Abstract: A method of growing a SiC film within an MBE system is disclosed. The method includes charging a first crucible with a quality of C60, and coating a second crucible with a layer of SiC. The second crucible is charged with a quantity of solid Si. The crucibles are installed into first and second effusion cells which are placed within the MBE growth chamber. A substrate is prepared by cleaning and polishing and loaded into the MBE growth chamber. The substrate and effusion cells are heated and a layer of SiC is grown by MBE onto the substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the purification of phenols in a feedstock containing phenols and neutral oils and/or tar bases. The process includes liquid-liquid extraction of feedstock using a solvent and a counter-solvent, and separating the resulting solvent and counter-solvent layers. Phenols are then recovered from the separated solvent layer, and counter-solvent is recovered form the counter-solvent layer. The process also includes at least one of the following additions steps i) subjecting the separated solvent layer to distillation at atmospheric pressure; ii) subjecting the separated solvent layer to distillation, recovering an organic phase from the overheads product of the distillation step and recycling it to the liquid-liquid extraction step; and iii) recovering solvent from the counter-solvent layer.

Abstract: The beam method and the “slice” method for ship modeling are melded. The method uses a detailed ship model in the ship section immediately surrounding the system or equipment under study and a beam model for the portions of the ship away from the detailed ship section. This combined method has the advantage of providing a detailed section of the ship in the area of interest which allows for good system and equipment level modeling, and a course beam model of the ship everywhere else, which, in turn, allows for the ships mass and stiffness and hence frequency spectrum to be accurately represented.

Abstract: One or more specified system calls of a running process are trapped in kernel space from user space. While the process is stopped, information associated with the process is read and a security analysis is performed on the information to determine whether malicious code activity is detected, such as a buffer overflow. If malicious code activity is detected, protective action is taken, such as killing the specified system call. Otherwise, if malicious code activity is not detected, the specified system call is restarted.

Abstract: A new and distinct Scaevola plant named ‘Scablhatis’, characterized by its spreading and cascading growth habit and blue flowers that have a big light yellow eye.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the Floribunda Class is provided which abundantly forms attractive pure white blossoms possessing a large number of petals and a configuration similar to that of an old-fashioned rose. The petals initially bear some pink coloration at the margins that is lost as the blossoms fully mature. The growth habit is compact and bushy. Very ornamental dark green and glossy foliage is formed that contrasts nicely with the white blossom coloration. The fragrance of the blossoms is distinctive and is reminiscent of citrus. The new variety is particularly well suited for forming attractive ornamentation in the landscape.

Abstract: A verbena cultivar particularly distinguished by red flowers, broad leaves and tolerance to powdery mildew.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of pear tree, which has been given the designation ‘HW610’, which produces a high quality, attractive mid-season fruit and has a good to very good rating for quality of fresh and processed fruit.

Abstract: A new miniature rose plant which has abundant, long lasting, orange colored flowers and attractive foliage. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for year round production in commercial glass houses as a flowering pot plant. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A distinct female cultivar of Salix viminalis×Salix miyabeana named ‘Owasco’, characterized by rapid stem growth producing greater than 49% more woody biomass than one of its parents (‘SX64’) and 39% more biomass than a current production cultivar (‘SV1’). ‘Otisco’ produced greater than 2.7-fold more stem biomass than two other current production cultivars, ‘SX67’ and ‘SX61’. ‘Owasco’ can be planted from dormant stem cuttings, produces multiple stems after coppice, and the stem biomass can be harvested when the plant is dormant. In the spring following harvest, the plant will re-sprout very vigorously, producing new stems that can be harvested after two to four years of growth. This harvest cycle can be repeated several times. The stem biomass can be chipped and burned as a source of renewable energy, generating heat and/or electricity. ‘Owasco’ displays a low incidence of rust disease and is not damaged by potato leafhoppers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Flashy Yogretchen’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plants; uniform and freely flowering habit; medium-sized decorative-type inflorescences with elongated oblong-shaped ray florets; reddish orange-colored ray florets; and natural season flowering in mid-September in the Northern Hemisphere.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Bright Yogretchen’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plants; uniform and freely flowering habit; medium-sized decorative-type inflorescences with elongated oblong-shaped ray florets; golden yellow-colored ray florets; and natural season flowering in mid-September in the Northern Hemisphere.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Bracteantha named ‘KLEBA04075’, characterized by its upright, compact and bushy growth habit; freely-flowering habit; bright yellow-colored involucral bracts and golden yellow-colored disc florets; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Digitalis plant named ‘Spice Island’, characterized by its upright and sturdy plant habit; short internodes; dense and bushy plant form; long flower racemes; freely flowering habit; and orange and yellow-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Euryops plant named ‘Purfled’, characterized by its compact, upright and rounded plant habit; freely branching habit and short internodes; dense and bushy growth habit; green and pale yellow variegated leaves; continuous flowering habit with numerous inflorescences per plant; and daisy-type inflorescences with bright yellow-colored ray florets and golden yellow-colored disc florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Mt. Dandenong’, characterized by its upright, somewhat outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely and continuous flowering habit; and inflorescences with light purple-colored ray florets.

Abstract: A multilayer papermaker's press felt fabric comprising in combination a woven first fabric layer, typically a double layer fabric, has a cross machine direction pin seam. A second fabric layer is located on the paper side face of the first fabric layer, and a layer of needled batt is applied to the paper side face of the second layer binding the layers together. A flap comprising a short length of the second fabric layer with attached batt overlays the pin seam area in the first layer. The second layer comprises a plurality of relatively narrow strips, which are located with a lateral edge at a first cant angle of from more than 1° to less than 20° to the machine direction. A third layer, similar to the second layer, can be included on the machine side of the first layer; the strip widths, the cant angles, and the direction of the cant angle relative to the machine direction for each of the two strips need not be the same. The fabric is assembled using a spiral winding technique.

Abstract: A power system (8) is provided for economically supplying uninterrupted electrical power to one or more critical loads (14). One or more fuel cell power plants (18) provide one substantially continuous source of power, and a utility grid (10) provides another source of power. The fuel cell power plants (18) are adapted to be, and are, normally substantially continuously connected and providing power to, the critical load(s) (14). A rapidly-acting static switch (19) selectively connects and disconnects and reconnects the grid power supply (10) to the critical load(s) (14) and with the fuel cell power plant(s) (18) for abnormal and normal grid operation, respectively. A switch controller (49, 45) controls the state of the static switch (19) to connect the grid power source (10) with the critical load(s) (14) and the rapidly (less than 4 ms) make the disconnections and the reconnections.

Abstract: A temperature difference estimated value is found from a video signal using a temperature estimated value representing the temperature of the panel outer periphery of a display screen of a PDP and a reference value representing the temperature of the panel outer periphery of the PDP which is outputted from a panel periphery temperature setter by a temperature difference estimator, and the luminance of an image displayed on a display is controlled depending on the temperature difference estimated value by a controller and a brightness controller.

Abstract: A digital imaging device captures an image and generates a color signal from the image for application to an output device having specific color sensitivities, the imaging device further being one of many devices of the same type useful with the output device. The digital imaging device, for example a digital camera, includes a color sensor for capturing the image and generating a color signal from the captured image, the color sensor having predetermined spectral sensitivities, and an optical section that is interposed in the image light directed to the color sensor, the optical section also having predetermined spectral characteristics. The combination of the spectral sensitivities of the color sensor and the spectral characteristics of the optical section uniquely distinguish this particular imaging device from other imaging devices of the same type.

Abstract: Water-soluble macromers including at least one hydrolysable linkage formed from carbonate or dioxanone groups, at least one water-soluble polymeric block, and at least one polymerizable group, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The macromers are preferably polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light or visible light excitation. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. The macromers can be used to encapsulate cells, deliver prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic agents in a controlled manner, plug leaks in tissue, prevent adhesion formation after surgical procedures, temporarily protect or separate tissue surfaces, and adhere or seal tissues together.

Abstract: A hand-holdable apparatus useful for abrading a surface is provided. The invention is particularly useful for dental applications using a stream of abrasive particles suspended in a gas stream to abrade the surface of a tooth. The apparatus of the invention may be modified to easily minimize “bleed down” of the gas/abrasive stream using a pinch valve and to remove worn flexible conduits for routine maintenance and autoclaving of the apparatus. The apparatus of the invention also provides a novel pick-up assembly for delivery of abrasive particles.

Abstract: A telescopic tripot universal joint comprises an outer drive member having three longitudinal drive channels which include two opposing concave side surfaces, an inner drive member having three radial trunnions having a radially outward facing semi-spherical surface for tiltably mounting a drive ball assembly which has a bearing train disposed radially between an inner ball tiltably engaged to the trunnion and an outer ball having a tread face which directly opposes the concave side surfaces of the drive channels. The ball assembly being free to wobble about a Z-axis wherein the assembly pivots about an X-axis disposed laterally to the outer drive member and pivots about a Y-axis disposed longitudinally to the outer drive member. The channel carries a guide rail which extends longitudinally lengthwise to the channel and projects radially inward in order to contact the outer ball when the ball assembly pivots about the X-axis, i.e., tilts relative to the axis of the outer drive member.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlling device. In response to a user specifying one or more operating criteria for the controlling device, the system selects executable instructions from a library of executable instructions and command code sets from a library of command code sets that are to be stored in the memory of the controlling device. In addition, the system uses the criteria to suggest command key/command code mappings for use within the controlling device. The user may interact with the system to modify the selected executable instructions, command code sets, and command key/command code mappings. When stored in the memory of the controlling device, the executable instructions are to be used to perform various operations and functions within the controlling device and the command codes are to be transmitted from the controlling device to command the operation of controllable devices in response to activation of one or more of the command keys.

Abstract: A services provision system provides information services over one or more communications networks and has a software infrastructure divided into domains. Each domain has an intelligent software agent and this community of agents sits in a computing environment represented in each domain by a DPE kernel. The community of agents co-operates to provide service and service management functionality to user. At least one of the agents is reconfigurable to change the functionality the system makes available. Reconfigurability is based on the use of a plurality of reusable software modules, the agent reconfiguring by selecting a new combination of modules. The software modules themselves incorporate rules, or policies, which determine process steps offered by the modules at run-time. These policies are external to the modules and may be loaded at run-time, allowing dynamic modification to functionality of the system.

Abstract: A garment has a pants leg with a front layer stitched along an outer peripheral seam to the pants leg to form a pocket with an interior cavity. The front layer has a central opening spaced from the outer peripheral seam and defined by an inner periphery. A protective insert, which may be formed of foam, and which is larger than the central opening is removably positionable within the pocket. A stiff cap formed of a material such as SANTOPRENE® thermoplastic elastomer, is stitched to the insert. The cap has a flange which projects outwardly from a central region around a line of attachment. The central region is no larger than the pocket central opening. The insert is removably receivable within the pocket such that the inner periphery of the front layer is engaged between the stiff cap flange and the insert.

Abstract: A disposable protective bib comprises a generally rectangular sheet of flexible, liquid-impervious material. The bib has a top portion comprising a yoke to accommodate the user's neck and a bottom portion comprising at least one fastening element for securing the bib to a table. The bib forms a pocket between the wearer and the table to catch food and beverages that may be spilled. The yoke comprises at least one perforated tear section to release the bib from the wearer.

Abstract: A flexible mesh of interwoven metal rings for production of protective clothing is provided with one or more recesses in which an oblong stiffening element is arranged, which latter consists of a metal strap made from a spring material and is provided with holes at least along its edge, which holes are engaged by rings of the mesh that are located along the edge of the at least one recess.

Abstract: Improved work gloves comprising a front face forming a human hand which may define four to five fingers, a rear face forming a human hand defining four to five fingers, wherein the rear face is identical to the front face, a tuck strip joining said front face to said rear face, a fist joined to said front face, to said rear face and to said tuck strip, an elastic band running through both faces, wherein said work faces may be used in both hands at distinct times. Said fist may be detachable as well as the glove thumb. The materials of the glove may comprise animal, vegetal or synthetic fabrics as long as said material is resistant.

Abstract: A forehead clearing apparatus having a pair of wedge shaped modules comprising hook and pile strips wherein the pile strip has a peel and stick backing which is glued onto the headband of a hat or cap and the hook strip is permanently bonded to the wedge shaped module so that the wedge shaped modules are readily removable.

Abstract: A portable toilet comprises two sets of leg members connected at a joint at top ends of the leg members. The legs preferably pivot between a closed configuration wherein the legs are substantially parallel to an open position where the legs are spaced apart at one end and joined at the pivot at the top ends. Seat members are supported by the legs in a spaced apart and parallel relationship. In some embodiments, the seat members are removable to assist in portage of the toilet.

Abstract: A bathtub for the disabled or elderly includes a tub (10) having an enclosure defined by at least one sidewall (10a), where the sidewall (10a) has a doorway therein providing access from an external side of the sidewall (10a), external to the enclosure, into the enclosure. A generally horizontal and vertically spaced apart pair of elongate guides (74, 82) are provided in the sidewall (10a). A door is slidably mounted to the guides (74, 82) on at least one pivotable linkage arm (70, 78). The pivotable linkage arm (70, 78) is pivotally mounted to both the door and at least one of the guides, and is adapted for generally horizontal translation along the sidewall (10a), in cooperation with the guides (74, 82), between a closed position wherein the door is releasably lockably mounted in watertight sealed engagement within the doorway, and an open position wherein the door is clear of the aperture and substantially parallel to the sidewall (10a).

Abstract: A shower nozzle includes a receptacle having a chamber enclosed by a cover, and a plate slidably received in the chamber of the receptacle and having a number of comb teeth extendible out through the openings of the cover to an outward working position and selectively movable into the receptacle to an inward storing position. One or more actuators may be rotatably disposed in the receptacle and engaged with the plate for selectively forcing the comb teeth to move out through the openings of the cover. One or more spring members may bias the comb teeth into the receptacle. A partition is disposed in the receptacle and spaced from the cover to form a space between the partition and the cover.

Abstract: The device 10 is a potty training device having a housing with a pivotal seat 14 positioned over a cavity 16 for receiving the waste material that is discarded by slidably removing the receptacle 18 that forms the base of the bowl-like cavity. The housing also provides shelf 24 or compartment space 20 for storage of items that can be used by the toddler or child 12. Also within the housing are electronic components for recording and playing a musical tune and/or audio clips. A pressure switch 30 positioned under the pivotal seat 14 causes a musical tune or prerecorded audio sequence to be played when the child sits on the pivotal seat 14. The user 12 can selectively record tune or audio clip to be played when the pressure switch 30 is engaged.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a household liquid, such as soap, shampoo, dish washing detergent and bath oil through an outlet of a household water system. The liquid dispensing system comprises a household water system having an outlet, a storage unit for storing at least one liquid operatively connected to the household water system, and a control for connecting and disconnecting the storage unit to the household water system. In a first aspect of the invention the liquid is introduced into the household water system by a venturi. In a second aspect of the invention, the storage unit is positioned above an outlet of the household water system and is introduced by gravity. The control is normally biased to an “off” position. This invention can be utilized for showers, bathtubs, laundry tubs and sinks. The method is comprised of the steps of dispensing the liquid through the household water system.

Abstract: An overflow assembly employs an overflow elbow having an externally threaded cylindrical fitting that extends through the tub overflow opening. An internally threaded retainer nut with integrally molded test cap is threadably engaged over the overflow elbow cylindrical fitting to compress gaskets against both the inside and outside surfaces of the tub. A test cap is integrally molded with the retainer nut and joined to the retainer nut by a thin, breakable connection. An undercut lip on the test cap facilitates use of a prying tool to break the thin connection and remove the test cap after testing of the drain plumbing. A trim cap snaps over the retainer nut to provide a finished appearance to the installed overflow assembly.

Abstract: In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a cot assembly that includes side pieces, supporting end pieces and bedding material. Preferably the cot assembly holds the end pieces a spaced apart distance, and in one feature allows a side piece to be selectively released. In one embodiment, the end pieces move towards each other to release a side piece, optionally by sliding a side piece through an end piece channel. In one preferred embodiment, the bedding material is mounted to and retained by the end pieces and extends across the interior of the cot to overlap or enclose the side pieces without any gaps between the material, the side pieces and the end pieces. In other embodiments, the invention includes an improved method for attaching the material to the end pieces and an improved cot assembly method. In a preferred option, the bedding material is continuously attached to the end piece along a portion of an end piece.

Abstract: A nestably stackable bedding foundation assembly replaces the traditional border wire and disposed coil spring foundation assembly in a so-called box spring. The foundation assembly may be nestably stacked with numerous other such assemblies for transportation, thereby avoiding the need to compress and tie the assembly for shipping. Each foundation assembly includes a number of corrugated support wires having alternating peaks and valleys. The valleys of selected support wires are twisted relative to their associated peaks to provide a more stable mounting to a base and offer a variety of firmness to specific zones of the assembly.

Abstract: A frameless, portable, layout hunting blind for use by a sitting or reclining hunter has a frameless floor, an enclosed foot and leg sack for the hunter's legs, a movable flap to cover the hunter's upper body, a collapsible foot sack support to keep the foot sack clear of the hunter's legs, and an air-inflatable head and shoulder rest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed, in particular a hospital bed, fitted with a plurality of adjacent individual barrier elements along at least one of its longitudinal sides, the barrier elements extending vertically and each occupying a fraction of the length of the bed.

Abstract: A safety bed rail for preventing an individual from falling out of a bed including a frame of sufficient width to span a width of the bed and having left and right portions adjustably connected by a releasable latch defining a plurality of discrete frame widths corresponding to standard bed sizes. A bed rail panel is attached to one side of the frame and extends up from the frame a sufficient height to extend above a mattress placed over the frame. The frame includes side flanges that engage sides of one of the mattress and an underlying mattress support of similar width to the mattress with frame disposed between the mattress and the support. The flanges are widthwise adjustable to adjust the width of the frame over a limited distance with the latch connecting the left and right frame portions in a selected position.

Abstract: An articulated bed has a stationary frame and a plurality of mattress support sections defining a mattress support area, the support sections including: a left section, a right section, a head section and a foot section. The left and right sections are hingably interleaved so that by raising either one, a patient may be rolled over or moved laterally. A plurality of lift arms and lift drivers are engaged with the stationary frame for moving each of the support sections between a horizontal position and an elevated position. The sections may be elevated individually or in concert.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, a deck, a siderail, a communication network and a graphic caregiver interface module. The graphic caregiver interface module includes an input device, a control circuit, a memory, and a display.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes a litter frame having a head end and a foot end and a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending support rails. A seat section which includes a seat frame is secured to the support rails. A first head section which includes a first frame is movably supported on the support rails between a first horizontal position and a second position wherein a head end of the first frame is elevated above a foot end of the first frame. The foot end of the first head section is always oriented on the litter frame immediately adjacent a head end of the seat frame. A second head section is provided on the litter frame and is separate from the first head section. The second head section includes a second frame movably supported on the support rails between a first horizontal position and a second position wherein a head end of the second frame is elevated above a foot end of the second frame.

Abstract: A bed frame for supporting a mattress includes at least first and second sections connectable to form a mattress supporting platform. The platform includes a latch to hold the first and second sections together. The latch includes engageable parts on the first and second sections that are engageable in response to relative sliding movement between the first and second sections toward each other when oriented horizontally.

Abstract: A volume-flexible body fillable with a fluid including two sheets preferably welded together along the peripheral edges and preferably made of synthetic material, as well as a connection piece for a line for fluid inlet or outlet, preferably gas, especially air, into or from the body, whereby the connection piece (4, 10, 12a) extends into the body (K) from the location of entry parallel to the plane defined by the peripheral edge (3) and possibly extending past the location of entry parallel to the plane defined by the peripheral edge (3) and leading through the edge and/or penetrating one of the sheets (1) and leading into the interior of the body (K).

Abstract: A combined nut area cleaner and nut driver tool for manipulating nuts residing in recesses prone to filling with environmental debris. The tool having a body connecting with or forming a handle, a nut (or fastener) driver for connecting with the body and for driving the nut, and a cleaning flange for connecting to the body, this cleaning flange for cleaning the area adjacent the nut before the nut driver engages the nut. Preferably either the nut driver and/or the cleaning flange are able to be retracted in relation to the cleaning flange and/or nut driver.

Abstract: A one-piece wearable bottle opener that slips onto a persons belt, without the aid of special attachments. The preferred location to wear the opener is at either hip. The opener functions easily, using one hand, because of three features. The top section is prevented from moving outward, due to the tightened belt, the opener detail is located below the belt, creating leverage, and the lower plate section prevents the opener from moving inward, as it is pressed against the bony hip area, allowing the opener to function. The space above the opener detail, and between the belt attachment details, is used for advertising of related products, festivals, artwork and such.

Abstract: A method of controlling a shoe washing process of a washing machine performs washing, rinsing, and spin-drying operations. The method includes the operations of determining whether or not to select a shoe washing course, and washing the shoe according to a reversible operation time of a motor preset to correspond to the shoe washing course, when the shoe washing course is selected.

Abstract: The tri-folding ramp is a portable, collapsible device that includes three sections which define an upper surface of the ramp as having an arc-shaped profile. The arc-shaped profile of the ramp can reduce the loading angle between the distal end of the ramp and an upper loading surface, thereby inhibiting contact between the vehicle's undercarriage and the ramp's upper surface and/or the upper loading surface as the vehicle is entering or exiting the ramp.