Abstract: Containers are transported by movement of upper and lower trolleys along vertically spaced travel paths established by laterally spaced rails formed in a boom supported in a horizontal position by suspension cables attached to a frame assembly through which the boom extends horizontally between container receiving and delivery locations.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for compression and reconstruction of digital images taking advantage of information entropy properties to reconstruct image data from minimal information. The algorithm yields the possibility of achieving image compression factors of 10,000 to 100,000, thus decreasing the necessity of high bandwidth transmission modes for image data. The algorithm also has cryptographic properties which offer secure transmission of image data over non-secure data lines.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical beam steering system having a plurality of optical apertures arranged in a circle. Each of the optical apertures corresponds to a unique angular sector of the circle and includes a blazed fiber Bragg grating that responds to selected wavelengths of light. A particular angular sector of the optical system can selectively be made to project a radially directed light beam based upon the light used. The direction of the light projecting from a chosen angular sector can be altered by further tuning the light and can also be changed by expanding or contracting the length of the blazed fiber Bragg grating employed.

Abstract: A method for producing tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in eukaryotic host cells is disclosed. Enhanced levels of t-PA production are obtained by co-amplification of the t-PA gene through treatment of cultures transformed with mutant or wild-type DHFR with methotrexate.

Abstract: Provided is an unleaded gasoline fuel which is substantially free of oxygenates, and most preferably contains substantially zero oxygenates. The gasoline fuel also has a Reid vapor pressure less then 7.5 psi, a sulfur content less than 30 ppmw, an aromatic hydrocarbon content between 25 and 30 volume percent, and/or a 50% D-86 Distillation Temperature between 210 and 220° F., and/or a 90% D-86 Distillation Temperature between 300 and 330° F., and the fuel composition fails the California Predictive Model requirements for emissions. Preferably, the olefin content of the fuel is also 8 volume percent or less. Such a gasoline fuel offers a substantially oxygenate free gasoline which avoids the environmental impact of oxygenates, yet when combusted in an internal combustion automobile provides good performance and good emissions, despite failing the California Predictive Model. The gasoline fuel in particular can provide surprisingly lower NOx emissions than that predicted by the California Predictive Model.

Abstract: A new and distinct Agaricus bisporus Imbach mushroom cultivar known by the variety name ‘Broncoh’ that has a yield that is on average 25-28% higher than the present-day commercial brown strains and produces fruiting bodies which are firm and have a good shelf life.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Hybrid Tea rose plant is provided which abundantly forms on a continuous basis attractive very double long-lasting cream white blossoms having a strong fragrance that are slightly suffused and bordered with pink. The new variety of the present invention is a spontaneous mutation of unknown causation of the ‘Meivildo’ variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,895). The plant exhibits very vigorous vegetation, a semi-erect growth habit, dense medium green foliage with a semi-glossy aspect, and good tolerance to crytogamic diseases such as powdery mildew. The attractive medium green foliage contrasts nicely with the blossom coloration. The new variety is particularly well suited for growing as attractive ornamentation in parks and gardens.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named ‘Bbpaola’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; freely flowering habit; double flowers with orange to red-colored tepals; and excellent flower longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Ivy Geranium plant named ‘Paclit’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and trailing plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely basal branching habit; large, double and purple-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of cut flower Aster plant named ‘Oudshoorn 1’, characterized by its strong flowering stems; freely flowering habit; long flowering period; daisy-type inflorescences with violet-colored ray florets; long and straight ray florets; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Sateene’, characterized by its upright, broadly spreading and compact plant habit; numerous red purple-colored flowers with dark purple venation; and long flowering period.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of miniature rose with long lasting, novel yellow flowers, and dark green and attractive foliage. It exhibits compact, uniform growth and flowering under greenhouse conditions when grown as a potted floral plant. The new variety propagates well from cuttings and by grafting. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: Grain-oriented magnetic steel sheet made by the method-including hot rolling and final finish annealing, wherein (1) the O content in the steel slab is limited to up to about 30 ppm; (2) for the entire steel sheet having final thickness including an oxide film before final finish annealing, from among impurities, the Al content is limited to up to about 100 wtppm, and the respective contents of B, V, Nb, Se, S, P, and N, to up to about 50 wtppm each; and (3) during final finish annealing, the N content in the steel is, at least in the temperature region of from about 850 to 950° C., limited within the range of from about 6 to 80 wtppm.

Abstract: Large characters and numerals of a lapse time, a musical program title, or the like of a musical program under the performance recorded on a photomagnetic disc can be displayed, and an inadvertent erase of a musical program can be prevented. The TNO and lapse time of each musical program during the performance are displayed on a display unit as shown in FIG. 3 at (f). Under this condition, when a title key is depressed, the title for the TNO is displayed for a predetermined time period on the display unit as shown in FIG. 3 at (g). After the predetermined time period, the lapse time for the TNO is displayed as shown in FIG. 3 at (h). When an erase key is depressed during the performance of a musical program, a controller erases the disc management information and additional information for the TNO from a RAM storing U-TOC information, and renumbers other TNOs to update the contents of RAM.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of thin monocrystalline or polycrystalline semiconductor material films, characterized in that it comprises subjecting a semiconductor material wafer having a planar face to the three following stages: a first stage of implantation by bombardment (2) of the face (4) of the said wafer (1) by means of ions creating in the volume of said wafer a layer (3) of gaseous microbubbles defining in the volume of said wafer a lower region (6) constituting the mass of the substrate and an upper region (5) constituting the thin film, a second stage of intimately contacting the planar face (4) of said wafer with a stiffener (7) constituted by at least one rigid material layer, a third stage of heat treating the assembly of said wafer (1) and said stiffener (7) at a temperature above that at which the ion bombardment (2) was carried out and sufficient to create by a crystalline rearrangement effect in said wafer (1) and a pressure effect in the said microbubbles, a separation between the thin film

Abstract: Glutamine is administered orally at a rate of about 4.5 g/m2 per day to treat oropharyngeal mucositis. This is administered to patients that experience or may develop oropharyngeal mucositis, especially those caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Abstract: An extensible and replaceable network-oriented component system provides a platform for developing networking navigation components that operate on a variety of hardware and software computer systems. These navigation components include key integrating components along with components configured to deliver conventional services directed to computer networks, such as Gopher-specific and Web-specific components. Communication among these components is achieved through novel application programming interfaces (APIs) to facilitate integration with an underlying software component architecture. Such a high-modular cooperating layered-arrangement between the network component system and the component architecture allows any existing component to be replaced, and allows new components to be added, without affecting operation of the network component system.

Abstract: A ventilated garment includes a body portion, a vent opening defined by the body portion, and a vent closure coupled to the vent opening. The vent opening has an opened configuration and a closed configuration, and the vent closure secures the vent opening in the closed configuration. The ventilated garment also includes a pull that is coupled to the vent closure and extends along the body portion. The pull has a first exposed portion that is spaced from the vent closure and that affords remote operation of the vent closure to adjust the vent opening from the opened configuration to the closed configuration, and a second exposed portion that is spaced from the vent closure and that affords remote operation of the vent closure to adjust the vent opening from the closed configuration to the opened configuration. The exposed portions of the pull may be positioned in pockets of the ventilated garment.

Abstract: An article of athletic clothing is provided with at least one sting reducing multilayer laminate pad. Preferably the laminate pad comprises an inner layer made of vibration damping material such as an elastomeric material and preferably silicone gel. The pad also includes a layer of force dissipating stiffening material as an intermediate layer located outwardly of the inner layer of vibration damping material. The pad also includes an outermost cover layer.

Abstract: A panel formed by a reinforced elastomer material that regulates and dissipates vibration.

Abstract: An earmuff having anatomically correct ear cups, which are axially rotatable to ensure a proper fit over a person's ears and laterally rotatable when the earmuff is disposed in a storage position around the person's neck.

Abstract: A disposable urine collection device for use by a person which includes an absorbent pad for the collection of urine and a glove attached to the absorbent pad. The glove design includes a mitt for insertion of the user's hand into the device under the absorbent pad through the sleeve of the glove. The absorbent pad is composed of a waterproof plastic liner, a hydrophilic gel and absorbent material layer, and panels of absorbent material. Various embodiments include additional layers in the absorbent pad such as a top protective layer and an absorbent rim. The hand of the user is inserted into the mitt of the glove prior to urination and removed after urination. The sleeve of the glove is inverted over the top of the absorbent pad upon removal from the user's hand. The apparatus may then be secured prior to disposal by various closure means.

Abstract: An automatic toilet seat cleaning unit comprises a cabinet adapted to receive at least one toilet seat in a stowed position, an electric motor operatively connected to the toilet seat and a cleaning unit. The unit is adapted to clean a toilet seat when the seat is raised or moved to be stowed within the cabinet by the electric motor. The cabinet includes at least one door adapted to open to allow a toilet seat to be received in the stowed position. Also included is a method of operating the cleaning unit.

Abstract: The pressure-flushing device comprises a pressure vessel (2), which, for receiving flushing water, has a pressure chamber (D). The pressure chamber (D) can be filled with flushing water by means of an inlet valve (7). The pressure chamber (D) consists of cylindrical pressure chamber regions (D1, D2, D3) which are interconnected in a lower region of the pressure vessel (2). The pressure chamber regions (D1, D2, D3) are preferably formed by cylindrical walls (Z1, Z2, Z3), these walls being essentially circular in horizontal section. The pressure vessel (2) can be made from plastic and is both pressure-stable and compact.

Abstract: A metered water control system inlet tube (24) receiving water conducting water into the interior of the tank to a diverter. A diverter (48) channels the flow to cause mechanical motion responsive to the channeled flow. A control valve (66 and 60), responsive to a mechanical switch, opens and closes access of the water from the inlet tube to the diverter. A mechanical switch (124, 112, and 114), responsive to flow of water from the diverter, closes the control valve automatically when a predeterminable volume of water flows through the diverter. A discharge tube (20 and 24) receives water from the diverter to discharge the water into the tank. An actuator (158 and 162) linked to a flush arm of the toilet and linked to the mechanical switch causes the switch to open the control valve to allow the pre-determined volume of water to flow into the discharge tube.

Abstract: A track assembly for flexible pool covers. The track assembly includes track members, and securing pieces for being secured to the pool deck and for splicing the track members together in an end-to-end series. The securing pieces are designed to reside beneath, and to be concealed by, the tracking members. The securing pieces may be attached to a pool deck with fasteners, after which the track members may be snapped downwardly onto the securing pieces to thereby secure the track members to said securing pieces. The track members conceal the securing pieces, and the fasteners that secure the securing pieces to the pool deck, thereby providing an aesthetic appearance of continuous tracking uninterrupted by fasteners, fastener holes, or other through holes. This arrangement prevents the fasteners from coming loose and posing a risk to barefooted bathers, because the upward movement of the fasteners is inhibited by the track members that reside above the fasteners.

Abstract: An automatic hair washing device including a basin having a hollow interior, a plurality of rotating nozzle assemblies rigidly connected to the interior of the basin for spraying a plurality of selected liquids onto the hair of the user of the automatic hair washing device of the invention, and a hood rotatably connected to basin, the hood having flexible face cover therein for covering the hair and ears of the user of the automatic hair washing device of the invention.

Abstract: A bathtub railing assembly includes a bracket that is attached to a first wall and is positioned over and adjacent to a bathtub that is positioned between the first wall and a second wall. An elongated rod has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the bracket so that the rod may be selectively positioned in a vertical position or a horizontal position. The second end of the rod is positioned adjacent to the second wall when the rod is in the horizontal position.

Abstract: The disclosure generally describes a sofa convertible into a bed. In one embodiment, the sofa includes a support and guide structure, and a mattress that is movable relative to the support and guide structure. The sofa can be moved between a bed configuration and a sofa configuration. In the bed configuration, the mattress has a bearing surface which extends horizontally. In the sofa configuration, an upper portion of the mattress is folded upwards relative to a lower portion of the mattress. In addition, the bearing surface of the upper portion of the mattress forms the bearing surface of a backrest for supporting the back of a person in a seated position.

Abstract: A portable rollup pack for organizing, storing, and transporting personal articles including a sleeping bag for an extended stay is provided in an elongated bag body having a central carrying section and laterally positioned flexible wing wraps with the body having a compartmentalized interior surface region and an exterior surface with fasteners and carrying handles such that the bag body may receive personal articles in the compartmentalized region and then be wrapped about a cylindrically shaped sleeping bag and transported as an integral unit.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, and a mattress. The bed further includes a plurality of foot-operated controls configured to control features of the bed.

Abstract: A patient support with a removable foot section is provided.

Abstract: A system used for the prevention of positional plagiocephaly in which an infant receiving member includes an infant supporting surface, a first portion, and a second portion. An inclined member is positioned at least partially under the first portion of the infant receiving surface such that the first portion of the infant receiving surface is inclined.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion cell has first and second inflatable compartments. Each inflatable compartment is defined by at least one diagonal seal structure. In addition, each inflatable compartment also has at least one fluid opening. In one embodiment the diagonal seal structure is offset from opposite corners of the inflatable cushion cell. In one embodiment patient support system includes a plurality of inflatable such cushion cells are located within a frame. In one embodiment a pressure control system is used control the inflation of the first and second inflatable compartments. In one embodiment a method is used to move a patient in an inflatable patient support system.

Abstract: A strip length scale for a wire stripper has a receiving portion, a channel aligned with the receiving portion and gradation markings along the length of the channel. Numerical markings next to the gradation marking correspond with the length of the channel. The channel receives the bare conductor portion of a stripped insulated wire. The receiving portion of the strip length scale receives the insulated wire portion of the stripped insulated wire. An abutment at the junction of the channel and receiving portion locates the end of the insulation accurately.

Abstract: A multi-purpose golfing tool is provided with an elongated body having an arm that extends angularly from one end of the body to releasably engage the rearward portion of a golf cart seat. The opposite end is provided with a feature for engaging the steering wheel, enabling a user to tilt the seat forward and prop the seat in an open position. Projections on the arm member are provided to clean debris from the sole of a golf shoe. A flexible blade is provided along a length of the body for removing fluid and debris from surfaces of the golf cart. The tool conveniently secures to the steering column for storage.

Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine is provided. The washing machine control method executes a washing process with a wobbling device. In the method, an operation of causing a washboard to wobble and an operation of rotating a spin-drying tub in the washing process are alternately performed. An operation of causing a washboard to wobble in a wobbling position and an operation of rotating a spin-drying tub in a washing process several times to mix laundry is performed, such that upper laundry and lower laundry can be uniformly washed, thus improving a laundry cleaning performance. Further, entangled laundry can be prevented from being rinsed by causing the washboard to wobble in the wobbling position before rinsing water is supplied.

Abstract: Full automatic washing machine, and method for controlling the same, the full automatic washing machine including a spinning tub 2 movably fitted in an outer tub 1, a pulsator 3 rotatably fitted in the spinning tub 2 to be rotatable independent from the spinning tub 2, a spinning shaft 5 rotatably supported on a shaft bearing case 20 for transmission of a rotating power to the spinning tub 2, a washing shaft 4 for transmission of the rotating power to the pulsator 3, a BLDC motor 7 having a rotor 7b and a stator 7a for rotating the rotor 7b as power is applied to the stator 7a, and a clutch mechanism for switching a power transmission path of the BLDC motor 7 either to the washing shaft 4 or to the spinning shaft 5 in correspondence to a washing cycle, or a spinning cycle, thereby permitting noiseless, and stable switching of the rotation power within a short time when the rotating power is transmitted to the pulsator or the spinning tub from a driving part having the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for cleaning a window (24) of a vehicle (22), including a vessel (28) having an inlet (32) through which a washing fluid is received from a reservoir and an outlet (34) through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning the window. There is a heating (50) for heating the fluid in the vessel, which element preheats the vessel before the washing fluid is received therein, whereby at least an initial quantity of the fluid is rapidly heated and discharged from the vessel.

Abstract: A windshield wiper spoiler essentially comprised of a plate spoiler connected with a folded plate to the wiper blade; rectangular openings respectively formed in the center and on both sides between the spoiler and the blade; plate protrusions being respectively provided to the rectangular openings on both sides; both ends of the spoiler being inwardly folded to each from a slightly erected flap; the surface of the spoiler indicating inclined folding; two shuttle shape ventilation holes being provided in symmetric on both sides to allow the wind force to escape upward without expanding to outer sides as limited by both flaps, thus to increase the compressing force to facilitate the operation of the windshield wiper.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly including at least one motor having an output shaft and a windshield wiper operatively connected to the output shaft. The motor includes a stator adapted to provide an electromagnetic flux and a rotor assembly supported for rotation about the stator. The rotor assembly includes a back iron and an annular magnet mounted to the back iron so as to be disposed in radially spaced relationship about the stator. The rotor assembly is operatively connected to the output shaft and responsive to electromagnetic flux generated by the stator so as to provide a rotational force to the output shaft to drive the windshield wiper in repeated wiping motion across the windshield.

Abstract: A receptacle apparatus 10 which includes a receptacle 14 into which refuse is placed very shortly after it is placed within the apparatus 10, thereby reducing the likelihood that it will be undesirably communicated into the surrounding environment 80.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for expelling liquid from a wiping element which is held on a wiping head of a surface cleaning device so as to form a wiping surface, comprising a container, in which a wiping element holding device accommodating the wiping element as well as a driving device are arranged, wherein the wiping element holding device can be driven by means of the driving device so as to rotate about an axis of rotation. In order to further develop the device in such a manner that it has a lower consumption of energy it is suggested in accordance with the invention that the wiping element holding device form a receiving means, into which the wiping element can be inserted with a surface normal of the wiping surface aligned at an angle to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed and which includes a fluid dispensing tank which dispenses a cleaning fluid; a heat exchanger coupled in downstream fluid flowing relation relative to the fluid dispensing tank; a source of a combustible fluid fuel; a source of air; and a catalytic heater positioned in heat transferring relation relative to the heat exchanger, and which further is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the combustible fluid fuel, and wherein the catalytic heater catalytically combusts a substantially nonflammable mixture of the combustible fluid fuel and air to produce heat energy which heats the fluid dispensed from the fluid dispensing tank.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning and/or drying systems having heaters which provide drying air to aid in drying or combined cleaning and drying. The system is particularly adapted and beneficial for use on carpets, but can also be used to clean other surfaces such as smooth floors or upholstery. The heaters are on a portable cleaning unit used within the room being cleaned. A support unit is preferably provided outside the room or building to generate vacuum and remove moisture from the room. The support unit is typically mounted on a vehicle and can provide compressed air or other gases and cleaning fluids. Compressed air can be used to agitate and facilitate both cleaning and drying. Compressed air can also be used to apply one or more additives, such as deodorizers and fragrances. The portable unit can also be used for drying flooded carpets and the like.

Abstract: A floor suction tool for electric vacuum cleaners includes a suction opening formed on a bottom face of a main body casing, a cover defining a front wall of the main body casing, and an abutting member projecting from a front face of the cover and functioning as a bumper between a front face of the main body casing and a wall. The cover is rotatably supported on a rotation axis formed horizontally in a direction of width of the front wall of the main body casing, the cover rotates upward to open the front face of the main body casing when a front-to-back force acts on the abutting member, and the cover rotates downward to close the front face of the main body casing when the front-to-back force ceases.

Abstract: An electric cleaning apparatus (10) having a suction body (11), which is provided at one end with a suction aperture (13) connected to a suction drive member arranged inside the suction body (11), and to which a terminal suction element (32) is able to be selectively associated. The electric cleaning apparatus (10) includes tubular members (16, 21) pivoted on the suction body (11) and able to be selectively rotated with respect to the latter in order to define a first operating configuration, wherein the tubular members (16, 21) are arranged on the opposite side with respect to the suction aperture (13) in order to function as a remote handgrip for the suction body (11), and a second operating configuration, wherein the tubular members (16, 21) cooperate with the suction aperture (13) in order to function as an extension for the terminal suction element (32).

Abstract: A device for a vacuum cleaner comprising a particle separator, which is provided with an inlet (11) for dust laden air, an outlet (16) for the separated particles, and an outlet (14) for cleaned air that is connected to a vacuum source (14). The particle outlet (16) is connected to a screw conveyor (18, 19), which is provided with an outlet part ending in a mainly closed collecting chamber (23) for the separated particles.

Abstract: A hinge construction comprising two hinge members provided with a guide track. The guide tracks of each of the hinge members comprise at least three substantially flat, circular segment-shaped track parts, which each extend between first and second track ends and which are distributed at uniform intermediate distances over a corresponding circular circumference, so that the track parts of the hinge members pairwise form a guide for at least one guide element. The hinge members are pivotable relative to each other between a first angular position in which the guide elements are received in the guides so as to be displaceable along the track parts, and a second angular position in which the guide elements are received in the guides so as to be clamped between first and second track ends of the track parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an appliance control knob incorporating a microprocessor and a status display built into the control knob housing. Such a control knob gives the appliance a clean and uncluttered appearance, and allows a user of the appliance both to control the appliance, for example by adjusting the oven temperature setpoint, and to be informed of the status of the appliance, for example the actual oven temperature, in a way that is easy to understand and to use.