Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus plant named ‘ENLIGHTENMENT’, characterized by a large, ruffled, multicolored flower with a pink center, an orange halo and yellow edges, with white flecks throughout the center. ‘ENLIGHTENMENT’ is a free flowering plant with an upright, compact habit, and glossy, dark green foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach, Prunus persica, tree having the following unique combination of desirable features: 1. The limbs of the tree naturally grow at wide angles creating a wide-spreading tree. 2. A fruit with a very dark skin that remains firm when ripe. 3. A highly colored, peach cultivar that matures a few days before the variety P.F. 23 U.S. Plant Pat. No. 164 and which hangs on the tree for many days staying extremely firm.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectarmagie’, has fruit of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive, very high percentage red skin. The tree is of medium size and is vigorous. Moreover fruit can be consumed crunchy or at maturity.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectalady’, has fruit of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high eating quality and an attractive, very high percentage red skin. The tree is of medium size and is vigorous. Moreover fruit can be consumed crunchy or at maturity.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectagala’, has fruit of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high eating quality and an attractive, very high percentage red skin. The tree is of medium size and is vigorous. Moreover fruit can be consumed crunchy or at maturity.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectaroyal’, has fruit of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high eating quality and an attractive, very high percentage red skin. The tree is of medium size and is vigorous. Moreover fruit can be consumed crunchy or at maturity.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectaprima’, has fruit of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high eating quality and an attractive, very high percentage red skin. The tree is of medium size and is vigorous. Moreover fruit can be consumed crunchy or at maturity.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectapink’, has fruit of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high eating quality and an attractive, very high percentage red skin. The tree is of medium size and is vigorous. Moreover fruit can be consumed crunchy or at maturity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Fisco Swered’, characterized by its relatively compact, outwardly spreading and uniformly mounded plant habit; rounded growth habit; freely branching and freely flowering habit; medium green-colored foliage; large red and light pink bi-colored flowers; and flowers that are positioned above or beyond the foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Fisco Deepsalm’, characterized by its relatively compact, outwardly spreading and uniformly mounded plant habit; rounded growth habit; freely branching and freely flowering habit; large medium green-colored foliage; large salmon orange-colored flowers with red-colored centers; and flowers that are positioned above or beyond the foliage.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Euphorbia milii plant named ‘Katie's Crown’, particularly characterized by its hot pink floral bracts splotched with red color, gradually becoming lighter to an almost cream color splotched with red when aged; very compact and bushy plant form; non-persistent blooms; rigorous growth habit during the spring to autumn months and flowering during the fall, winter and spring.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Sunbelflam’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; long flowering period; dark pink-colored flowers with darker pink-colored centers and venation; and good weather tolerance.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hibiscus plant named ‘Cajun Wind’, characterized by its compact, upright, outwardly spreading, uniform, dense and symmetrical plant habit that is appropriate for container production; glossy and dark green-colored leaves; uniform and freely flowering habit; bright red-colored flowers with dark red-colored centers; good resistance to flower bud abscission during shipping; and tolerance to pathogens common to Hibiscus grown under Florida production conditions.

Abstract: ‘BENdiez’ is a new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant that grows two feet wide and tall with dark red flowers in proportion to the size of the foliage. Blooms are borne primarily singly, are good as cut flowers and ideal for exhibition. The color of the flowers fades very little, even though the petals become marcescent, so the plant constantly has the dark red flowers throughout the growing season. The dark green, semi-glossy foliage offers above average disease resistance in all areas of the mainland United States.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hibiscus plant named ‘Reggae Breeze’, characterized by its compact, upright, outwardly spreading, uniform, dense and symmetrical plant habit that is appropriate for container production; glossy and dark green-colored leaves; uniform and freely flowering habit; golden yellow-colored flowers with dark red bands surrounding burgundy centers; good resistance to flower bud abscission during shipping; and tolerance to pathogens common to Hibiscus grown under Florida production conditions.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nemesia plant named ‘Balarwite’ characterized by its white-colored flowers, floriferousness, and compact, upright growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Balserdalav’ characterized by its dark lavender-colored ray florets, light purple-colored disc florets, medium green-colored foliage, and upright, mounded growth habit.

Abstract: A method of dispensing food whereby food prepared at a first location is transported to a second location for dispensing in a working cycle characterized by the steps of apportioning the food onto a plurality of trays (20A, 20B) at the first location, loading the plurality of trays (20A, 20B) into a rack (15) to give, in combination, a spaced array of loaded trays; the spaced array having predetermined overall dimensions; transporting the spaced array to an intermediate location, placing the loaded rack into a containment (11) with an internal volume (12) of sufficient size to receive at least one spaced array; transporting the containment along with its spaced array or arrays to the second location; regenerating food in the spaced array while within the containment; dispensing loaded trays (20A, 20B) from the spaced array; and returning the racks (15) back to the first or some other location for re-use.

Abstract: A pup joint is provided which comprises a length of pipe, a female sub integral with one end of the pipe and having external threads formed thereon, a male sub integral with the other end of the pipe, a wing nut for threadedly connecting the male sub to the female sub, a set of retainer segments for retaining the wing nut on the pup joint, and a retention shoulder formed on the male sub to maintain the wing nut and retainer segments on the male sub. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipe and the male and female subs are comprised of a single forging, and the retention shoulder is formed by machining the male sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sulfur tolerant catalyst composites useful for reducing contaminants in exhaust gas streams, especially gaseous streams containing sulfur oxide contaminants. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with improved NOx trap catalysts for use in diesel engines as well as lean burn gasoline engines. The sulfur tolerant NOx trap catalyst composites comprise a platinum component, a support, a NOx sorbent component, and a spinel material prepared by calcining as anionic clay material represented by the formula MmNn(OH)(2m+2n)Aa.bH2O, wherein the formula is defined herein. The sulfur tolerant NOx trap catalyst composites are highly effective with a sulfur containing fuel by trapping sulfur oxide contaminants which tend to poison conventional NOx trap catalysts used to abate other pollutants in the stream.

Abstract: A reinforced composite structure (29) is disclosed. The structure is formed by opposed layers of material extending over a core and continuous bundles stitched in a repeating pattern through the opposed layers (30, 32) and the intermediate core (29) to form the reinforced composite structural member (29).

Abstract: An impressed emblem is disclosed which includes a cover sheet which is used together with heat and pressure to impress a desired pattern on an emblem. The emblem can also be impressed with a pattern and simultaneously heat-sealed onto a desired substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved fuel cell and method of controlling same having an anode and a cathode which produces an electrical current having a given voltage and current output and which includes a controller electrically coupled with the fuel cell and which shunts the electrical current between the anode and the cathode of the fuel cell. The invention also discloses a method for controlling the fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and a given voltage and current output and which include determining the voltage and current output of the fuel cell; and shunting the electrical current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell under first and second operation parameters.

Abstract: Compositions and methods which utilize certain cellulosic based polymer or oligomeric materials as fabric treatment agents that can impart fabric appearance and integrity benefits to fabrics and textiles laundered in washing solutions which contain such materials.

Abstract: Compounds of this formula are useful for treating or preventing, obesity, breast cancer, osteoporosis, endometriosis, cardiovascular disease and prostatic disease.

Abstract: Hydrogenated butadiene polymers having terminal functional groups have minimum viscosity at any molecular weight when the 1,2-addition is between 30% and 70%. Hydrogenated butadiene polymers having about two terminal hydroxyl groups per molecule have surprisingly lower viscosities at 30% to 70% 1,2-addition than similar polymers having either higher or lower amounts of 1,2-addition. The polymers are useful in making coatings, sealants, binders, and block copolymers with polyesters, polyamides, and polycarbonates.

Abstract: Erythromycin A derivatives represented by the general formula wherein R1 is a 2-alkenyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms, an arylmethyl group, or an arylmethyl group substituted by 1 to 3 of a halogen atom, an alkoxy group 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a nitro group or an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R2 is a substituted silyl group and R3 is a hydrogen atom or R2, are disclosed. These compounds are useful as intermediates of the anti-bacterial agents.

Abstract: The novel metallocenes of the formula I in which, preferably, M1 is Zr or Hf, R1 and R2 are alkyl or halogen, R3 and R4 are hydrogen, R5 and R6 are alkyl or haloalkyl, —(CR8R9)m—R7—(CR8R9)n— is a single- or multi-membered chain in which R7 may also be a (substituted) hetero atom, m+n is zero or 1, and R10 is hydrogen, form, together with aluminoxanes as cocatalysts, a very effective catalyst system for the preparation of polyolefins of high stereospecificity and high melting point.

Abstract: Derivatives of ?-hordothionin made by position-specific substitution with lysine residues provide lysine enrichment while retaining the antifungal activity of the parent compound.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for use when handling animals to protect against cuts and scratches. The sleeve has an outer puncture-resistant surface and a scratch-resistant layer. The sleeve tapers from the elbow toward the hand of the user. A thumb receiving aperture is provided near the lower end of the sleeve to provide stability and to permit free use of the hand. A glove may be attached or integral with the sleeve which is also made of a laminate puncture- and scratch-resistant material.

Abstract: A loop fabric sheet for a load bearing vest having a rotary die cut pattern including an array of holes extending through the sheet for receipt of snaps to interface with a Snap Grid removable pocket and an array of slots extending through the fabric sheet to accommodate straps for a Molle system removable pocket.

Abstract: An article of thermal clothing for covering an underlying area at a gap between a coat sleeve and a glove. The article of clothing includes a tube having a distal portion terminating in a distal end, a proximal portion terminating in a proximal end, and a side opening formed in the distal portion adjacent to but spaced from the distal end. The tube is sized to snugly fit over a wearer's hand and forearm so that the distal end of the tube is positioned near a midpalm area of the hand. The proximal end of the tube is positioned at the forearm area, and the wearer's thumb extends out through the tube's side opening. The tube is formed out of a flexible, stretchable material providing good thermal insulation. A pocket is fixed to the tube and is adapted to receive and retain a warming device.

Abstract: A surgical garment includes a head gear apparatus for supporting a face shield and shroud. The head gear apparatus includes a helmet that supports a fan assembly, and that defines forward and rear ventilation passageways. The helmet includes a chin bar that defines a centrally located slot, and an upper ledge. The upper edge of the face shield contacts the upper ledge, while the lower edge of the shield includes a tab that extends through the slot. The chin bar and face shield include a plurality of magnetic elements that magnetically connect the lower edge of the face shield to the chin bar. The helmet is suspended from a strap assembly that is carried directly on the head of the wearer. The strap assembly includes an adjustable occipital support that bears against the occiput of the wearer. The face shield can include a plurality of film layers that can be removed when soiled.

Abstract: Headwear that tightly fits the head of the user to protect the head and the hair of the user. The headwear is composed of two parts: a body and a band. The body is made from three panels and a back flap. The body has a hem to conceal and hold the band. The band is composed of elastic with cloth on the ends to facilitate tying.

Abstract: A goggle comprising a lens, a frame, a lens-retention mechanism and an adjustment mechanism wherein the lenses can be selectively moved relative to the frame to at least two different positions defining substantially different levels of air flow between the lenses and frame while maintaining the lenses in front of a user's eyes, and retained at each position. In certain,embodiments, one position is defined by substantially all of the lens periphery contacting the frame to substantially form a seal. The adjustment and lens-retention mechanisms may be the same mechanism.

Abstract: A pair of swimming goggles for swimming pool purposes of the present invention comprises left and right lens frames each having an inner surface and an outer surface, a bridge member integrally formed between the inner sides of the left and right lens frames, and a gasket integrally on the inner surface of the left and right lens frames. The feature of the present invention is that the bridge member includes a connection section and an adjustment section, wherein both ends of the connection section is integrally disposed on the upper edge of the inner sides of the left and right lens frames. The adjustment section at least includes a flexible thread arranged below the connection section, and a joint member formed on the left or right lens frames for being inserted through by the flexible thread and a coupling passage defined on the left or right lens frames for securing the flexible thread.

Abstract: A dual flush toilet system (120) with a water tank (122), a discharge opening (159), a flush valve (156), and a toilet bowl, is provided with a dual action flush lever (130) for actuating a full or a partial flush operation, an engaging device (161) with a V-shaped groove (160) for selectively engaging the flush valve (156) in both upward or downward movements and rotations about a vertical axis, a travel limit device (141) for limiting the maximum vertical travels of the flush valve (146), a load device (420) for selectively applying a downward load to the flush valve (156) to forcibly push the flush valve (156) down to close the discharge opening (159), and an electronic control system (1020) for electronically regulating the volumes of water used to flush the dual flush toilet system (120) according to the wastes in the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A collapsible portable toilet includes a chair frame including a built-in foldable seat with a hole, a seat back, four legs and two front wheels, a disposable absorbent fragrant flexible refuse bag extending through the hole in the seat and draped around an outer perimeter of the seat, the refuse bag attached to an underside of the seat, a roof support frame comprising parallel telescoping vertical rods extending from a rear of the seat and attached to the seat back, a roof comprising parallel rods connected to a top of the roof support frame at a pivot point, the roof rotatable at the pivot point to and from a stored position. A bag removably attached to a top of the roof having curtain material to be draped around the roof support frame and roof for privacy, the curtain material having reflectors on an outside and in inside pockets.

Abstract: A waterfall waterjet that can be attached to a spa, with at least one chamber, at least one primary outlet, at least one debris outlet that can be opened and closed, and a water source fluidly connected to the waterfall waterjet.

Abstract: A system for implementing a modular structure having two or more cot places, characterised in that the modular structure is implemented by the mutual interconnection of single units (1) made of a pair of posts (2) and of at least one crosspiece (3) assembled in a sandwich arrangement blocked in position by fastening means (4). The system has the main advantage of providing a variable structural modularity to assume a plurality of different conditions, both with regard to the combinability thereof in terms of number of cot places and with regard to the overall dimensions thereof, while maintaining the same number of cot places, according to the varying of the user's needs over time.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a lower mechanism and an upper mechanism stacked on the lower mechanism. The lower mechanism includes a first endless belt, and the upper mechanism includes a second endless belt. The first and the second endless belts are operable independently of each other for forward and backward circulation. The first endless belt is driven by a first driving unit disposed at one end of the lower mechanism as viewed in the traveling direction of the first endless belt. The second endless belt is driven by a second driving unit disposed at one end of the upper mechanism as viewed in the traveling direction of the second endless belt. A plurality of transfer devices connected in their widthwise direction constitute a transfer device assembly.

Abstract: A movable control panel for a patient support is provided. The patient support includes a support structure which is movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to a patient support. A controller is coupled to the support structure for movement between a deployed position and a stored position. A mechanism for coupling the controller to the support structure is also provided. The controller includes control switches that are operable to adjust a position of the patient support. The coupling mechanism is operable to move the controller between the deployed position and the stored position in response to movement of the support structure between the raised position and the lowered position, respectively.

Abstract: A bedding system comprising a fitted sheet having two sections, each section made of a different fabric and a flat sheet having two sections each section being of a different fabric such that the different materials cause different warming characteristics.

Abstract: A mattress and a method of manufacturing a mattress are disclosed. The mattress includes a mattress core, a side rail joined to the mattress core by a one or more adhesive patches, optionally a deck applied over an area of the mattress core and joined to the mattress core by adhesive patches, and an upholstery layer defining a sleep surface applied over the deck or the mattress core and joined to the deck by adhesive patches. The adhesive patches have a bonding strength sufficient to maintain a relative position between the various mattress components at least during assembly of the mattress. The upholstery layer is permanently secured to the side rail by, for example, sewing or stapling.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 provides a combination scissor 18 and lighter 20 for the cutting and sealing of braided synthetic hair 14 made up of a cutting implement having two blades 22, 24 joined by a swivel pin 26 having handles 28, 30 at one distal end. One of the handles 28 has a chamber 36 therein for storing a quantity of a combustible substance therein. The chamber 36 has an input valve 44 for refilling the chamber and an output valve communicating with a conduit 46 extending through the blade 22 to the other distal end. Also located within the handle 28 and extending therefrom is an igniter switch 40 which when depressed opens the output valve on the chamber permitting the combustible substance to escape through the conduit to the distal end 32 of the blade 22. Work in concert with the opening of the valve is an igniter to send a spark to the end of the distal end 32 of the blade 22 whereby the combustible fluid is ignited.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant tension member, particularly an inclined cable of a cable stayed bridge, is comprised of a bundle of individual elements, for example, steel wire strands, which in its open area is encapsulated by sheathing, and which within the structure extends inside a guide canal that is formed by a recess pipe. The sheathing—sealing off the front side of the guide canal—is thereby directly or indirectly connected to the structure. Between the sheathing and the entrance point of the tension member into the structure, a connecting pipe is arranged, which on the one hand is detachably connected to the sheathing and on the other hand is connected to the structure by a flange plate.

Abstract: A bridge for long, deep water crossings is supported between spans by narrow, transverse, semi-submersible pontoons. The pontoons are oriented to present minimal cross section to tidal currents under the bridge. The pontoons are pivotally attached to the bridge allowing them to be turned a few degrees right or left as tidal currents change. During fabrication, a module of bridge deck/roadway can be assembled for transport upon each pontoon deck. After remote fabrication two or more complete bridge modules can be linked pontoon-to-pontoon into a seaworthy vessel that can be towed to the erection site. At site the roadway modules are rotated transverse to the pontoon, elevated to final position and joined to other modules, completing the bridge.

Abstract: The splash guard comprises an apron defining a horseshoe shape having an open rear end along a vertical plane. A rectangular frame encloses the open rear end. The rectangular frame has a centre of gravity rearward of the vertical plane, to keep the rear end of the apron taut. The rectangular frame also has adjustment clamps to allow the adjustment of the width thereof to different floor-scrubbing machines. In another aspect, the apron has a double thickness along each end of the horseshoe shape, to prevent buckling of the apron near the open rear end thereof.

Abstract: A device and process for cleaning electrical insulators mounted under an electrified contact rail parallel to a rail track comprises positioning arm(s) attached to a vehicle that travels on the track and a cleaning station with fixed or moveable fingers. The fingers have attached cleaning tools and engage, operate on, partly rotate around the circumference of the insulator, and disengage, as the vehicle passes by the insulator. The cleaning station can also ride on the contact rail and have moveable vertical members with cleaning tools attached to L-shaped tool holders that rotate around a portion of the circumference of the insulator. Cleaning tools include powered rotating, reciprocating, vibrating, oscillating and/or linear brushes, wrap-around cleaning belts, sonic horns, ultrasonic vibrating guns, lasers, pressure washing and/or water jetting nozzles on stationary, rotating or oscillating spray bars and spinning heads using steam, tap or deionized water, and pneumatic polishing nozzles.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing the welding region on the outer surface of plastic pipes, comprising elements for anchoring to a pipe; a threaded pivot being coupled to the anchoring elements to perform a longitudinal, rotary and translational motion; supporting elements for a tool being jointly coupled to the threaded pivot, that can be arranged so as to interfere with, and remove material from, the outer surface of the pipe. The anchoring elements comprise a central body with longitudinal sliding guides thereon for rod-like elements, which protrude partially from the central body, do not intersect each other, and support at ends feet for resting against the inner surface of the pipe. Respective racks are provided longitudinally on the rod-like elements and are kinematically connected to a common actuation gear system.