sliding the cupholder along mating guides in one direction. The latches engage complementary latch portions on the drink cupholder to prevent removal of the drink cupholder. The drink cupholder has a wall that mates to the bracket, and includes skirt walls that cover the bolts used for attaching the bracket and the seat backs to the seat standard.

Abstract: A device for reading an image (an image reading device) according to this invention comprises therein at least one photoelectric conversion semiconductor device provided on a substrate and at least one thin film transistor circuit element provided on the substrate wherein said photoelectric conversion semiconductor device and said thin film transistor circuit element comprise semiconductor regions obtained from one semiconductor film provided on said substrate.

Abstract: A seat apparatus includes a seat cushion, a seat back associated with the seat cushion, an air vent extending from the bottom side of the cushion towards the sitting side of the cushion, and an air producing device which blows air, preferably temperature controlled air, to the air vent and to a groove facing the sitting side of the cushion. The seat apparatus is thus able to distribute air, preferably temperature controlled air, to the seated individual.

Abstract: A data communication system, such as a local area network, is provided with a capability of transmitting isochronous data. Preferably the system conveys both isochronous data and non-isochronous data by time-multiplexing the data into a recurring frame structure on a four-bit nibble basis. An efficient encoding scheme permits transmission of both isochronous and non-isochronous data over existing media, such as twisted pair, without degrading bandwidth previously achieved for non-isochronous data over the same media, such as using an ethernet system. Bandwidth available for a particular isochronous source/sink is selectable and sustainable with a predefined granularity. The arriving data is de-multiplexed at the hub into separate channels for handling the separate streams by appropriate hardware. Preferably, the present invention can be implemented in a fashion that is transparent to already-installed media access controllers.

Abstract: A device for inspecting a cargo container such as a motor vehicle or freight pallet, with penetrating radiation. A source of penetrating radiation is mounted on a moveable bed, thereby allowing a beam of penetrating radiation to sweep the large container. At least one detector is also mounted on the bed, either on the side of the source or on a boom, so that, as the beam is scanned across the container, the container and any contents of the container are characterized by transmitted or scattered radiation, or both.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral characters, which are then focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into selected output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports. The WSR apparatus of the present invention may be further equipped with servo-control and spectral power-management capabilities, thereby maintaining the coupling efficiencies of the spectral channels into the output ports at desired values.

Abstract: An airfoil core die includes a tab for forming a continuous and smooth contour and extension of a first trailing edge slot recessed all to a bottom of the airfoil. The contour is formed on each airfoil core at injection and is maintained through to finish casting of the airfoil.

Abstract: A segmented die assembly comprises a plurality of side-by-side and separate units. Each die unit, includes a manifold segment and a die module mounted thereon. The manifold segments are interconnected and function to deliver process air and polymer melt to the modules. Each module including a nozzle through which the polymer melt is extruded forming a row of filament(s). The filaments from the array of modules are deposited on a substrate or collector. The die assembly is preferably used to apply a hot melt adhesive to a substrate, but also may be used to produce meltblown webs.

Abstract: The electronic casino gaming system consists of several system components, including a microprocessor (12), a main memory unit (13) that is typically a random access memory, and a system boot ROM (14). Also included in the electronic casino gaming system are a non-volatile RAM (17), a mass storage unit (18), a disk subsystem (19), and a PCI bus (20). The disk subsystem (19) preferably supports SCSI-2 with options of fast and wide. A video subsystem (22) is also included in the electronic casino gaming system and is coupled to the PCI bus (20) to provide full color still images and MPEG movies.

Abstract: The electronic casino gaming system consists of several system components, including a microprocessor (12), a main memory unit (13) that is typically a random access memory, and a system boot ROM (14). Also included in the electronic casino gaming system are a non-volatile RAM (17), a mass storage unit (18), a disk subsystem (19), and a PCI bus (20). The disk subsystem (19) preferably supports SCSI-2 with options of fast and wide. A video subsystem (22) is also included in the electronic casino gaming system and is coupled to the PCI bus (20) to provide full color still images and MPEG movies.

Abstract: A free standing, upright sports goal structure (10) having a plurality of inflatable bladders to form the framework (19) of a standing goal structure, together with an outer casing (25) of non-elastic material which encloses the inflatable framework (19) and serves to form a strong rigid goal structure (10) which is useful in a plurality of sports, yet which can quickly and easily be erected or collapsed for convenient transportation and storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for supplying bioavailable methionine to a cow which comprises supplying to the cow an ester of methionine or methionine amide and/or an ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A glove for pugilistic sports is disclosed and includes a wrist compartment (B), a hand compartment (A) and a closing system, in form of a velcro strap (1). The closing system is arranged from the inner side of the thumb joint (2) and the radiocarpal joint (3), and extends substantially diagonal across carpus (4) and the inside of the wrist, and encompassing the wrist.

Abstract: Protective ear shades for headwear such as caps, which shades include a pair of cupped or oblate shades extending from stitched or sewn attachment to the sides of the cap over the ears to protect the ears from ultraviolet radiation. In a preferred embodiment the protective ear shades curve from the headband or side margin of the cap upwardly and outwardly in a cupped configuration toward the crown and then downwardly and forwardly to the bill of the cap. In another preferred embodiment of the invention one or more stiffeners or reinforcements are provided in the ear shades to maintain the shades in the desired protruding, cupped and oblate configuration over the ears.

Abstract: A compact, waterproof swim mask having a unitary skirt, a frame, and a clinging device. The unitary skirt has two lenses for covering the eyes and/or the nose of a user, a flexible frame including two eye-shaped frame elements being capable of communicating with each other. Each frame element is bendable to slightly enlarge when an upper portion is pulled away from a lower portion so that the two frame elements communicate through a gap of a separable intermediate portion for mounting the skirt. The frame also has two endpieces for coupling a rear headband therebetween. The clinging device is secured to the separable intermediate portion of the frame by snapping for fastening the whole swim mask.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a face mask provided with a rotation angle regulating means for stepwise variation of an angle of each buckle relative to associated lens frame side wall. A buckle is rotatably attached to the lens frame side wall of the face mask and the lens frame side wall and the buckle are formed with the rotation angle regulating means comprising one or more protrusions and depressions adapted to be releasably brought into mutual engagement.

Abstract: A mechanism for raising a toilet seat includes two geared shafts that are cooperatively engaged while mounted on a toilet. A foot-operated lever attached to a first of the geared shafts provides torque thereto, causing a rotation of the first geared shaft upon depressing the lever. This, in turn, causes a rotation of the second of the geared shafts. The second geared shaft includes a metal flange or other connector that secures a toilet seat thereto over the bowl of the toilet. As the two geared shafts rotate, the toilet seat raises and lowers with the movement of the metal flange on the second geared shaft.

Abstract: This is a device to easily and safely transport a toilet, which can be broken down and folded for easy storage and transport. It has very few mechanical parts and uses the existing toilet set holes to safely lift a toilet.

Abstract: A kitchen sink installation includes a plurality of adjacent kitchen sinks having drain tailpieces, a manifold pipe mounted substantially horizontally under the sinks and having a length and a plurality of discrete openings along its length, each of the openings facing upward in alignment with and spaced by an air gap from one of the sink drain tailpieces, and an outlet at one end of the manifold pipe adapted to connect to a downstream flow direction of sink effluent.

Abstract: A cradle conversion system having a cradle moveable between at least one sofa position and a bed position. The system comprised of a cradle having a first and second deck and a locking mechanism for selectively securing the decks in a set angular position to one another.

Abstract: A cross-rail support system for use with a bed frame to support a mattress having at least two adjustable support leg assemblies attached to two parallel and adjacent elongate beams. The overall width of the support system is adjustable by sliding the elongate beams relative to each other along their lengths. The placement of the two support leg assemblies is also adjustable by sliding the assemblies along the elongate beams and is independent from the total width of the support system. In addition, the leg assemblies maintain the parallel alignment of the elongate beams to each other and provide support to the mattress.

Abstract: An adjustable bed carriage for supporting a main bed frame above a substantially planar floor. The adjustable bed carriage has one or more first legs, each with an upper end slidably attached to a first end of the main bed frame, and one or more second legs, each with an upper end pivotably attached to a second end of the main bed frame. Each first leg is paired with a second leg, and they are pivotably connected to each other at a central pivot located substantially at a midpoint of each. The carriage also includes a first caster base with one or more first casters for engaging the floor, the first leg being attached to the first caster base. Also, the carriage has a second caster base with one or more second casters for engaging the floor, the second leg being attached to the second caster base.

Abstract: An adjustable bed including a stationary frame is supported above a floor. An articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together is spaced above the frame with connectors. The connectors include generally inverted U-shaped tubes pivotally secured to the frame and secured to the deck boards. A gas spring is operatively coupled to the head deck board and pivotally secured to the frame. Activation of the gas spring in cooperation with the operator moves the deck boards.

Abstract: A motor-adjustable head rest for operating tables comprises a head plate (12) which is arranged at one end of a curved support shaft (24) which, in a plane which is perpendicular with respect to the axis of curvature, is guided in an adjustable manner on a support between three rollers (26, 28, 30) which are spaced from one another in the direction of adjustment, which support can be connected to the operating table. The tracks (32, 34, 36) for the rollers (26, 28, 30) which are formed on the support shaft (24) are shaped such that their instantaneous curvature centers in each position of the support shaft (24) coincide with the instantaneous center of rotation of the head movement during the lifting and the lowering of the patient's head (14) resting on the head plate (12).

Abstract: A bed apparatus having a base and two inflatable members for elevating the torso and legs of a user is provided. The inflatable members are removably attachable to the base and can be selectively spaced apart, making the bed spatially adjustable. The extent to which a user's body is elevated is controlled by inflation of the inflatable members, making the bed vertically adjustable.