Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing propellant emissions during the filling of an aerosol container that has a valve attached thereto and a valve stem extending from the valve. A filling head is disposed in a sealed relationship with a portion of the container so that the valve stem is encased within a recess of the filling head. A pressurized propellant is introduced into the filling head at a sufficient pressure to force the propellant through and around the valve stem and into the container. An incompressible purge medium is introduced into the filling head at a sufficient pressure to force the incompressible purge medium through and around the vale stem, wherein the incompressible purge medium flushes out residual propellant from the filling head and into the container.

Abstract: A plant variety of the Cactaceae family, Schlumbergera truncata, called ‘Harmony’ having a deep colored bloom characterized as R.H.S. 46 B (red group). The new variety has a strong resistance to bud abscission, a strong propensity for buds to mature and flower, an erect growth habit, and an ability to grow well in relatively cold temperatures.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 2. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality. 3. Fruit having good balance between acid and sugar with an average Brix of 21.3°. 4. Fruit having an attractive red flesh color. 5. The tree having a vigorous, upright growth habit.

Abstract: A new miniature rose plant which has abundant, long lasting, white 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 new garden rose plant of the floribunda class which has abundant, red flowers and attractive foliage. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Blue Salmon Pink’, characterized by its outwardly spreading growth habit; freely branching and flowering plant habit; rapid growth rate; and relatively small salmon pink-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new calibrachoa plant particularly distinguished by deep-violet flowers, abundant branching with a great profusion of blooms, continuously flowers from spring to late fall, excellent tolerance to rain and high temperatures, and a vigorous, mounding plant habit is disclosed.

Abstract: An Alstroemeria cultivar particularly distinguished by its mauve flower color, its strong, upright flower stems, its winter hardiness, and its continuous flowering from beginning of summer until the first hard freeze in the fall is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Coreopsis plant named ‘Autumn Blush’ characterized by prolific, bicolor soft yellow and maroon daisy-type flowers on a low mounding plant with linearly lobed leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct Osteospermum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large daisy type inflorescences, freely flowering under outdoor growing conditions with continuous blooming from spring through autumn, bright white ray florets, multiple stripes of violet, blue and purple on under surface of ray florets and dark blue disc florets.

Abstract: A new Ageratum plant named ‘Agpatbicpuli’ characterized by its large, deep violet flowers, early flowering, strongly branched plant habit and vigorous growth.

Abstract: A new calibrachoa plant particularly distinguished by yellow flowers with reddish-purple splashed patterns, abundant branching with a great profusion of blooms, continuous flowering from spring to late fall, excellent tolerance to rain and high temperatures, and a vigorous, mounding plant habit is disclosed.

Abstract: A new Impatiens plant, characterized particularly as to novelty by a flat and strong outward spreading growth habit, freely branching with branches that tend to grow horizontally, resulting in a big and floriferous plant with large red-purple flowers with a distinct white star pattern.

Abstract: A new Osteospermum plant particularly distinguished by its compact round plant habit, early flowering with light purple colored, spatulate shaped, ray florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Ingmulsca’ characterized by its small scarlet flowers, very early flowering and very floriferous, with small foliage, good heat tolerance, nice spreading growth habit with excellent basal branching and good vigor.

Abstract: A method for applying air freshener within an automobile is disclosed. The method includes the steps of retrieving an air freshener card, locating a substantially hidden position within the automobile, and placing the air freshener card at the substantially hidden position. An air freshener card and method for making the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: Force feedback in large, immersive environments is provided by device which a gyro- stabilization to generate a fixed point of leverage for the requisite forces and/or torques. In one embodiment, one or more orthogonally oriented rotating gyroscopes are used to provide a stable platform to which a force-reflecting device can be mounted, thereby coupling reaction forces to a user without the need for connection to a fixed frame. In one physical realization, a rigid handle or joystick is directly connected to the three-axis stabilized platform and using an inventive control scheme to modulate motor torques so that only the desired forces are felt. In an alternative embodiment, a reaction sphere is used to produce the requisite inertial stabilization. Since the sphere is capable of providing controlled torques about three arbitrary, linearly independent axes, it can be used in place of three reaction wheels to provide three-axis stabilization for a variety of space-based and terrestrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention involves a tolerance based motion controller. The controller is capable of processing a group of tolerance constraints. The tolerance constraints specify where and when each tolerance constraint is to be applied, along with the information specifying the desired trajectory of motion. There are also a group of velocity constraints, specifying the maximum allowable velocity at each point along the desired trajectory. This information along with sensor feedback is used to modify the velocity along the actual trajectory of motion. This results in the time required traverse the trajectory being as short as possible. Also, the actual trajectory of motion should never exceed the permissible deviation from the desired trajectory, as specified by the tolerance constraints, with the velocity always being bounded by the specified velocity constraint.

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: A monitoring system provides for monitoring of a person and taking an action to dissuade the person from a course of action. The system has a device attached to the person which includes mechanisms to provide for an intervention to dissuade the person from the course of action. The intervention may be in the form of delivery of either a medication or an electrical shock to the person. The system may further include monitoring of a bodily function of the person or positional tracking of the person. Various scenarios are described to provide for activation of the intervention. The system may include a second device in possession of a restrictor person with positional tracking of this person and comparison relative to the positional location of a restrictee person.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display comprising a plurality of liquid crystal panels placed on a single plane of a large substrate, and a black matrix made of a photo-absorbing film that shows black when having absorbed light. Two polarizing plates are respectively placed to cover the front and rear surface of a set of liquid crystal panels almost entirely in such a manner that their polarizing axes intersect at right angles. The resulting multi-screen liquid crystal display consumes less power, retains excellent display quality, and makes the joints between the liquid crystal panels difficult to see.

Abstract: A projection lens for use with LCD panels is provided. The lens has a first lens unit which includes a strong negative lens element having an aspherical surface which provides distortion correction, and a second lens unit which includes a first lens subunit separated by an airspace from a second lens subunit, wherein the first lens subunit has a strong positive power and the second lens subunit has a weaker power. The second lens subunit can include a negative lens element, followed by a positive lens element, followed by a plastic lens element having an aspherical surface. The projection lens has a field of view of at least 35° so that the overall projection lens system has a compact size.

Abstract: Coated milling insert has 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 TiCxNy with columnar grains followed by a layer of ?-Al2O3 and a top layer of TiN. The coated milling insert is particularly useful for milling of grey cast iron with or without cast skin under wet conditions at low and moderate cutting speeds and milling of nodular cast iron and compacted graphite iron with or without cast skin under wet conditions at moderate cutting speeds.

Abstract: The invention is a process for reducing variations in CD from wafer to wafer. It begins by increasing all line widths in the original pattern data file by a fixed amount that is sufficient to ensure that all lines will be wider than the lowest acceptable CD value. Using a reticle generated from this modified data file, the pattern is formed in photoresist and the resulting CD value is determined. If this turns out be outside (above) the acceptable CD range, the amount of deviation from the ideal CD value is determined and fed into suitable software that calculates the control parameters (usually time) for an ashing routine. After ashing, the lines will have been reduced in width by the amount necessary to obtain the correct CD. A fringe benefit of this trimming process is that edge roughness of the photoresist lines is reduced and line feet are removed.

Abstract: A source of viral induced obesity has been discovered. A virus known as AD-36P adenovirus type 36 has been found to be associated with obesity in both animals and humans. Diagnostic DNA sequences are presented so that DNA based tests for the presence of the obesity associated virus can be conducted.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first porous carrier and a second porous carrier for evaluating biological fluid samples is disclosed. The apparatus is used for separating non high density lipoprotein (non-HDL) from a lipoprotein in a body sample and for determining high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in a HDL and non high density lipoprotein (non-HDL) in a body sample.

Abstract: This invention discloses compounds that alter PPAR activity. The invention also discloses pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of their salts, and methods of using them as therapeutic agents for treating or preventing disipidemia, hypercholesteremia, obesity, eating disorders, hyperglycemia, atherosclerosis, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia and diabetes in a mammal as well as methods of suppressing appetite and modulating leptin levels in a mammal. The present invention also discloses methods for making the disclosed compounds.

Abstract: A disposable, yet re-usable, clear plastic protective covering, preferably clear, but not limited in color or clarity, designed to enclose articles or areas of the body in an air tight, thus waterproof environment and fitted to the body by means of simple single or multiple bands of elastic, permanently attached to the open end(s) by heat sealing, sewing or gluing with an adhesive, around the circumference of the device opening, to secure the device in place for the duration of use providing single-handed application and removal, and preventing exposure to damaging moisture, fluids or other contaminants to the area of concern for use in medical or non-medical situations.

Abstract: An improved mitt for cold weather use is configured to provide a variety of modes of wear. The mitt is convertible between a fully closed position for covering the hand and fingers and open positions for exposure of the thumb and/or finger(s) or the entire hand. An internal pocket within the mitt permits continuous or intermittent warming of all or some of the fingers when the mitt is in either a generally open position or closed position. Insertion and removal of fingers and thumb relative the internal pocket is easily accomplished without use of the other hand. A thumb hole and/or finger hole for thumb/finger exposure is formed with an overlapping two-layer seal of stretchable material to prevent heat loss while ensuring easy thumb/finger insertion and removal. In one embodiment, stretchable fillets connect the terminal ends of the palm side and back side of the mitt to provide a snug fit about the wrist.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a hat including a unitary brim that is provided with spaced inner and outer edges defining a slope traveling downwardly and outwardly towards the outer edge. The hat further includes a raised head region including a pair of spaced and coextensive apex regions and a trough intercalated therebetween. The hat has an oblong opening disposed at the rear of the head region for allowing air to flow outwardly from the head region at a rate equal to at least twice an inlet air flow rate. A motorized fan is mounted to a front side of the head region and subjacent to the trough. Solar panels are connected to a top surface of the brim. A sleeve is formed along an interior surface of the hat that extends from the solar panels and is connected to the fan for housing electrical leads coupled thereto.

Abstract: A method of making an article of headwear comprises forming a first fabric member such that a first intermediate portion extends between a first end portion and a second end portion. The method further includes forming a second fabric member having a first edge opposing a second edge and extending between a third end portion and a fourth end portion. Additionally, the method includes attaching the third end portion and the fourth end portion to the first intermediate portion so as to define a first opening and an opposing second opening between the first fabric member and the second fabric member. The first edge of the second fabric member and the first end portion and the second end portion at least partially define the first opening, while the second edge and the first intermediate portion define the second opening. Another aspect includes an article of headwear formed by this method.

Abstract: A user may easily replace lenses in the protective goggles. The frame body is compositely made with a rigid frame member and a resilient frame member. An outer circumferential area of a replaceable lens abuts against the resilient frame member and also engages with the rigid frame member so as to be fixed together. The resilient frame member guarantees fluid-tightness (water-tightness or air-tightness) of the goggles and dispenses with a packing and the like.

Abstract: A captive drain plug assembly is securely attached to a drain trap and has a mounting anchor mounted inside the drain trap, a sleeve mounted slidably on the mounting anchor and a decorative stopper attached to the sleeve. When the drain plug is used, the decorative stopper will not detach from the mounting anchor. Further, the decorative stopper can be formed as an interesting figure to increase fun when the decorative stopper is used.

Abstract: A toddler's and children's portable potty is disclosed. The portable potty has four adjustable legs and a removable bag holder ring which holds a disposable bag for one-time use. The portable potty can easily be transported with an included carrying case.

Abstract: An adjustable lifting device for a spa cover has a frame for securing to the spa cover and at least one extendible mount for adjustably extending a distance between the frame of the lifting device and a mounting point on the housing of a spa. The extendible mount has an extendible member attached to the frame of the lifting device, and a mounting bracket adapted to be fixed at a mounting location on the housing of a spa. The extendible member is adjustably coupled to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A massage pad for a bath includes a cushion having multiple protrusions formed at a top side of the cushion. Multiple suction cups are formed at a bottom side of the cushion. A joint is formed on the cushion. Multiple conduits are communicated with the joint and each has multiple apertures defined through a top surface of the conduit.

Abstract: A patient pull-up system is provided which enables a single operator to reposition a patient situated on a patient support, such as a bed, cart, gurney, or table, from a slumped position to a more upright position nearer the head of the patient support. The repositioning event is accomplished with minimal risk of injury or discomfort to the operator and patient. The patient pull-up system includes a translating device, a frame member, and a clamp adapted to grasp a portion of a sheet situated between a patient and a patient support.

Abstract: A non-woven, randomly oriented polyester fiber cushion is provided with conditioned air to regulate a temperature of the cushion assembly. The overlapping fibers form interstices through which the air is blown. The air flows through the fibers in a tortuous path.

Abstract: A bedding assembly including at least one fitted sheet having a head end and a foot end for covering a mattress, at least one flat sheet having a head end and a foot end for covering said fitted sheet, and stitches connecting the fitted sheet to the flat sheet along at least one edge of the foot end of the fitted sheet. The assembly also including attachment components formed on the foot end of the assembly for connecting a comforter to the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus that transforms the surface of a commonly used operating table into a dedicated platform configured to support a patient in a prone position (lying facedown) for back surgery or other medical procedures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on top of the surface of an operating table and support members attached to the frame, configured to support the patient in a prone position. Thus, the apparatus converts commonly used operating tables into a dedicated back surgery. The apparatus also eliminates the use of various improvised support structures (such as pillows, bedding, rolls, padding) stuffed underneath the patient to provide support while in a prone position on the operating table.

Abstract: A support pillow comprises a cushion body having a medial region and two opposing arms that define a generally open well, with the cushion body having an outer periphery and an inner periphery adjacent the well. An adjustable suspension system is used to suspend one or more objects above the pillow.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus with an integrated cleaning sheet for cleaning the internal working components of a piece of electronic equipment along a predetermined media path. The cleaning apparatus includes a base material having a leading end and a trailing end. A cleaning sheet is disposed proximate the leading end of the base material and is for cleaning at least one internal working component of the electronic equipment. An adhesive strip attaches the cleaning sheet to the leading end of the base material. To clean an internal component of electronic equipment, the cleaning apparatus is fed through the reading, writing or scan heads (r/w/s heads) of a piece of electronic equipment when the electronic equipment is disposed in a normally-engaged position.

Abstract: A cleaning pad insertion tool for facilitating coupling of disposable cleaning wipes onto a head of an electrostatic mop by inserting a portion of the disposable cleaning wipe into a grip assembly of the electrostatic mop, and method of use therefore. The cleaning pad insertion tool includes an elongate member adapted for pressing a portion of a disposable cleaning wipe into at least one grip assembly on a head of an electrostatic mop; a clip portion operationally couplable to a handle of the electrostatic mop for selectively receiving the elongate member when not in use; and a tether member couplable to the elongate member and the a handle of the electrostatic mop for inhibiting loss of the elongate member.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a pivoting windshield wiper of a vehicle is designed so that after decoupling the drive connection to the windshield wiper a rack situated in the drive for the windshield wiper can be used as drive element for an actuator that is independent of the windshield wiper.

Abstract: A pavement cleaning vehicle includes a tow vehicle and a trailer towed behind the tow vehicle that includes a vacuum head mounted to the trailer that consumes fresh water from a fresh water holding tank on the tow vehicle in rinsing underlying pavement. Pressurized fresh water is sprayed within a spray containing spray chamber of a vacuum head through nozzles aligned transversely across the vehicle travel path. The vacuum chamber is partitioned in the vacuum head from the spray chamber by a divider extending downward but terminating short of the underlying pavement therein establishing a chamber gap through which rinse water within the spray chamber dispersed from the pavement is drawn into the vacuum chamber which is maintained at reduced air pressure by an air-water separator tank that draws air and water mix from the vacuum head into it for air-water separation. Water is then conducted to a rinse water holding tank and air is exhausted to atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor cleaning apparatus including a nozzle assembly having a base section and an agitator section pivotally mounted to the base section, a canister assembly pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly, a suction generator carried on one of the nozzle assembly and the canister assembly and a dirt collector carried by one of the nozzle assembly and canister assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning head (30) for a vacuum cleaner comprises a housing (305) which extends transversely to the direction of intended movement (A) of the head. A row of bristles (310) extend outwardly from the sides of the housing (305). The bristles (310) extend transversely outwardly and forwardly from the housing and extend to a level beneath the lowermost surface of the housing. Dirt, dust and other debris which collects at the very edge of a room is either ‘guided’ out of the region next to the wall or is subjected to a vigorous ‘flicking’ action as the head (30) is moved across the floor. A suction channel (330) is located adjacent to the bristles. The bristles (310) are provided as a unit which is removable from the head (30).

Abstract: A first bush is attached to each of the opposite end parts of a first cylindrical part of a first hinge member. Second bushes are attached respectively to the inner end parts of second cylindrical parts which are disposed at the opposite end parts of a second hinge member and to the opposite end parts of a second cylindrical part which is disposed at the central part of the second hinge member. The first bush is provided with a protection cylindrical part. This protection cylindrical part is fitted to the outer periphery of the first cylindrical part. The second bush is provided with a second protection cylindrical part. This second protection cylindrical part is fitted to the outer periphery of the second cylindrical part.

Abstract: Implements including handles and working ends and product lines thereof are described. The implements are typically cleaning implements, such as mops mad brooms, but may be garden implements such as hoes and rakes. Various methods for using such implements are described. In one aspect, the methods relate to shipping the implements, each of which includes the same overall, length. In another aspect, the methods relate to displaying the implements, most often in a retail environment for presentation to consumers.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing at least one securing means in conjunction with one of a male and a female portion of a snap already in place, the apparatus comprises a first member having an opposite one a male and a female portion of a snap for engagement with such one of a male and a female portion of such snap already in place. There is an intermediate segment engageable with an inner part of such one of such male and female portion of the first member, the intermediate segment having a projection extending outwardly therefrom. There is a strap like connector having a first aperture in a first end engageable with the projection of the intermediate segment, the strap like connector extending outwardly therefrom and a second member having an opposite one of a male and a female portion of a snap as such first member, such second member secured to an end of the projection of the intermediate segment.