Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Dancalmidblu’ characterized by having large, violet colored flowers; a vigorous, cascading growth habit; a very floriferous flowering habit with a long blooming season; and is suitable for patios and outdoors plant beddings.

Abstract: A new variety of Verbena named ‘LITTLE ONE’ that is characterized by upright habit, small overall size, coarsely textured, dark green foliage, and violet flowers. In combination these traits set ‘LITTLE ONE’ apart from all other existing varieties of Verbena known to the inventor.

Abstract: ‘Patriot Rose Pink’ is a new variety of geranium that exhibits free flowering, excellent outdoor performance, and vibrant hot pink flowers with white eyes atop of mounding medium green foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Yoswing’, characterized by its upright plant habit; dark green-colored foliage; freely and uniformly flowering habit; decorative-type inflorescences that are about 8 cm in diameter; attractive dark purple-colored ray florets; strong peduncles; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by masses of wand type flowering stems in the spring, numerous rose pink flowers, small, silver veiled, dark to greenish leaves, a mounding habit, and good vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Kersamfan’ characterized by its salmon-colored flowers with deep salmon-colored veins, large single-type flowers, excellent branching, and semi-trailing growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Pinus thumbergiana named ‘Kanemi’, being distinctively different, smaller in size and with shorter needles, than known Pinus thumbergiana cultivars.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Sutera Plant named ‘Euro 23,’ particularly characterized by its lavender-pink mature flower color, compact and mounded growth habit, medium vigor, strong branching, floriferous habit, dark green foliage, and fast rooting time.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Phormium plant named ‘TWISTED SISTER’ that is characterized by upright clumping habit, small overall size, and twisted leaves that are grey-green in color, with a pronounced orange-brown margin. In combination these traits set ‘TWISTED SISTER’ apart from all other existing varieties of Phormium known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Persicaria plant characterized by multicolored leaves exhibiting a large, striking brownish black triangular basal spot surrounded by a silvery olive chevron and trimmed with olive green edges.

Abstract: A cam is eccentrically journaled at one end of a compound archery bow and a pulley is journaled at the other end of the bow. A cable passes around the pulley to form a bowstring section and a second cable section, both sections forming a dual feed single cam compound bow. The amount of feed out to both ends of the bowstring is approximately the same. One embodiment of the cam provides a large radius cam groove and a smaller radius cam groove which are designed to synchronize the rate of cable feed out at both ends of the bowstring section during the drawing operation. An anchor cable is provided to tie the two limbs of the bow together during the flexing of the bow.

Abstract: An electrographic sensor unit and method for determining the position of a user selected position thereon. The electrographic sensor unit includes a layer of a conductive material having an electrical resistivity and a surface, at least three spaced apart contact points electrically interconnected with a layer of conductive material, a processor connected to the spaced apart contacts and disposed to selectively apply a signal to each of the contact points, and a probe assembly, that includes either a stylus of a flexible conductive layer spaced apart from the layer, coupled to the processor with the stylus disposed to be positioned by a user in vicinity of a user selected position on the surface of the layer, or that position being selected with a user's finger on the flexible layer and to receive signals from the layer when the contact points have signals selectively applied thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for precisely measuring optical characteristics of an eye to be examined, particularly an ophthalmologic characteristic measuring apparatus capable of observing a front portion of the eye as well as measuring optical characteristic of an irregular astigmatism component. The apparatus includes a first illuminating optical system, a first receiving optical system, a first converting member, a first light receiving unit, a second illuminating optical system, a second light receiving optical system, a second light receiving unit, and an arithmetic unit. The first illuminating optical system illuminates convergently a portion near the center of curvature of the cornea of an eye to be examined with first illuminating light rays emitted from a first illuminating light source. The first receiving optical system receives the first illuminating light rays reflected back from the cornea of the eye. The first converting member converts the reflected light rays into at least seventeen beams.

Abstract: An optical disc apparatus for recording, reproducing or erasing an information signal by converging a light flux onto a recording layer through a transparent substrate. The apparatus includes one or a plurality of optical heads having a plurality of objective lenses whose aberrations have respectively been corrected for a plurality of disc substrates of different thicknesses, a cartridge for enclosing the optical disc, a discrimination hole which is formed on the cartridge, and a sensor for detecting the opening/closing state of the discrimination hole and for generating a discrimination signal. In accordance with the result of the discrimination as to the thickness of the loaded optical disc, the objective lens, in which the occurrence of the aberration is smallest, is used, so that the information signal can preferably be recorded, reproduced or erased onto/from the optical discs having different substrate thicknesses.

Abstract: A coated milling insert particularly useful for milling in low and medium alloyed steels with or without raw surface zones during wet or dry conditions. The insert is characterized by a WC-Co cemented carbide with a low content of cubic carbides and a highly W alloyed binder phase and a coating including an inner layer of TiCxNyOz with columnar grains, a layer of ?-Al2O3 and, preferably, a top layer of TiN. The layers are deposited by using CVD methods.

Abstract: Methods for detecting, immobilizing or localizing primer extension products of a Strand Displacement Amplification reaction which are coupled to, and an indication of, amplification of the target sequence. The primer extension products are secondary, target-specific DNA products generated concurrently with SDA of the target sequence and can therefore be used to detect and/or measure target sequence amplification in real-time. In general, the secondary amplification products are not amplifiable and remain inert in the SDA reaction after they are formed without interfering with amplification of the target sequence. The secondary amplification products may be designed or modified to contain special features to facilitate their detection, immobilization or localization.

Abstract: A one piece positive contact bowling ball retriever device, having no moving parts. It is secured to the inside of the ball return wheel and circum rotates with the wheel. It has a lead finger guide designed to assist in the differentiating of pins and the ball, as the pins go their way the lead finger guide captures, guides and holds the ball in its concave radius to be lifted and deposited in one smooth continuous flowing motion for subsequent discharge into the bowling ball return. This positive contact device nether contributes to nor is it affected by slippage and drag caused by the oil and dust normally associated with automatic bowling machinery. By using this positive contact device, ball friction will no longer have to be artificially supplied by the use of temporary rubber ball kickers and the machine r.p.m.s can be reduced for longer equipment life and more economical operation. Ball retriever 1 eliminates the need for manufactures to friction compensate by operating at 36 r.p.

Abstract: Dehydrodidemnin B with useful biological activity has formula (1). It can be isolated from natural sources or synthesized, and it forms active derivatives.

Abstract: The process for obtaining quinapril hydrochloride (I) comprises the stages of: a) hydrogenolysis of the benzyl ester of quinapril (II) by treatment in an alcoholic solvent, with concentrated hydrochloric acid or a solution of hydrogen chloride in isopropanol, and hydrogenation; b) removal of the solvent; c) addition of toluene to precipitate the quinapril hydrochloride as a toluene solvate; d) treatment of said solvate with a Class 3 solvent which forms a solvate of quinapril hydrochloride from which it can be removed by drying without degrading; and e) drying of the solvate from step d) to yield quinapril hydrochloride (I), an antihypertensive agent.

Abstract: A glove has a palm portion, a front ring finger portion unitary therewith, and a first sidewall thereof, a back portion fixed to the palm portion, a back pinky portion, a back ring finger portion, a separate pinky portion formed of a separate material from the palm portion and back portion, and fixed to the palm portion and back pinky portion. The glove also has a thumb portion, a pointer finger portion, and a middle finger portion. This construction enables the first sidewall of the ring finger portion and inner sidewall of the pinky portion to be made unitary. A method of making the glove includes cutting the front of the glove with a palm portion that includes a front ring finger portion and first sidewall as one piece of material, cutting from a separate piece of material the front portion of the pinky finger portion so that it includes an inner sidewall, and sewing the front palm portion, back portion, and front ring finger portion to the palm and back portions.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is disclosed for mounting a toilet seat and/or cover in a releasable fashion to the rear of a toilet bowl base. The assembly includes a fastener permanently affixed to the toilet base on which is mounted a cross shaped mount. The mount is engaged by deflectable arms extending from a hinge base. The arms flex outward slightly during mounting and dismounting, where mounting and dismounting can be achieved by a horizontal sliding motion. A hinged cap snaps onto the pair of arms to cover the fastener and prevent deflection of the arms and thus separation of the base member from the fastener.

Abstract: A pedal actuated seat lifter has a mounting plate fastened between a toilet bowl and its seat using existing bolts holding the seat in place. A floor pedal transmits lifting force through a chain or the like to a lever and lifting arm hinged to the mounting plate. The seat lifter can be provided as a kit of parts for relatively simple assembly and installation on an existing toilet fixture without use of adhesives or alteration of the toilet fixture, the floor or walls.

Abstract: A sanitary plunger including a hollow tubular handle shaft having a flexible force cup attached to the lower end thereof. The flexible force cup has a central opening communicating the interior of the hollow tubular handle shaft and the interior of the force cup. A spindle having a spindle shaft is positioned within the hollow tubular handle shaft. The spindle shaft is adapted to receive a roll of plastic protector bags and allow bags to be withdrawn to surround the inner surface of the force cup and the lower portion of the hollow tubular handle shaft. Means are provided for releasably holding the outer end of a plastic protector bag against the hollow tubular handle shaft.

Abstract: A drain valve, which is assembled on a rotating element of a water tank, is adapted to cooperate with a handle and a link element of the water tank for controlling opening or stopping a drain hole of the water tank. The drain valve includes a fixing base, a cover above the fixing base, a float below the fixing base, and a stop pad between the cover and the fixing base. The fixing base forms outer screw threads on an outer peripheral of a lower portion thereof. A plurality of vent holes being distributed at an outer peripheral of a bottom of the fixing base. The float defines inner screw threads on an inner peripheral of an upper portion thereof for engaging with the outer screw threads of the fixing base thereby adjusting width of the vent holes. The drain valve controls water draining time and stopping time and effectively saves water. In addition, the drain valve is adapted for all types of toilet water tank and is assembled easily.

Abstract: A spa cover removing device has improved rigidity and includes cross pieces that fit into elongate sleeves provided at each end of a center hinge between two half sections of a spa cover. The removing device has a substantially rigid frame with a pair of parallel side bars positioned on opposing sides of the spa housing, the side bars have upper ends rigidly attached to upper elbow pieces projecting toward each other, each elbow piece rigidly joined to retainer bars to extend across the center hinge of the spa cover and support the spa cover. The side bars of the rigid frame also have lower ends rigidly attached to lower elbow pieces connected to a single square tubular pivot shaft extending across the spa housing, and the pivot shaft is supported in annular supports at the opposite sides of the spa housing, these annular supports each have an internal diameter sufficient for the pivot shaft of the rigid frame to pivot therein and hence remove the spa cover.

Abstract: A dust ruffle stabilizer having a flexible covering for a foundation or box spring. Side sections of the covering include adhesive for removably engaging a corresponding inner side of a skirt of a bed skirt against the adhesive surface the side section.

Abstract: A device for supporting blankets on a bed, for creating a space to provide room for a person's feet to be unconstricted and unbothered by the weight of the blankets. The device may include a base member for positioning between a mattress and box springs in a conventional bed. A pair of side supports may be joined to the base member on opposite sides of the bed. The side supports may include telescoping members that may be adjusted in length and locked in place in raised or lowered positions. A rail may be joined to the side supports to extend across the bed such that blankets on the bed may be draped over the rail. When the side supports are in a raised position, a space may be provided for the persons feet, whereas when the side supports are lowered, the device may be virtually undetectable under the blankets.

Abstract: A sleeping surface elevation device having selectively adjustable height and tilt angle is described. The elevator includes base blocks for placing on the floor and for receiving the legs of an adult bed, hospital bed, cot, crib, toddler bed, or the like. The elevator also includes a variety of mechanisms for adjusting the height and angle of the sleeping surface, including elevating blocks. A centerpiece, connected to the base blocks, to facilitate installation of the legs of the sleeping surface into the elevator is also provided.

Abstract: A variable motion rocking bed is provided that includes a first support structure including a first threaded rod having a first section threaded in a first direction and a second section threaded in a second direction, a second support structure including a second threaded rod having a first section threaded in a first direction and a second section threaded in a second direction, and a frame, the frame capable of being in a rocking motion with respect to the first support structure and the second support structure. The rocking bed further includes a first pair of linkage assemblies secured between the first support structure and the frame, and a second pair of linkage assemblies secured between the second support structure and the frame.

Abstract: A device for emergency transport of pediatric patients that safely and efficiently transports a pediatric patient to a medical facility is described. The device enables the transport of pediatric trauma patients on a conventional stretcher while still enabling a backboard to be used therewith to immobilize a critically-injured patient. Additionally, the device provides for more comfortable and sanitary transport of a pediatric patient by adding a disposable padded cushion, which is placed on the device prior to placing the child in the device for emergency transport.

Abstract: The present invention addresses an elastomeric sole having a sidewall with a height less that 0.625 inch, forming a cavity and a horizontally disposed rim extending from the top surface of the sidewall. The sole includes at least two upstanding regions extending upwardly from the cavity lower surface, each region formed from elastomer and having a different effective modulus of elasticity. The invention also includes the combination of an elastomeric sole and an upper and a method for sewing an elastomeric sole to an upper by means of a converted sewing machine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a prop-type damping device which effectively consumes energy of up-and-down vibration on a main girder of a bridge caused by earthquakes, winds, passing vehicles or the like to prolong a life of the bridge and improve comfort for bridge users with a simple constitution. The prop-type damping device comprises: an inclined prop member having a higher end thereof connected to a lower part of a main girder of a bridge to be horizontally movable relative to the same, and a lower end thereof connected to a position below a main girder supporting point of a pier or abutment for supporting the main girder to permit up-and-down movement of the higher end; and a damper connected to the higher end of the prop member and the main girder lower part to brake relative horizontal movements therebetween.

Abstract: An improved cleaning tool is provided with a flexible connection between the head or spindle and the handle. The improved tool broadly includes a spindle or head, a handle and a flexible connection between the head and handle to permit relative pivotal movement therebetween and rubber bumpers to protect against scratching furniture. The flexible connection regulates relative movement between the spindle head in such a way that lateral movement is greater than the up and down movement.

Abstract: A toothbrush operable by a user has a handle having a distal end, a head having a proximal end extending from said handle's distal end and bristles extending generally in a first direction designated “forward”. The head has a first orientation relative to the handle when the head is relaxed, the head being pivotable relative to said handle out of the first orientation to a second orientation rearward of the first orientation, when a force greater than a predetermined threshold level is applied to the head in a direction generally opposite the first direction. The head remains out of the first orientation until it is manually returned by the user to the first orientation.

Abstract: A cleaning device for oil dipsticks includes two first parts which are pivotably connected with each other at a mediate portion thereof and a torsion spring is located between the two first parts so that the two handles are wide opened from each other. Each first part has a clamping portion which can clamp the device to a part in the engine room. Each handle has a slot defined therethrough. Two second parts are respectively connected to the two handles, wherein each second part has one end flexibly connected to the handle corresponding thereto. A cleaning member is connected to two respective insides of the two second parts. The two second parts can be pushed toward via the slots to wipe the oil dipstick between the two ends of the cleaning member while the first parts still clamp to the part.

Abstract: A paint roller tool includes first and second paint rollers, mounted to extend from shaft portions of a frame and to turn about axes of rotation perpendicular to one another. Each of the paint rollers includes a peripheral cylindrical surface and a distal end covered with a material suitable for holding and applying wet paint. The paint rollers are separated from one another in a direction perpendicular to both of their axes of rotation and are aligned with one another so that the distal end of each roller is aligned with an outer edge of the cylindrical peripheral surface of the other roller, so that an “L”-shaped area at an interior corner can be painted.

Abstract: The combination paint roller frame and scraper allows a painter to accomplish two tasks with a single tool and includes a paint roller frame, an elongated scraper member, and a hinge or pivot mechanism attaching the scraper to the paint roller frame. The paint roller frame is a standard frame having a roller cage assembly, a shaft for receiving the roller cage assembly, and a handle for supporting the shaft. The scraper member is an elongated scraper having a first end and a sharpened second end, with the first end being pivotally attached to a vertical portion of the shaft of the paint roller frame. The pivot mechanism attaching the scraper to the vertical portion of the shaft of the paint roller frame allows the scraper to be flipped between an “up” or “in use” position, and a “closed” or “not in use” position.

Abstract: A windshield wiper device (10), in particular, for a motor vehicle, includes a wiper bearing (14), which includes a bearing housing (24), a wiper shaft 922), which is supported in the bearing housing (24) and which supports a wiper arm (28) on a first end (26), and an element (42) that axially secures the wiper shaft (22). The element (42) includes at least one region that is made from a foam material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated wiper arm of a wiper apparatus for windows of motor vehicles with a device for a detachable connection to a pivoted wiper blade on one free end, in particular for connection to a non-articulated wiper blade, which includes at least one articulated bolt. It is planned that the device for connection to the wiper blade (16) is embodied as a single piece with the wiper arm (10).

Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner has a canister assembly and a stair hugging swivel wheel assembly. The stair hugging swivel wheel assembly pivotally connects to the canister assembly and has both a pendulum and a wheel rotatably mounted to a housing thereof. During use, the pendulum projects from the housing under the influence of gravity to inhibit or otherwise prevent the stair hugging swivel wheel assembly from pivoting whenever the canister assembly becomes oriented in an inclined position, such as when placed on a stairway. Preferably, the pendulum mates with a recess in the canister assembly co-located with a circular track in which the stair hugging swivel wheel assembly pivots.

Abstract: The invention provides debris collection devices that include a debris contacting mechanism, a debris transport mechanism that is configured to receive debris moved by the debris contacting mechanism at an inlet and move such debris towards a debris storage compartment, and a filter and vacuum assembly. The filter and vacuum assembly includes an inlet disposed downstream of the inlet of the transport mechanism and upstream of the debris storage compartment, relative to the path of transported debris. In operation, the filter and vacuum assembly generate a primary air flow that draws the airborne particles into the inlet of the transport mechanism, along a path proximate to the transport mechanism, into the inlet of the filter and vacuum assembly and though a filter located within the filter and vacuum assembly without generating a substantial airflow through the storage compartment. Related debris collection and processing systems and methods also are provided.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle assembly including a housing and a cooperating hood defining an agitator cavity. First and second agitators are carried by the nozzle assembly in the agitator cavity. A canister assembly is connected to the nozzle assembly. The apparatus also includes a suction generator and a dirt collector. The apparatus is characterized by the hood which includes a wall and a baffle. A first section of the wall and the baffle define a first channel that receives the first agitator. A second section of the wall and the baffle define a second channel that receives the second agitator.

Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner having an improved, foldable handle structure to reduce the amount of storage space required when the cleaner is not in use. The upright vacuum cleaner is provided with a handle that is hinged at a pivot point to enable the handle to rotate relative to the cleaner body. A locking unit locks and releases the handle in at least one user-desired position.

Abstract: Side arm for glasses structured for the reduction of clearance and with a highly slideable carriage, essentially including a small box, associated to the side arm by welding and preassembly. Two springs are housed on the inside the springs on one side having the end in abutment on the bottom of the small box and on the other side being arranged in abutment of the end of a tie-rod/carriage, with respect to which one is arranged adjacently per side. A tie-rod/carriage is substantially T-shaped presenting the anterior end, provided with a convenient articulation hinged to a corresponding nose provided on the frame of the glasses and in which at least one clearance compensation element is interposed between the bottom of the internal seat of the small box and the profile of the portion of tie-rod/carriage facing the bottom of the internal seat of the small box.

Abstract: A hinge for a child safety barrier, consisting of first (1, 9) and second (2, 10) bracket parts, wherein the first bracket part is formed with a pin (4) whose free end is formed with a shoulder (5). The second bracket part (2, 10) is formed with a hole (7) with two sections, where the first section has a larger diameter than the second section. This provides an edge between the two sections, which, together with the shoulder (5) of the pin, serves as a lock between the two bracket parts. If the length of the pin is larger than the length of the section of the smallest diameter, then the two hinge parts may be displaced relative to each other in the direction of the pin, which is an advantage when the hinge is used in connection with child safety barriers. The two bracket parts of the hinge are formed with respective locking parts which cooperate such that when one bracket part is displaced relative to the other bracket part, the bracket parts may be rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: A fixing structure for a door handle includes a grip portion, a first fixing portion connected to a first end of the grip portion and fixed to a side of a door, and a second fixing portion connected to a second end of the grip portion and fixed to the side of a door. A guiding plate is fixedly mounted to the second fixing portion. At least one fixing tube is slidably mounted to the guiding plate, thereby adjusting a mounting position of the at least one fixing tube.

Abstract: A cable tie having an elongated tongue with two ends and two broad sides, a tip at one end of the tongue, a set of ratchet teeth extending along at least one broad side of the tongue, and a locking head at the other end of the tongue. The locking head has sides defining an opening for receiving the tip of the tongue, and a movable pawl that is hinged at one side of the opening, with another side of the locking head defining an abutment wall that is across the opening from the pawl. The pawl engages with one or more of the ratchet teeth when the tongue has been inserted through the opening with the set of ratchet teeth facing the pawl. At least one other side of the locking head defines a thinned region that can be torn by the user to release the tongue from the head.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a grommet, a dampening subassembly, and a pin. The pin is secured to the grommet and the dampening subassembly. The pin is configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position with respect to the grommet. The pin secures to the grommet in the locked position, and is removable from the grommet in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) includes depositing a dielectric layer on a substrate, providing a sacrificial layer on part of the dielectric layer; providing a bottom electrode on part of the sacrificial layer on part of the dielectric layer; providing a piezoelectric layer on the bottom electrode; patterning a top electrode on the piezoelectric layer; and removing the sacrificial layer. The substrate may have a cavity receiving the sacrificial layer. As a result, a cantilevered resonator having an air gap between the bottom electrode and the dielectric layer may be simply fabricated.

Abstract: A method for attaching a capacitor to the feedthrough assembly of a medical device having a terminal pin comprises threading a first washer over the terminal pin, and placing a body of epoxy in contact with the first washer. The capacitor is positioned over the terminal pin such that the first washer and the body of epoxy are between the lower surface of the capacitor and a support surface. The body of epoxy is cured to couple the capacitor to the insulating structure. During curing, the body of epoxy is substantially confined between the upper surface and the lower surface by the ferrule, the insulating structure, the capacitor, and the first washer.