Abstract: A method is provided for the production of solar cells from raw crystalline p-type silicon wafer material. The surface condition prior to SiNx deposition is improved by providing additional process steps following the phosphorous glass removal and prior to the SiNx anti-reflection coating deposition. In one embodiment, the wafer is submitted to a thermal anneal under oxygen atmosphere followed by a wet-chemical oxide removal. The anneal reduces the surface phosphorous concentration by diffusion, reduces lattice defects in the emitter and oxidizes the silicon surface. In another embodiment, both a surface oxide is obtained and subsequently removed with wet chemistry. This sequence allows for an integration of the phosphorous glass removal, the wet-chemical oxidation, and the SiOx removal into a single machine.

Abstract: This invention is a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘Carmine’. ‘Carmine’ is characterized by high December through February production of fruit that are firm, deep red, glossy, and moderately resistant to Botrytis and Anthracnose fruit rot diseases when grown in west central Florida.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of pistachio tree denominated ‘Randy’ is described. This cultivar is an early flowering male that will be used as a pollenizer for ‘Golden Hills’ and ‘Lost Hills’. It has excellent flowering synchrony with ‘Golden Hills’ and ‘Lost Hills’ and can be used to cover the earlier part of the ‘Kerman’ flowering period during seasons in which ‘Kerman’ flowering is extended. This generally occurs during seasons of low chill, which are expected to become more frequent in the future due to continued global warming ‘Peters’, the standard male used to pollenize ‘Kerman’, often flowers too late to cover the earlier part of the ‘Kerman’ bloom period under these conditions. ‘Randy’ was selected for high pollen viability, durability, and a high level of pollen production (based on visual evaluation). ‘Randy’ flowers 2 to 4 weeks earlier than ‘Peters’, the standard pollenizer for ‘Kerman’. ‘Peters’ flowers too late to be a very effective pollinator for the new cultivars.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘ORKNEY CHERRY’ that is characterized by low compact spreading habit, dark purple-green foliage, and bright fushsia-red flowers. In combination these traits set ‘ORKNEY CHERRY’ apart from all other varieties of Geranium known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Fuchsia plant named ‘Kiefucor’, characterized by its outwardly arching to trailing growth habit; freely branching plant habit; white-colored flowers; and freely and continuous flowering habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct Coreopsis plant named ‘Pink Lemonade’ characterized by yellow foliage, pink flowers, and a dwarf habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of hydrangea plant named ‘JON01’ characterized by its distinctive color of flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nemesia plant named ‘Kirine-1’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounded growth habit; freely branching and flowering plant habit; large yellow orange-colored flowers; relatively tolerant to high temperatures; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nemesia plant named ‘Kirine-9’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounded growth habit; freely branching and flowering plant habit; large red-colored flowers; relatively tolerant to high temperatures; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nemesia plant named ‘Kirine-12’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounded growth habit; freely branching and flowering plant habit; large apricot pink-colored flowers; relatively to high temperatures; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nemesia plant named ‘Kirine-15’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounded growth habit; freely branching and flowering plant habit; large orange-colored flowers; relatively tolerant to high temperatures; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nemesia plant named ‘Kirine-4’, characterized by its upright, somewhat outwardly spreading and mounded growth habit; freely branching and flowering plant habit; large white and yellow bi-colored flowers; relatively tolerant to high temperatures; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘KLEO04110’, characterized by its upright, compact and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely and continuous flowering habit; and inflorescences with red purple-colored ray florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nemesia plant named ‘Kirine-13’, characterized by its upright, somewhat outwardly spreading and mounded growth habit; freely branching and flowering plant habit; large cherry red-colored flowers; relatively tolerant to high temperatures; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Dekchironne’, characterized by its decorative pompon-type inflorescences with elongated oblong-shaped, yellow green-colored ray florets; strong and upright flowering stems; early and uniform flowering response; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Yorock’, characterized by its upright plant habit; dark green-colored foliage; freely and uniformly flowering habit; decorative-type inflorescences that are about 7 cm in diameter; attractive greyed purple-colored ray florets; strong peduncles; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Limonium plant named ‘Esm Sol’, characterized by its erect, long and strong flowering stems; vigorous growth habit; freely flowering habit; small yellow and green-colored flowers; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Deksinclair’, characterized by its single-type inflorescences with elongated oblong-shaped, white-colored ray florets with red purple-colored longitudinal stripes; strong and upright flowering stems; freely flowering habit; early and uniform flowering response; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: Rose plant having high resistance to black spot and powdery mildew.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Gaura plant, substantially as herein illustrated and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by a well-branched, compact habit, continuous flowering, pink flowers, green foliage and early to flower.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Lavandula plant named ‘WINTER LACE’ that is characterized by dense mounding habit, early blooming, fragrant grey-green foliage, fragrant violet flower spikes with large mid-violet sterile bracts. These traits set ‘WINTER LACE’ apart from all other existing varieties of Lavandula known to the inventor.

Abstract: ‘Vermeer’ is a new variety of calla lily having a flower with a white and purple colored spathe producing 1-15 flowers per tuber. The flower stems are about 60 cm in height. The leaves are green with whitish spots and have a leathery texture.

Abstract: Hydrangea macrophylla, ‘Hymmad II’ has multi-rowed pink lacecap inflorescences that maintain the color in the presence and absence of aluminum. Inflorescences mature to a beautiful lime green. The habit is rounded with strong purple-black stems that hold the flowers upright. The lustrous, leathery, bullate, black-green leaves are highly mildew resistant.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named ‘Ingrid’, characterized by its upright, uniform and moderately vigorous growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; uniform, freely and early flowering habit; relatively large light yellow-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Centaurea plant named ‘Amethyst in Snow’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely flowering habit; large inflorescences with white-colored ray florets and purple-colored disc florets; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nemesia plant named ‘CONFETTI FROSTED PINK’ that is characterized by dense compact habit, light green and cream-white variegated foliage, and pink flowers with yellow centers. In combination these characteristics set ‘CONFETTI FROSTED PINK’ apart from all other existing varieties of Nemesia known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new Osteospermum plant particularly distinguished by its mounding plant habit, early flowering with deep purple colored ray florets and large inflorescences.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Zalsabin’, characterized by its erect and strong flowering stems; vigorous growth habit; intense dark red-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named ‘Meru Improved’, characterized by its compact, upright, uniform and strong growth habit; freely branching plant habit; glossy dark green-colored leaves; uniform, freely and early flowering habit; relatively large light pink and red bi-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A toilet attachment is configured for positioning between a toilet seat and a toiled bowl. In use, the toilet attachment is secured by the weight of the toilet seat. The toilet attachment has a base plate and a tubular irrigation assembly which can be connected to a fluid line. The base plate has an upper and lower surface, a rear end and a front end. When the base plate is installed, the rear end faces a rear portion of the bowl and the front end faces a front portion of the bowl. The base plate has ports to receive and secure the fluid line and the irrigation assembly. These ports are located at the front end. The irrigation assembly comprises an irrigation tip, and in one embodiment of the toilet attachment, a restictor as a limiter for preventing insertion of the tip too far into a body cavity.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of an animal training device which is worn around the neck of an animal to apply at least one of an impulse wave and vibration to the animal. Upon pushing a first function switch under the condition that a security code number is set by a security code setting unit, the level of the impulse wave to be applied to the animal is set by a volume adjustment unit and a mode selector is set to any one of a vibration position, vibration/impulse wave position, impulse wave position, a receiver receives a radio signal containing such data and thus applies at least one of the vibration and impulse wave to the animal to train it. Further, the volume adjustment unit employs a variable resistor which can finitely adjust the impulse wave level. Therefore, only a vibration or a low-level impulse wave can be applied to an animal over-sensitive to an electrical stimulation to readily train it.

Abstract: A plurality of metal wires are formed on an underlying interlayer insulating film. Areas among the metal wires are filled with a buried insulating film of a silicon oxide film with a small dielectric constant (i.e., a first dielectric film), and thus, a parasitic capacitance of the metal wires can be decreased. On the buried insulating film, a passivation film of a silicon nitride film with high moisture absorption resistance (i.e., a second dielectric film) is formed, and thus, a coverage defect can be avoided. A bonding pad is buried in an opening formed in a part of a surface protecting film including the buried insulating film and the passivation film, so as not to expose the buried insulating film within the opening. Thus, moisture absorption through the opening can be prevented.

Abstract: A single input pin (48) provides multi-functional features for programming a power supply (10). By connecting the appropriate interface circuit (92, 100, or 112) to the single input pin (48), the power supply (10) is programmed for specific behaviors during power up and toggling of an on/off switch (96, 108). In one mode of operation a light emitting diode (106) in the interface circuit (100) is optically coupled to a microprocessor for signaling the closure of the on/off switch (108), allowing the microprocessor to control the power supply (10) through an opto-coupler (102). In another mode of operation, the single on/off switch (96) controls the power supply (10). In yet another mode of operation, Zener diode (118) in the interface circuit (112) controls the power supply (10) during brown-out and black-out conditions.

Abstract: An optical attenuator for attenuating a collimated beam of light propagating along an optical path while preserving the composition of polarization of the collimated beam of light is disclosed. The optical attenuator comprises a beam attenuator for attenuating a portion of the collimated beam of light when a portion of the beam attenuator is disposed within the optical path. The beam attenuator has a cross section along a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the collimated beam of light of the portion of the attenuator in the shape of a wedge. The attenuation is varied using a controller for moving the beam attenuator in order to vary a size of the portion of the wedge within the optical path.

Abstract: Valve gated injection molding apparatus having several valve pins (62) extending through each heated nozzle (12) driven by a common actuating mechanism (70). A valve bushing (100) is seated in the front end (96) of each heated nozzle (12). A central melt bore (50) in each heated nozzle (12) splits in the valve bushing (100) near the front end of the heated nozzle (12) from where the melt flows around each of the valve pins (62) to the gates (66).

Abstract: The present invention relates to crosslinked, water-soluble or water-dispersible polyurethanes of A) at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polyurethane prepolymer having terminal isocyanate groups of a) at least one compound having a molecular weight in the range from 56 to 300 which contains two active hydrogen atoms per molecule, b) at least one polymer containing two active hydrogen atoms per molecule, c) at least one compound which contains two active hydrogen atoms and at least one ionogenic or ionic group per molecule, d) at least one diisocyanate, B) at least one polymer containing groups which are reactive toward isocyanate groups, chosen from hydroxyl, and primary and secondary amino and/or carboxyl groups, or the salts thereof.

Abstract: A garment for protecting the head and neck of a user including a garment body with a neck opening. A hood attached to the garment body. A stretchable tubular knitted collar, attached to the garment body approximate to the neck opening of the garment body and inside at least a portion of the hood.

Abstract: A sleeve-glove attachment assembly for hazardous environments such as surgery, as well as applications where a fluid impervious seal is desirable, such as water or snow activities, is provided to form a fluid impervious seal between a garment sleeve and an elastic glove. The sleeve glove attachment assembly comprising an elastic flap, cylindrical in shape, having a distal end and proximal end is attached near the center of the flap to the sleeve at mid-forearm. At least one of the proximal and distal ends comprising a raised geometric bead and frictional ridges on the outer surface eliminates bunching and channel formation between the glove cuff and sleeve. The glove cuff is placed over the geometric bead and frictional ridges of the distal end of the flap. A method of making the device, method of donning the assembly, and method of removal of the assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A fastener mechanism releasably unites articles of clothing, which are reliably kept in paired relationship throughout laundering and storage. The fastener mechanism has a first fastener component comprising a disk-shaped member having a body and a grooved portion circumferentially extending around the body. A second fastener component comprising a u-shaped member forms an aperture. The u-shaped member has a ribbed portion circumferentially extending there around to facilitate interlocking of the components. The first and second fastener components are permanently attached to the corresponding articles of clothing via an appending member. A protective concealment pocket is optionally included to house the fastening components when the articles of clothing are worn. The first and second fastener components may be attached to a single article of clothing and act as a releasable fastening device integrally thereon or serve to releasably unite separate clothing components functionally related and distinct.

Abstract: A toilet and urinal flushing device comprising a reciprocating pedal attached to a toilet handle with the pedal being reciprocated by means of a spring.

Abstract: A toilet enhancement which utilizes four drain ports and a float to prevent a toilet from overflowing. As water raises, the float rises allowing water to drain into return ports and not over the top of the toilet. The ports are molded into the toilet bowl which would drain directly back to the main toilet line, therefore stopping water from flowing over the top of the toilet.

Abstract: A bath accessory collection, holder, and storage device includes a base, and a scoop, removably couplable to the base, having a drain for draining liquid therefrom. A handle is attached to the scoop, which is used to wield the scoop. A hanger is carried by one of the base and the scoop, which is used to suspend at least one bath accessory thereon. In another embodiment, there is a clamp carried by one of the base and the scoop, which is capable of grippingly holding at least one bath accessory. The base is furnished with a shelf for receiving and supporting bath accessories thereon. An engagement element is carried by one of the base and the scoop, and a detachably engagable complemental engagement element carried by the other of the base and the scoop. Preferably, the device presents the appearance of an object or thing designed to promote interest in the device by children and for encouraging use of the device when the scoop is attached to the base.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and can be connected with an existing motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a gear box having first and second input shafts that are selectively covered by a movable cover. The bed end may include a frame having drain openings for draining water from the bed end when the bed end is washed. The bed end may also include an end cap that is fastened to the frame in a unique manner, and that helps to maintain a panel of the bed end cover in a curved or bowed configuration.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a brake mechanism and a steer mechanism operated by side actuator pedals and a brake-actuating bar and a wheel-actuating bar. The brake-actuating bar, wheel-actuating bar, and side actuator pedals are connected such that movement is coordinated.

Abstract: A multiple level elevating cot adapted to be rolled into emergency vehicles, the cot having a wheeled undercarriage supporting a cot frame having a leading end and a trailing end, The leading end comprises a drop frame adapted to be positionable in extended, middle, collapsed, and lengthened positions. Leg members interconnect the cot frame and the undercarriage. A latching device is adapted to selectively secure the leg members in a plurality of elevational positions. The cot further comprises a pair of sidearm supports provided to the cot frame between the leading end and the trailing end, each of the sidearm supports being adapted to be positionable in vertically-up, vertically-down, substantially horizontal, and folded positions relative to the cot frame.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for instant decisioning and remote dispensing of credit cards. In accordance with one implementation the system for instantly issuing a credit card includes means for receiving a credit card application from an applicant, means for instantly decisioning the credit card application, if declined, means for instantly notifying the applicant of that decision, and if approved, means for instantly issuing the credit card. The instant issuance credit card system can also receive a security deposit from the applicant where a determination is made that the applicant may need to remit a security deposit in order to secure the credit card. A decision to require security deposit may be based on the credit history of the applicant. A method for instantly issuing a credit card is also provided. Additionally, an apparatus for remotely dispensing a credit card is provided.

Abstract: A bed rail structured to minimize the gap between the mattress and the bed rail and including a leg portion and a rail portion. The rail portion extends upwardly on a first side of the mattress to extend beyond the sleeping surface of the mattress and prevent a person from rolling out of bed. The leg portion is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring and extends toward a second side of the mattress. In one embodiment, the leg portion includes a distal end that is engaged to the second side of at least one of the mattress and box spring such that the distal end and rail portion hug the mattress. In another embodiment, the bed rail includes a relatively rigid cover depending from an upper portion of the rail portion to the sleeping surface so as to cover a gap that may exist between the first side of the mattress and the rail portion.

Abstract: A top sheet for use with a bed having a mattress with a head section, a foot section, a width and a thickness provides enhanced leg/foot room. The various embodiments include a flexible sheet of material having a width with a centerline, a length with a top edge and a bottom edge, and one or more pleats extending up from the bottom edge, each pleat having a length at least equal to the thickness of the mattress plus a few inches for tucking purposes. With such a construction, when the bed is made, the material puffs out around the foot section, thereby providing additional space for the legs and feet of a user. The preferred embodiment comprises a plurality of spaced-apart pleats, each extending up from the bottom edge and substantially perpendicular thereto. A pleat may be provided at or near the centerline, depending upon use in conjunction with single, twin, full, double, queen or king sizes.

Abstract: A bariatric transport is provided. The transport includes a bed area for use by a bariatric patient. The transport further includes a drive assembly that is operable to selectively drive the transport in forward and rearward directions and permit turning of the transport with little or no lateral movement of the transport. Leading and trailing stabilizing wheel assemblies are provided that are selectively moveable into and out of engagement with a supporting floor. Drive devices are also provided to provide selective elevating and lowering of various components of bariatric patient supports.

Abstract: An apparatus generally used as a rescue device that a firefighter or other personnel may use to pull or carry a victim out of a fire or away from a place or peril. The device may be utilized by one single person to rescue another person. The new rescue device is made from standard web materials that are sewn in place and has a web belt feature built in to permit the rescuer to secure the victim. The belt of the device encircles the victim and is fastened at the ends of the belt. The device then is used to pull the victim to safety.