Abstract: A new and distinct Guara plant named ‘Gaudwwhi’, characterized by its big, white flowers, upright growth habit, and dark green foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Junebearing (short day) strawberry plant ‘MNUS 138’ combining the characteristics of early season ripening, high yield, excellent survival in cold temperatures, resistance to powdery mildew and red steel root rot and moderate resistance to fungal leaf spot and leaf scorch. ‘MNUS 138’ yields strawberries characterized by moderately firm flesh, a glossy appearance, moderately tough skin, and a pleasing taste with suitable use in pick-your-own production and home gardens.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Coreopsis plant named ‘Balcorsunay’ characterized by its medium size golden-colored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, and vigorous, upright growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Sedum plant characterized by maroon tinted foliage and stems, large mauve colored flowers, and an open habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Portulaca plant named ‘Balrioapt’ characterized by its large apricot-colored flowers, medium green-colored foliage with grayed purple-colored margin, and vigorous, low spreading growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Portulaca plant named ‘Balriowite’ characterized by its white-colored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, and vigorous, low spreading growth habit.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Koelreuteria named ‘CORAL SUN’ that is characterized by emerging and persistent orange red spring foliage, mid-green summer foliage, bright red petioles at all times, and the typical golden yellow fall foliage for the species. In combination these traits set ‘CORAL SUN’ apart from all other existing varieties of Koelreuteria known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new Osteospermum plant particularly distinguished by its very compact round plant habit, early flowering with light purple colored ray florets and blue colored disc florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of crapemyrtle, Lagerstroemia L., which is characterized by compact, mounded, true genetic dwarf growth habit; early flowering (beginning in late June to July in Athens, Ga.); extremely floriferous with bubble gum pink flowers, high mildew resistance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Yomistique’, characterized by its uniform, compact and somewhat outwardly spreading plant habit; strong and freely branching growth habit; dense and bushy appearance; dark green-colored foliage; uniform flowering response and habit; typically grown as a spray-type; very early flowering habit; small daisy-type inflorescences with elongated oblong-shaped ray florets; purple-colored ray florets with light yellow green towards the base; and excellent postproduction longevity with plants maintaining good substance and color for about four to five weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Yobaldwin’, characterized by its uniform and somewhat outwardly spreading plant habit; strong and freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored foliage; uniform flowering response and habit; can be grown as a spray-type or without bud removal; early flowering habit; anemone-type inflorescences with spoon to quill-shaped ray florets; purple-colored ray florets; and good postproduction longevity with plants maintaining good substance and color for about three weeks in an interior environment.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Heuchera plant named ‘Rose Majesty’, characterized by its full, densely foliated and uniformly mounded plant habit; purple bronze and slightly silver-colored foliage; numerous large pink-colored flowers arranged on mostly erect panicles; and excellent garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Wespecamaria’, characterized by its cascading growth habit; freely branching habit; freely and continuous flowering habit; and single medium-sized bicolored flowers that are purple in color with white-colored margins with dark purple-colored venation.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus plant named ‘Bricutts’, characterized by its upright plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; and numerous, large, semi-double and white-colored flowers with red purple-colored centers and basal venation and numerous stamenoid petaloids.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Ageratum plant named ‘Sage85015’, characterized by its tall, upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy plant habit; dark green-colored leaves; very freely flowering habit with numerous inflorescences per plant; and inflorescences rayless with violet-colored disc florets.

Abstract: A crankshaft assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft, an elastic member fixed to the crankshaft, and a flywheel fixed to the elastic member such that the flywheel is supported in an elastic relationship with the crankshaft. The elastic member has a rigidity in its rotating direction large enough to effectively transmit a driving power to a transmission through a clutch. On the other hand, the elastic member has a rigidity in an axial direction of the crankshaft small enough to shift a resonance frequency of a bending vibration out of a target frequency band of a forced vibration, while ensuring to prevent a failure of disengagement of the clutch.

Abstract: A plasma display panel is disclosed, which prevents luminance from being reduced, prevents error discharge from occurring due to crosstalk, and improves exhaust ability. Auxiliary barriers or projections are formed in a boundary portion between respective cells in a stripe type barrier structure. Alternatively, a predetermined groove is formed in a predetermined position of a dielectric layer in a lattice shaped barrier structure. In addition to these barriers, second barriers are formed at a greater width or at constant intervals. Thus, exhaust ability can be improved, and error discharge due to crosstalk can be prevented from occurring. Also, luminance in corner portions of the cell can be improved, and contrast can be improved even if a black matrix is not formed.

Abstract: The water-resistant apron with attached towel includes an apron formed of a water-resistant material, which is worn by the user. The apron is formed from a front apron portion and, preferably, also a rear apron portion, with a first releasable fastener being disposed on the front apron portion. A towel formed of water-absorbent material is further provided, and the towel has a second releasable fastener disposed thereon. The first releasable fastener on the apron releasably engages the second releasable fastener on the towel, allowing the user to selectively attach and detach the towel from the apron. The towel further includes a pair of straps, allowing the towel to be wrapped and tied around the user when the towel is attached to the apron.

Abstract: A disposable bib for protecting individuals primarily postured in a semi-reclined position, such as those in medical care settings. The bib includes a plastic body having a gathered neck opening, opposing forcefully open side catch pockets and an integrally joined transverse open bottom pocket. The bib is fabricated to provide concave body portion with rippling conduits which direct spillage into the pockets.

Abstract: An article of headwear having an adjustable configuration includes a crown portion and a sweatband secured to a peripheral edge of the crown. The sweatband includes an inner piece of stretchable fabric material folded about itself such that opposing longitudinal edges of the inner piece are proximate one another to form a seam, and a binding of elastic material secured to the inner piece such that it covers the seam. The inner piece may be wrapped about a filler piece of stretchable fabric.

Abstract: The decorative multiple layered hat has multiple layers. The multiple layers are made of different materials, have different structures and features, are joined together sequentially to form a shape with a surface by different layers being exposed so the hat has an appealing appearance and raises people's interests and include an outer layer, a ventilative layer, a mesh layer, a fabric layer and an outer surface. The outer area has cutout areas. The ventilative layer is bonded to the outer area and has multiple perforations through which air flows. The mesh layer is a mesh through which air flows to keep a person's head cool and is bonded to the ventilative layer. The inner layer is bonded to the mesh layer, touches a person's skin and is a soft fabric so the hat is comfortable. The outer surface has patterns formed by the cutouts in the outer layer.

Abstract: A neoprene fly closure which provides for minimization of bulk through the fly area of a pair of board shorts, which further provides for a more comfortable pair of shorts when worn surfing. The use of a neoprene gore eliminates bulky seams in the fly area, allowing a user to pull shorts on and off and also providing for a privacy shield should the fly area become open.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for the headband of a protective helmet or other headgear is designed to function in high-temperature environments, while still allowing for ready adjustment of the size and fit of the headband. In this regard, the ratchet mechanism includes a rotational element that has a pinion adapted to mate with and engage the respective rack gears of the overlapping rear end portions of the headband, such that rotation of the rotational element causes lateral movement of the overlapping rear end portions with respect to one another. A spring assembly associated with the rotational element engages a ring gear defined by an insert received and retained in the housing so as to resist rotation of the rotational element relative to said housing sections. Since the spring assembly and insert are preferably manufactured from metal, they do not suffer from warping problems, and therefore, the ratchet mechanism continues to function properly even in high-temperature environments.

Abstract: Improvement in spa cover design to increase the weight carrying capacity of the cover by using internal reinforcements.

Abstract: A hands-free faucet includes a sensing plate, a capacitor-based sensor circuit, a non-conductive valve housing, a non-conductive seating ring, and a conductive connector. Preferably, the capacitor-based sensor circuit is electrically connected to said sensing plate. Furthermore, the non-conductive valve housing preferably further comprises a valve inlet and valve outlet. Preferably, said non-conductive seating ring is located between the valve inlet and valve outlet, and is traversed by the conductive connector. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive connector is a metal pin.

Abstract: The present invention is a toilet cover that includes a plurality of support members, at least two face panels and at least a pair of hinged covers. Stepped sides are provided for certain applications where walls are not provided on either side of a toilet. A horizontal member having a key-hole shaped to accommodate slide around the toilet bowl and tank may be provided in certain applications. The support members attach to walls behind or on either side of a toilet. The face panels, hinged covers and stepped sides attach to the support members. An upper face panel includes a flushing mechanism or an opening through which a flushing handle extends. Drawers or shelves with doors may be provided for storing toiletries and the like. The toilet cover is formed in the shape of a bench for utilitarian functions.

Abstract: An electronic temperature display system that connects directly to a water outlet comprising a sensor coupling unit, bushing, and a display panel assembly. Microprocessor-based circuitry monitors both temperature and the presence or absence of water through the water outlet. The device displays real-time shower temperature on a self-contained unit consisting of a position adjustable display panel. A programmable temperature scorching setting provides protection from scorching by signaling an audible warning tone when the water temperature has gone passed a preset temperature. The device displays true water temperature by monitoring temperature and water conductivity inside the sensor-coupling unit.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting block for use in positioning tub/shower control units in a tub/shower enclosure is disclosed. A self adhesive adjustable height block may be used to position a control unit in an enclosure opening from the back side by a sole installer who can then finish the installation from the finished side subsequently without unwanted movement.

Abstract: A top mounting faucet assembly comprising a mounting plate that may be mounted to a sink surface, a waterway tube, a faucet body housing, and a locking mechanism. The waterway tube is housed within the faucet body housing, to form a removable faucet assembly. The locking mechanism is attached to the mounting plate. This removable faucet assembly is mounted upon the mounting plate by attaching the faucet assembly to the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A crib mattress bouncing device includes a lever having a pivot structure for releasably engaging a mattress support frame at a first end of the lever. A clamping structure intermediate the ends of the lever structure engages a tensioned wire or like structure in a mattress support. Displacing the second end of the lever in a first direction deflects the attached and surrounding portions of the mattress support and mattress in a first direction. Releasing a force on the second end allows the mattress support to return to its original position. Repeated actuation of the second end of the lever structure produces a gentle bouncing motion of the mattress.

Abstract: A height-adjustable mattress assembly is constructed of a mattress foundation and an optional frame assembly with a plurality of ground support members supporting the mattress foundation. The ground support members can be attached to the frame assembly in at least two orientations so as to maintain the top surface of the foundation above ground in a substantially horizontal orientation at at least two different heights. The mattress foundation can be made of two mattress foundation members that are spaced apart by spacer members. The mattress foundation members can be oriented with respect to each other so as to provide a combined height that is adjustable. By combining the adjustable ground support members with the assembly having two mattress foundation members, adjustment at three or more different heights is possible.

Abstract: A bed-tent provides an enclosure over a mattress. The tent forms a canopy having spaced apart panels and a flexible cover extending between the panels. Each panel includes a hoop of flexible, resilient, strip material and a sheet of flexible fabric in the space within the hoop. Retainers secure the canopy on the mattress. A supporting frame holds the panels erect. The frame has stanchions disposed externally of the canopy and releasably connected to the panels. A frame member externally of the canopy above the cover holds the stanchions upright. The hoops can be twisted or wound into flat coils of reduced diameter so that the entire canopy can be conveniently stored in a small package. The legs and the frame member are made of segments that are normally held together by elastic cords. The segments can be pulled apart and separated for storage in a convenient package.

Abstract: An ergonomic blanket or towel for covering any surface that a person would lay, rest, and/or sit on includes a main body portion and a support portion. At least a portion of the support portion is removably attached to the main body portion, and at least a portion is permanently attached to the main body portion. The support and main body portions are adapted to retain support matter, such as sand or a pillow, therebetween to provide comfortable support to the user, as well as serving to anchor the device. The ergonomic blanket may also include a storage portion, at least a portion of which is removably attached to the main body portion, and at least a portion of which is permanently attached to the main body portion. The storage portion is adapted to retain personal items, such as a wallet, key, comb, glasses, sunscreen lotion, book, and the like. The storage portion may be totally removable from the main body portion.

Abstract: An MPU sends pieces of information supplied by the input signals from a hand switch to a semiconductor memory device and the memory device stores these pieces of information. These pieces of information are: input points of an operation start signal and an operation end signal to a bottom drive unit; input points of a drive start signal of each bottom and a drive end signal of each bottom or a bottom drive time, information on lift-up or lift-down of each bottom; input points of a drive start signal and a drive end signal to a frame drive unit, information on lift-up or lift-down of a frame; and the type of an operated button of a hand switch. The data about bottoms is stored for both the back bottom and knee bottom.

Abstract: A patient positioning system for radiation therapy, including an elongated table, a lock bar positioned on the table and extending perpendicular to a length of the table, and first and second clamps secured to opposing ends of the lock bar. The clamps are adapted to grip flat surfaces of sides of the table so as to secure the lock bar in a fixed position along the length of the table. The second clamp is adjustably secured on the lock bar so that the second clamp can be unsecured from the lock bar, the lock bar can be re-positioned on the table as desired, and the second clamp then re-secured to the lock bar to fix the lock bar in place on the table. The system also includes a patient restraint member secured to the lock bar and adapted to extend over a patient lying on the table.

Abstract: A medical chair includes a main frame, an adjusting assembly pivotally mounted on the main frame, and a driving member pivotally mounted on the main frame and connected to the adjusting assembly to move the adjusting assembly. Thus, the first connecting member, the second connecting member and the third connecting member are moved by the adjusting assembly to move the head cushion, the seat cushion and the leg cushion, so that the head cushion, the seat cushion and the leg cushion are moved synchronously by operation of the adjusting assembly, thereby facilitating a user adjusting the state of the medical chair.

Abstract: An inflatable device for people to sit, lie or sleep on is provided, which device allows water vapor produced by the person's perspiration or condensation to escape from the vicinity of his/her body, which device can be readily manufactured without undue amounts of human labor, which device is suitable for disposable use, and which device is of such a construction that in the event that there is a rupture or loss of pressure the entire device will not collapse.

Abstract: A multi-tool includes a handle having a blade that is rotatable between open and closed positions by at least one blade rotation member mounted on the side of the handle. The blade includes two locking recesses adapted to receive a locking member mounted to a cantilevered blade lock that extends longitudinally along the handle such that the blade is securely locked in either an open or closed position. The blade rotation members rotate a cam that disengages the blade lock from the blade and imparts rotational motion to the blade by way of a drive pin located on the blade. Preferably, the multi-tool also includes an internal socket located in the handle opposite the blade end, where the socket is adapted to removably receive various tool implements. The tool implements are held in locked engagement with the handle by a cantilevered tool lock located on the handle.

Abstract: A system to lay a bridge between two banks, wherein said system firstly comprises a bridge carrying vehicle constituted by a remote-controlled self-propelled platform incorporating means to deploy and retract said bridge, said platform being unmanned and armor-free, and secondly a control post comprising means to communicate with said platform.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes at least one ramp having a plurality of oppositely situated side rails and a mechanism for selectively locking the ramp at an extended position. The ramp assembly further includes a mechanism for selectively articulating the ramp between a folded position and an extended position. A plurality of linear support runs having opposed end portions are secured to the side rails such that the support runs become medially positioned therebetween and define a surface area along which a vehicle can be supported. Selected ones of the support runs include mounting brackets attached thereto. A flange member is secured to one of the support runs and extends outwardly therefrom. The articulating mechanism includes a hinge member having a pair of pivotally connected plates repeatedly adaptable between the folded and extended positions respectively.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an electric blower for generating a suction air flow, a suction head in communication with the electric blower for drawing in dirt, a filter bag communication with the electric blower for capturing and collecting dirt, an exhaust unit for discharging exhaust air from the electric blower to atmosphere, and an ion generator for generating negative ions and/or positive ions. The ion generator is placed between the suction head and the filter bag.

Abstract: A car washing machine (1) is composed of a front body (1A) provided with a rocker brush (11), a top brush (12), side brushes (13) and so forth as washing means for washing a vehicle (2), and a rear body (1B) provided with a top nozzle (21), side nozzles (22) and so forth as drying means for drying the vehicle (2). The front and rear bodies (1A and 1B) are capable of separately traveling. According to this arrangement, the washing operation of the vehicle (2) using the washing means provided on the front body (1A) and the drying operation using the drying means provided on the rear body (1B) can be executed in a spaced apart relationship, thus preventing the drying finish from being deteriorated by water splashes produced during the washing operation.

Abstract: A bathing brush comprises an elongated bar, an elastic net and a massaging device. The bar has a base portion at an end thereof, a securing portion at an edge of the base portion and a handle having an end thereof fixed with the base portion. The elastic net is pressed into twisty condition and is fastened on a top surface of the base portion the massaging device made of a flexible material and molded into a single element has a base member, a sidewall on an edge of the base member, a second securing portion on an interior side of the sidewall and a plurality of grains on an exterior side of the base member wherein the second securing portion is connected with the first securing portion for securing the massaging device on a side of the base portion of the bar which is opposite from the elastic net such that a chamber will be formed between the base portion of the bar and the massaging device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush having a handle and a head part, on which bristle filaments and at least one flexible cleaning element are arranged. According to the invention, the at least one flexible cleaning element is arranged on a carrier element which consists of a hard material and is connected to the head part. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.

Abstract: A paint roller assembly, including a handle having an axially extending portion for mounting a roller; one end of the axially extending portion having an engagement member; and an end piece engaging the engagement member to hold the roller in place on the axially extending portion. The end piece has a pivoting latch for alternately gripping and releasing the engagement member.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The invention is a one-piece ergonomic shielding tool that can be held in one hand to define a boundary against which a surface is processed on one side and protected from processing steps on the opposite side. The invention achieves this utility by providing a handle that is ergonomically fitted for the human hand to allow prolonged use without fatigue or injury to the user. The invention includes a straight edge, or guide edge, for dividing a surface into two regions and a curved handle for ergonomic hand-held use. The ergonomic shielding tool and a paint removal apparatus are useful in combination for scraping paint from one section of a surface and leaving another section protected from the paint removal process. The tool is adapted for use in a method of removing dried paint from a surface in a precise manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiping device, a squeezing out device and a container device enabling a textile wiping element located on a wiping panel of the wiping device to be squeezed out simply and reliably. The wiping panel is provided with edge fixing sections which can be held from behind by a counter bearing device of the squeezing out device in order to prevent the wiping panel from being moved out of the squeezing out device unintentionally when the textile element is squeezed out on a bearing surface, or which have an insertion ramp which facilitates the optionally jamming insertion between the bearing surface and a counter bearing surface that is set apart from said bearing surface.

Abstract: A mopping system and methods of its use are disclosed. A mop assembly includes a mop head that is adapted to be spun around a generally vertical rotational axis thereof when the mop head is fixed within a mop head spinning means of a bucket assembly. When the mop head is spun at a relatively high rate of rotational speed, water retained in the mop is forcefully dispelled from the mop by centrifugal force. The water leaves the mop and is retained within a spin chamber of the bucket assembly. A drain plunger is included to allow the collected water to be drained from the bucket assembly. An ozone generator may be included for introducing ozone gas into the collected fouled water in the spin chamber. A clean water tank with a pump and spraying means, mounted within the spin chamber just below the mop head when the mop head is engaged with the mop head spinning means, is preferably included to allow introduction of clean water to the moping surface of the mop head.

Abstract: A vacuum trash insertion receptacle includes an aesthetically shaped housing providing a trash tube for the insertion and transportation of garbage to a trash receptacle assembly. A control assembly in communication with a gate monitoring assembly, an interactive module assembly, a vacuum assembly, and an indicator assembly, controls the functioning of the vacuum trash insertion receptacle. The gate monitoring assembly provides information on the presence of garbage being inserted. The vacuum assembly provides a vacuum to the trash tube. The interactive module assembly provides audio feedback to a user of the vacuum trash insertion receptacle. The indicator assembly provides information regarding the level of stored trash currently in the trash receptacle assembly.