Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘PER101’, characterized by its uniform, compact, upright and mounded plant habit; strong stems; dark green-colored leaves; inflorescences with light pale yellow-colored flower bracts; early-season flowering; and excellent post-production longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Aglaonema plant named ‘Decora’, characterized by its upright and outwardly arching plant form; compact growth habit; freely clumping habit; full, dense and bushy appearance; upper leaf surfaces green and silver in color; undulate leaf margins; and tolerance to low temperatures.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Sutera plant named ‘Danova906’, characterized by its outwardly spreading and low mounding plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; early and continuous flowering habit; large white-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Colocasia plant named ‘Midnight’, characterized by its tall and upright plant form; relatively slow growth rate; and uniformly black-colored leaves.

Abstract: A new miniature rose plant which has abundant, white flowers and attractive foliage. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for year round production in commercial glasshouses. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new miniature rose plant that has abundant, pink apricot blend flowers and attractive foliage. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for year-round production in commercial glasshouses. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica sub species nuciperisica), denominated varietally as ‘Burnectwentythree’, and which produces an attractively colored white-fleshed, non-melting, sub-acid, saucer-shaped, clingstone nectarine, which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 12 to June 20 under ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Abstract: A new and distinct Verbascum plant characterized by numerous deep reddish purple colored flowers on numerous short, upright flowering stems, a compact habit, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: The invention relates to phosphoric esters of the general formula I where X is 1 or 2; n is from 2 to 18; m and o are each from 2 to 100; k is from 2 to 4; R? is H or a linear or branched alkyl radical; and R? is an alkyl, alkaryl, alkenyl, or sulfopropyl radical, and to there use as dispersants for pigments and fillers in aqueous or organic media.

Abstract: The modular conveyor system comprises N interconnected track sections, forming a continuous track, wherein each track section features a plurality of individually controlled coils stretching along the length thereof. Plural pallets, each having thrust producing magnets, travel independently alone the track. The track also comprises multiple linear encoder readers spaced at fixed positions therealong, and each pallet includes a linear encoder strip having a length R greater than the spacing E between the readers. Track section controllers associate the encoder strips with only one reader at any time in order to resolve the position of the pallets based on the fixed position of the readers and the relative positions of the strips in relation thereto. The section controllers also regulate and commutate the coils of the corresponding track sections in order to independently control each pallet. Communication links interface adjacent section controllers situated in adjacent track sections.

Abstract: A sealed actuator includes a motor stator having rotation-drive magnetic poles; a motor rotor arranged so as to confront magnetic pole surfaces of the motor stator while interposing a small distance therebetween and rotatably supported through roller bearings; and displacement detecting means for measuring displacement of the motor rotor. A partition wall made of a nonmagnetic metal is disposed in a clearance between the motor stator and the motor rotor, so that the inner space where the motor stator is disposed is hermetically covered. The bearings are disposed at both sides of the partition wall in the axial direction so that the load applied to the bearings are directly received by a housing. At least a part of the partition wall is reinforced by reinforcing members and a mold agent is charged into the space on the motor stator side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distributed secondary battery type power storage system capable of maintaining the soundness of the secondary battery and of efficient electric power charging and discharging operations. The secondary battery power storage system comprises a secondary battery connected to a load, a charge/discharge unit connectable to a power system and connected to the secondary battery, and a plurality of loads connected to the charge/discharge unit. A power receiving object is selected and a capacity is determined on the basis of information about the operating condition of the plurality of loads, and the surplus electric power remaining in the secondary battery after feeding electric power from the secondary battery to the load is fed to the selected power receiving object through the charge/discharge unit. The secondary battery power storage system is capable of maintaining the soundness of the secondary battery and of efficient charging and discharging operation.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for producing and testing a bus-controlled television includes a camera, a bus control facility, an automatic connector, and a remote controller. The camera photographs a predetermined area near the automated apparatus and outputs an approach detection signal indicating if the television is located in such area. Also, the camera photographs the screen of the television when it is in the predetermined area and outputs a screen state signal which represents the information displayed on the screen. The bus control facility generates a television test signal based on the approach detection signal and transmits remote control signals to the television to select control items for testing various functions of the television. The automatic connector connects the television and the bus control facility when the television is located in the predetermined area to enable the bus control facility to transmit the television test signal to the television.

Abstract: A confocal microscope apparatus includes a disk scanner for scanning a specimen with a laser beam, and camera main body for photographing a still image. An exposure time calculation circuit is arranged to generates an exposure time signal for the camera main body. A rotation sensor, a scan track start point/end point determination circuit, and a rotation period calculation circuit are arranged to generate a rotational period signal for the disk scanner. A comparator compares the exposure time signal with the rotational period signal, so that a motor controller and a motor driver control rotation of a motor of the disk scanner by a comparison output from the comparator.

Abstract: A lens barrier opening/closing device of a movable lens barrel includes a barrier blade which is driven to open and close a photographic aperture; a barrier drive ring driven to rotate about an optical axis; a first biasing device which biases the barrier drive ring in a rotational direction; a rotational barrel which rotates about the optical axis; a receiving surface formed on the barrier drive ring to extend parallel to the optical axis; and a transmission surface, formed on the rotational barrel, extending parallel to the optical axis. The receiving surface and the transmission surface are engaged with each other to rotate the barrier drive ring together with the rotational barrel about the optical axis in a direction against a biasing force of the first biasing device when the movable lens barrel moves from either the photographing position to the accommodation position or vise versa.

Abstract: A retardation film comprised of a single oriented polymer film, characterized in that the retardation at wavelengths of 450 nm and 550 nm satisfies the following formulae (1) and/or (2), and the water absorption is no greater than 1%. R(450)/R(550)<1 ??(1) K(450)/K(550)<1 ??(2) where R(450) and R(550) represent the in-plane retardation of the oriented polymer film at wavelengths of 450 nm and 550 nm, respectively, and K(450) and K(550) are the values calculated by K=[nz?(nx+ny)/2]×d (where nx, ny and nz represent the three-dimensional refractive indexes of the oriented polymer film as the refractive indexes in the direction of the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis, respectively, and d represents the thickness of the film) for the oriented polymer film at a wavelength of 450 nm and 550 nm, respectively. There are provided laminated retardation films and liquid crystal display devices employing the retardation film.

Abstract: The novel benzamide derivative represented by formula (1) and the novel anilide derivative represented by formula (13) of this invention has differentiation-inducing effect, and are, therefore, useful a therapeutic or improving agent for malignant tumors, autoimmune diseases, dermatologic diseases and parasitism. In particular, they are highly effective as an anticancer drug, specifically to a hematologic malignancy and a solid carcinoma.

Abstract: A product corresponding to formula (I) or its ketonic tautomer form (II) which is 3-(1-hydroxy-pentylidene)-5-nitro-3H-benzofuran-2-one, a process for the preparation and use of the product corresponding to formula (I) or its tautomeric form (II), a process for the preparation and use, particularly for the production of synthesis intermediates.

Abstract: A finger/toe tip protective apparatus including a semispherically shaped flexible member of perforated material with inner and outer surfaces, and a circumferential edge. The flexible member has at least one elongated tab extending tangentially and radially about the circumferential edge of the member and which. when wrapped about the digit is partially secured to both the circumferential edge of the member and the skin of the digit to which the apparatus is to be secured whereby allowing the protective apparatus to be releasably secured in position on the finger/toe tip of a person.

Abstract: A pool lift has a base, releasably positionable on a pool deck spacedly adjacent a pool edge. The base pivotally mounts an elongate arcuate lift frame about an axis parallel to the pool edge. A hydraulic cylinder extends in pivotal interconnection between the base and the medial portion of the arcuate lift frame to pivotally move a chair user support, carried by the lift frame and oriented in a direction parallel to the adjacent pool edge, from a first upright position spacedly above the pool deck to a second downward position spacedly below the pool deck in the pool cavity. An orienting cable maintains the chair user support in horizontal seating orientation during its course of motion. The hydraulic cylinder preferably is powered by a household pressurized water supply.

Abstract: An invalid hoist comprises a support 10, an arm 12 pivotally connected to the support 10, drive means for driving the arm 12 for pivotal movement relative to the support 10, and brake means 18 independent of the drive means to apply a braking force to the arm 12 in the event that movement thereof occurs at a speed grater than a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A playpen includes four posts, four rails installed between the posts, at least two stems attached to one of the rails and at least two positioning devices each attached to one of the posts for cooperating with the stems for movably installing the rail on the posts. Each of the related posts includes a groove for receiving one of the stems and a dent in communication with the groove. Each of the positioning devices includes a button movable across the detent and a latch including a first portion connected to the button and a second portion. The button is operable so as to move the latch between a locking position where the second portion thereof restrains the stem in the groove and a releasing position where the second portion thereof retreats from the groove.

Abstract: A duvet sleeve for covering and securing a duvet. The duvet sleeve is generally rectangular and includes two openings on opposite sides of the duvet sleeve. The presence of two openings instead of the typical one opening allows one person to change the duvet inside the duvet sleeve.

Abstract: A multipurpose folding hand tool including a tool holder permitting exchanges of blades. The tool may include a folding scissors including a spring that is moved into operative engagement with a scissors handle to open the scissors handles apart from each other only as the scissors approaches an extended, operative position with respect to the handle of the folding land tool, within which it may be stowed. A resilient grip member is incorporated in one of the handles of the folding multipurpose hand tool. A wire cutter and a crimping tool are located on pliers jaw tangs, between the pliers pivot and the foldable handles of the tool.

Abstract: An improved grain drill depth adjustment tool for changing the seeding depth of a John Deere® Model 750 Grain Drill or its equivalent. The improved grain drill depth adjustment tool capable of unlocking a locked grain drill depth adjustment plate, repositioning the grain drill depth adjustment plate and allowing the grain drill depth adjustment plate to be re-locked in an alternate position. The improved grain drill depth adjustment tool comprising a lever; an engagement member attached to the lever; and a plurality of protrusions attached to the lever. The improved grain drill depth adjustment tool capable of performing its functions in a one-handed operation without the use of auxiliary tools. The one-handed operation requires minimal force and the tool is relatively easy to use. The grain drill depth adjustment tool is further capable of reducing adjustment time and thereby increasing farming efficiencies.

Abstract: A self wiping toiletry device and method of use which utilizes a jaw system and release button to hold and release toilet paper for wiping. The apparatus and method is especially useful for handicapped persons and those having limited use of one or both hands. The apparatus and method in its preferred form easily allows a person to roll toilet paper, install the rolled paper into the jaw system, use the rolled paper to wipe after toilet use, and thereafter easily dispense the soiled paper into the toilet water.

Abstract: A hand tool adapted to mechanically remove materials such as ice, frost, and/or snow from surfaces such as automobile window glass comprises a longitudinally-extending handle having a front end and a rear end, a scraper disposed adjacent the front end of the handle, a rear grip disposed adjacent the rear end of the handle, and a front grip disposed adjacent the front end of the handle. The rear grip is adapted to facilitate a user applying force to the scraper in a direction generally parallel to the length of the handle to move the scraper along a surface to be scraped, and the front grip is adapted to facilitate a user applying force to the scraper in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the handle to urge the scraper against the surface to be scraped.

Abstract: A vehicular wiper device includes a wiper motor secured to a crank arm, a first pivot holder rotatably supporting a wiper arm and a first pivot lever, a second pivot holder rotatably supporting a wiper arm and a second pivot lever, and a link structure connected to the crank arm. Rotation power of the wiper motor is transmitted to the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever via the crank arm and the link structure. The wiper motor is secured to a rear face of a motor bracket portion of the first pivot holder on an opposite side as the wiper arm with respect to the motor bracket portion. The crank arm is arranged on the opposite side as the wiper motor with respect to the motor bracket portion. A dimension between the rear face of the motor bracket portion and the first pivot lever is set to be greater than a dimension between the rear face of the motor bracket portion and the crank arm.

Abstract: A hand bracket comprising a grip section, a top connection bracket at a first end of the grip section and a bottom connection bracket a second end of the grip section. At least one of the top connection bracket and the bottom connection bracket comprises a shell having two screw holes and a rim, with screw cylinders extending from the screw holes to a position planar with the rim. The at least one of the top connection bracket and the bottom connection bracket includes a first side and a second side, with the two screw holes located closer to one of the first side or the second side.

Abstract: In an apparatus at a spinning preparation machine, especially a carding machine, opener, cleaner or the like, an axle, a bearing or the like is fixed in a stationary mounting element by a fastening element. In order to allow, in simple manner, precise adjustment of the axle, the bearing or the like in an axial direction and especially to allow displacement by a small amount, the fastening element is arranged between the curved surface of a body, for example, an axle, bearing or the like, and an internal surface of the mounting element, and is capable of fixing the body by a clamping force and, without the clamping force, is capable of allowing the axle, the bearing or the like to move.

Abstract: A latch device comprises a base suitable for attachment to a substrate, a cover, an elongate strap hinge that connects the base and cover, a hinge guide structure and/or a camming structure, and a locking mechanism. The cover is selectively movable about the strap hinge relative to the base between an open position and a closed position. The hinge guide structure includes a curved surface proximal to the elongate strap hinge that assists in distributing forces throughout a significant portion of the entire length of the strap hinge as the cover is moved relative to the base. A camming structure may be included that has a camming surface that biases the cover toward the open position. The latch device is useful in a variety of areas, including tie downs for sail boats, campers, tarps, suit cases, back packs, and other sporting goods.

Abstract: Device for fixing a watchband to a watch container includes a hinge connected to the watch container with two pivots sliding therein and a fixing element fixed to or integrated into the end of the watchband provided with two brackets defining a space therebetween for arranging the hinge. Each bracket has an axial recess protruding in the space between the brackets. The axial recess is extended in a direction of the external side faces of the brackets through an orifice containing an end stone mounted such that it is slidable in the recess and exposed to the action of a second return spring which pushes a press button fixed to the external ends of the end stone towards outside. The hinge is provided on the side faces thereof with an annular chamber having a slot which defines a privileged direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to restraint systems for cargo on cargo transporting vehicles, such as trucks, having designated cargo-carrying space. In particularly, the present invention relates to a system for restraining cargo in the bed of a truck, such as a pick-up truck, or the like; or the interior load-carrying compartment of a van or station wagon. The restraint system contains clamp having two opposing members that are attached a pivot point to form a pair of jaws at one end and a topside at the opposing end. The topside is attached to a rotatable device that is rotated to close or open the jaws depending on the direction of rotation. The rotatable device closes the jaws by urging the topside of the opposing members apart to pivotably close the jaws.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener (10) comprising a male/female closure between a pair of opposed base members (18) has a single flange (16) for attachment of the closure to a web or film (34) on one only of the two base members. The fastener is attached initially to the film (34) by the single flange and then the fastener is additionally attached to the film (34) by heat and pressure applied in the region of attachment ribs (30) on the base members.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device adapted to be connected to an item of merchandise to discourage shoplifting includes a flexible lanyard. In one embodiment, the first end of the lanyard is removably anchored to the holder with the second end of the lanyard being lockable to the holder. The lanyard may thus be replaced if severed by a shoplifter so that the holder may be reused. The invention also provides a lanyard having first and second ends with a latch that holds that ends together so that the ends may be inserted as a unit into the holder before being locked to the holder.

Abstract: A casket assembly includes a container and a two-piece lid. The two-piece lid includes a superior lid that covers the anterior end of the casket and an inferior lid that covers the opposite end. The container includes a bottom panel, an inferior end panel, a superior end panel, and two elongated side panels. Each elongated side portion has a recessed portion on the superior end of the casket for providing an improved viewing of the deceased. In one embodiment, the casket panels each include a plurality of mortise holes and/or tenons. The tenons on individual panels are designed to fit into the mortise holes on other panels. Pins are placed through pinholes on the tenons to retain the tenons in the mortise holes. A shelf and bracket assembly may be provided for use in displaying mementos of the deceased and/or for supporting the inferior casket lid.

Abstract: A casket assembly includes a container and a two-piece lid. The two-piece lid includes a superior lid that covers the anterior end of the casket and an inferior lid that covers the opposite end. The container includes a bottom panel, an inferior end panel, a superior end panel, and two elongated side panels. Each elongated side portion has a recessed portion on the superior end of the casket for providing an improved viewing of the deceased. In one embodiment, the casket panels each include a plurality of mortise holes and/or tenons. The tenons on individual panels are designed to fit into the mortise holes on other panels. Pins are placed through pinholes on the tenons to retain the tenons in the mortise holes. A shelf and bracket assembly may be provided for use in displaying mementos of the deceased and/or for supporting the inferior casket lid.

Abstract: An improved rotor design for hammermills. The invention eliminates the solid rotor shaft and replaces it with a tubular structure comprised of two stub rotor shafts with plate flanges and grooved spacer rings therebetween. End head disks, attached to the plate flanges, and intermediate disks are concentrically positioned with the axis of rotation of the assembly. The intermediate disks are held in alignment by the pilot groove located in the spacer rings. The flanges, stub shafts, spacer rings and intermediate disks are supported and held in proper alignment by tension rod compression. The resulting tubular rotor shaft assembly is less massive, more stiff, less susceptible to vibration, has a reduced bending stress, is less expensive to startup and operate and less expensive and more flexible in terms of component inventory than known solid through-shaft rotors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic recording medium and a method for manufacturing the same to provide a magnetic recording medium reducing medium noise and having excellent thermal stability. The magnetic recording medium includes a substantially amorphous seed layer and a polycrystal underlayer made of crystal grains having a substantially columnar structure, the polycrystal underlayer contacting thereto. In a boundary between the seed layer and the underlayer, fine grooves having a period up to as large as the magnetic layer crystal grain diameter are formed in the disc circumferential direction. Accordingly, the magnetic recording medium is allowed to have a grain shape with a value obtained by dividing the average grain diameter for the disc circumferential direction by the average grain diameter for the disc radial direction of no less than 0.5 and no more than 0.9, thus achieving simultaneously reduction of the medium noise and thermal stability.

Abstract: The perpendicular magnetic head fabrication and testing method includes the additional fabrication of magnetic pole testing structures in the kerf area of the wafer substrate. Particularly, magnetic interconnect pieces are fabricated in the kerf area to magnetically connect an extending portion of the first magnetic pole with an extending portion of the second magnetic pole. As a result, when the perpendicular magnetic heads are fabricated at the wafer level, the first and second magnetic poles are interconnected through structures located in the kerf area. Thereafter, an ISAT magnetic pole test can be conducted by passing electrical current through the induction coil of the magnetic head, and magnetic flux will flow through the interconnected magnetic pole structure, thereby enabling the testing of the magnetic poles of the perpendicular magnetic head at the wafer level.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic head is provided which can improve controlling a thickness of a gap layer. A coil base layer having at least a surface layer formed of one or two or more alloys selected from Au, Ru, and Rh is formed on a contact layer. Thereby, since a surface of the coil base layer is not oxidized due to air exposure, the contact layer is not oxidized. As such, the coil base layer protects the contact layer, so that it is not necessary to perform an etching process for removing an oxide layer, as in the related art. Therefore, it is possible to further improve controlling a thickness of a gap layer without cutting the gap layer by the etching process, as compared with the related art.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of forming a first magnetic pole layer; removing both sides in a track width direction of the first magnetic pole layer so as to leave a predetermined residual area in the first magnetic pole layer; forming an insulating layer about the residual area of the first magnetic pole layer; forming a gap layer made of a nonmagnetic material; forming a second magnetic pole layer magnetically connected to the first magnetic pole; and patterning the second magnetic pole layer by etching while using a mask.

Abstract: There is provided a method and circuit for trimming a functional resistor on a thermally isolated micro-platform such that a second functional resistor on the same micro-platform remains substantially untrimmed; a method and circuit for providing and trimming a circuit such that at least two circuit elements of the circuit are subjected to a same operating environment and the operating environment is compensated for by distributing heat generated during operation of the circuit among the two circuit elements; a method and circuit for trimming a functional resistor on a thermally-isolated micro-platform such that a constant temperature distribution is obtained across the functional resistor; and a method and circuit for calculating a temperature coefficient of resistance of a functional resistor.

Abstract: A system for splicing together heavy duty electric cables, especially underground cables, consisting of a static friction block and a clamping friction block located on ends of cables to be spliced. A block and tackle mechanism is interposed between the friction block and the clamping block to provide a force to move various elements on the cables to various and final predetermined locations to make up the splice. The block and tackle mechanism has a wind-up spool thereon to wind-up ends of cords of the block and tackle mechanism. The wind-up spool provides the necessary force to accomplish the move of the various elements.

Abstract: Methods for mounting electrical components on a substrate and securely retaining the components are described. The methods include altering solder paste compositions, interposed between component retentive pins and retentive through holes, during a reflow process. Electronic assemblies including circuit boards and electrical components mounted thereto are also described. In one of the electronic assembly embodiments, materials originally associated with a mounted electrical component migrate into solder paste coupling the electrical component to the circuit board.

Abstract: A BLISK having a damaged blade, with a repair region that has a thickness less than a specified thickness as a result of damage during manufacture or prior service, is repaired by depositing repair metal onto the repair region to increase its thickness to greater than its specified thickness dimension. Only the repair region is stress relieved by heating the repair region to a stress-relieving temperature of from about 1150° F. to about 1250° F. for a time of at least about 1 hour. The intentional manipulation of microstructure in only the thinner airfoil sections allows multiple repairs, which are not possible in the thicker sections of the BLISK. An alpha-case thickness of repair metal, preferably of at least about 0.0002 inches of repair metal, is removed from a surface of the repair region.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink jet printing head includes: forming a first laminated structure by laminating at least two metal plates having a hole formed thereon and fixing the metal plates to one another by metal-metal junction, and by laminating a plurality of thin plate members having a hole formed thereon, the thin plate members including the metal plates, and fixing the thin plate members to one another; forming a second laminated structure that includes at least a part of a common ink chamber, by laminating a plurality of thin plate members having a hole formed thereon and fixing the thin plate members to one another; and fixing the first laminated structure and the second laminated structure to each other while laminating the first laminated structure and the second laminated structure on each other.

Abstract: Alternative methods are described for machining a root-canal instrument, such as a root-canal reamer, which includes a working section having three flutes forming three cutting lips which are located at the apices of an isosceles triangle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a member for sealing, baffling and/or reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a carrier, an expandable material and at least one fastener.

Abstract: Disclosed is a comb-vibration preventing structure for a hair cutter including a cutter body and a cutting-length adjusting comb adapted to be fitted on an upper portion of the cutter body and vertically moved in a sliding manner so as to adjust a cutting length. The comb-vibration preventing structure comprises a wire spring for urging each of opposite inner side surfaces of the cutting-length adjusting comb in an outward thrusting manner in an opposite lateral direction. The comb-vibration preventing structure can prevent vibrations of the cutting-length adjusting comb to reduce chatter noises, and achieve enhanced usability while facilitating quality control.