Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Zonal Geranium plant named ‘Duevineon’, characterized by its upright, somewhat outwardly spreading and rounded plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; freely and early flowering habit; and red purple-colored double flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Duetisuneye’, characterized by its compact and uniformly mounded plant habit; freely branching growth habit; full and dense plants; freely and early flowering habit; and large inflorescences with bright yellow-colored ray florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct apple tree named ‘Dalinip’ is disclosed. The new cultivar arose as a whole tree mutation of ‘Pinova.’ ‘Dalinip’ is notable for its intense striped coloration and early maturity as compared to its parent and to other known cultivars.

Abstract: A new and distinct Gala-type apple cultivar is disclosed. The new cultivar ‘Dalirail’ arose as a whole tree mutation of ‘Imperial Gala.’ ‘Dalirail’ is notable for its intense coloration and early maturity as compared to its parent and to other known Gala cultivars.

Abstract: A new Poinsettia plant particularly distinguished by medium to large size, bi-colored pink and cream bracts, with dark green foliage, ovate leaves with nearly no lobes, medium flowering response and a compact to medium size, round plant habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct apple tree cultivar named ‘SJCA38R6A74’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of Northern Eastern Central Canada. The fruit of ‘SJCA38R6A74’, which hangs well on tree, is a dessert apple having very good firmness, crispness and flavor, high quality flesh and a long shelf life. The phenol (oxidative agent) content of this cultivar's fruit is significantly lower than that of other known cultivars, including Cortland which is the most popular apple variety for transformation. No browning of the fruit occurs after cutting (even after 4-5 days at room temperature), without adding any chemical, which makes it an excellent candidate for fresh fruit slice, fruit salad, dried apple chips and processing (juice, cider).

Abstract: A new cultivar of Libertia named ‘TAUPO BLAZE’ that is characterized by compact clumping habit, white star-like flowers, and pronounced burnt-red to scarlet foliage color in fall and winter. In combination these traits set ‘TAUPO BLAZE’ apart from all other existing varieties of Libertia known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Sunsurfmictrout’, characterized by its outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching and flowering plant habit; long flowering period; and medium-sized light red-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new garden rose plant of the shrub 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 processing system has an upper electrode with gas discharge holes of a shape corresponding to the external we of insulating members. The insulating members are formed of a poly(ether etherketone) resin, a polyimide resin, a poly(ether imide) resin or the like. Each insulating member has a step at its outer surface and an internal longitudinal through hole tapered to expand toward the processing chamber. The insulating members are pressed in the gas discharge holes to bring the steps into contact with shoulders formed in the sidewalls of the gas discharge holes. A part of each insulating member, as fitted in the gas discharge hole, projects from a surface of the upper electrode that faces a susceptor.

Abstract: A golf shoe cleat has a main body member having a dome-shaped outer face and a planar inner face, a threaded stud molded integrally with the main body member and projecting outwardly from the inner face. A plurality of pseudo pyramid-shaped teeth projecting around the perimeter of the main body member, each of the pseudo pyramid-shaped teeth having an outward angle to provide lateral stability and traction through the plane of a sports swing. The traction teeth have a low profile to reduce damage to putting green surfaces for example. An anti-debris ring is formed on the peripheral edge of the planar inner face. In this position, the anti-debris ring tends to prevent the edge of the cleat from separating from the sole of the golf shoe thereby foreclosing the entry of debris underneath the cleat. At the same time, when the cleat is snugged down by the application tool, the pressure causes the ring to more closely hug the sole and precludes the entry of debris.

Abstract: A dust collection system for portable sanding or grinding equipment employs a cyclone separator mounted directly on the tool or machine, with a dust outlet duct at the narrow lower end of the cyclone, and a cartridge air filter mounted on the top of the cyclone. The filter returns the air flow from the machine to the ambient air in the vicinity of the tool. The dust is concentrated in the cyclone, and a small volume air flow then moves the dust through an elongated flexible hose or duct to a remote dust collection station. An air pump at the remote dust collection station provides sufficient air flow to draw the small volume of air plus entrained dust from the tool-mounted cyclonic separator. A cyclonic separator at the remote station separates this dust from the air flow and deposits it in a collection tank or drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a secondary refrigerant to precool and liquefy a primary refrigerant, then vaporizing and expanding the primary refrigerant to cool a cold tip of a cryosurgical instrument for ablation of biological tissue, such as cardiovascular tissue, in particular endocardiac tissue and tissue inside a cardiac blood vessel. The secondary refrigerant has a critical temperature above the critical temperature of the primary refrigerant, and a cooling temperature below the critical temperature of the primary refrigerant, thereby facilitating the use of the precooling step to provide liquid primary refrigerant in an operating room environment in which the primary refrigerant could not otherwise be provided in the liquid phase.

Abstract: A composition for a cleaning-in-place system is described. The composition has a halogen dioxide and a optionally hydroxide and does not require the use of a detergent to display excellent cleaning and disinfecting properties on processing equipment such as the equipment found in breweries, dairy plants and carbonated beverage plants.

Abstract: A self-venting drain valve is rotatably and slidably mounted to a filter assembly through an internally threaded base. The drain valve comprises a homogenously formed one-piece unitary valve body including a tubular valve stem portion and a valve knob portion. The valve stem portion includes a wall member defining an internal passageway provided with axially extending air vent openings through which ambient air can enter a filter housing through the internal passageway, and drain holes through which water is drained from the filter housing and the internal passageway. The air vent openings are formed through an upper portion of the wall member and are open to a top edge thereof, while the drain holes are formed through the lower portion of the wall member. The liquid drains from the filter housing through the internal passageway and the drain holes, then exits into the valve knob portion.

Abstract: A heat treatment table is divided into two or more regions, a heater is disposed for each region. On a predetermined portion of the heat treatment table, a plurality of sensors are disposed separately each other. A relation between temperatures of the respective portions on the heat treatment table and temperatures detected by the sensors is grasped in advance, thereby enables to surmise a temperature of the respective portion of the heat treatment table from the temperature detected by the sensors. In the case of an wafer being actually treated by placing on the heat treatment table, the temperatures detected by the sensors are observed, from these detected temperatures, the temperatures of the respective portions on the heat treatment table, that is, temperatures affecting the wafer, are surmised.

Abstract: A delay circuit includes a delay part delaying a signal by a delay time which can be varied based on a control current, and a control current adjustment circuit adjusting the control current so that the delay time changes linearly based on a variation in a resistance value.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for controlling audio signal transmissions for a communications system that includes a microphone and a video camera. The arrangement comprises a video processor configured and arranged to receive a video signal from the video camera, detect movement of an object in the video signal, and provide a motion-indicating signal indicating movement relative to the object. An audio processor is coupled to the video processor and is configured and arranged to modify the audio signal to be transmitted responsive to the motion-indicating signal. In another embodiment, a video signal processor is configured and arranged to receive a video signal from the video camera, detect mouth movement of a person and provide a mouth-movement signal indicative of movement of the person's mouth.

Abstract: A position unit is mounted on an electronic device and includes a catch member and a locking member. The catch member defines a gap which has a width that is reducible when the catch member moves from a non-catching position to a catching position and that is expandable when the catch member moves from the catching position to the non-catching position. The locking member has an engine end extending into the gap. The locking member is operable to move the catch member from the non-catching position to the catching position and from the catching position to an urging position. The engaging end of the locking member engages the catch member when the width of the gap is reduced upon movement of the catch member to the catching position. The engaging end of the locking member disengages from the catch member when the width of the gap is enlarged upon movement of the catch member to the non-catching position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling a communication parameter in a channel through which data is transmitted between a transmit unit with M transmit antennas and a receive unit with N receive antennas by selecting from among proposed mapping schemes an applied mapping scheme according to which the data is converted into symbols and assigned to transmit signals TSp, p=1 . . . M, which are transmitted from the M transmit antennas. The selection of the mapping scheme is based on a metric; in one embodiment the metric is a minimum Euclidean distance dmin,rx of the symbols when received, in another embodiment the metric is a probability of error P(e) in the symbol when received. The method can be employed in communication systems using multi-antenna transmit and receive units of various types including wireless systems, e.g., cellular communication systems, using multiple access techniques such as TDMA, FDMA, CDMA and OFDMA.

Abstract: An interworking unit (14) for providing an interface between a digital communication network (12) and a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (16) includes a de-vocoder (30), a protocol termination unit (32), and a signal combiner (34) for processing signals being transferred from the digital network (12) to the PSTN (16). A digital communication signal received by the interworking unit (14) from the digital network (12) is processed by both the de-vocoder (30) and the protocol termination unit (32). The outputs of the de-vocoder (30) and the protocol termination unit (32) are then combined into a uniquely formatted signal that is then delivered into the PSTN (12). Similar functionality is also provided for processing signals in the reverse direction. The interworking unit 14 is capable of processing signals traversing the interface between the networks (12, 16) without a priori knowledge of the signal type being processed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating bottle types, for stirring the toner, and for detecting the amount of toner remaining in the toner bottle. A toner bottle is adapted to fit the apparatus for discriminating toner bottle types, and a toner bottle is adapted for the apparatus for stirring toner. The genuineness of the toner bottle product is checked by sensing a rib assumed to be formed with a predetermined length on the outer surface of the toner bottle. Toner is stirred by continuously rotating the toner bottle in forward and reverse directions. The toner bottle can be easily rotated in the forward and reverse directions by sensing the rib of the toner bottle by using the sensor. Since the load of rotation of the toner bottle changes in accordance with the amount of remaining toner, the rotational speed of the toner bottle is sensed by using the sensor to check whether toner is close to empty.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing a sensitive substance; (a) plating a sensitive substance onto a solid carrier under a controlled atmosphere to reduce loss of the sensitive substance; (b) encapsulating the plated material under controlled atmosphere and airflow to reduce volatilization during the process and stabilize the sensitive substance.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell unit and facility for humidifying process gases to provide a fuel for the fuel cell unit, wherein water-carrying media conduits of the fuel cell unit are provided at least in part as heatable media conduits.

Abstract: A multiple stacked die device is disclosed that contains up to four dies and does not exceed the height of current single die packages. Close-tolerance stacking is made possible by a low-loop-profile wire-bonding operation and thin-adhesive layer between the stacked dies.

Abstract: A display device includes an electron-emitting device which is a laminate of an insulating layer and a pair of opposing electrodes formed on a planar substrate. A portion of the insulating layer is between the electrodes and contains fine particles of an electron emitting substance, that portion acting as an electron emitting region. Electrons are emitted from the electron emission region by applying a voltage to the electrodes, thereby stimulating a phosphorous to emit light.

Abstract: A relationships processing computing system provides for the recording and extraction of data objects (entities) and for development data representing a queried relationship between data objects (entities). The set of entities and relationships may be expanded at any time during the life of the system without reprogramming or compiling computer code and without disrupting concurrent use of the system. Complex inquiries, normally requiring multiple nested queries, may be performed without code level programming.

Abstract: Methods for easily manufacturing a foot-covering component of a stocking foot wader including an effective gravel guard, and a foot-covering component including a gravel guard manufactured by such methods are disclosed. Preferably, the gravel guard is connected to the exterior surface of the leg-covering member and below the interior connection between the foot-covering member and the leg-covering member to provide a substantially watertight connection between the foot-covering member and the leg-covering member.

Abstract: A reinforced pant leg system includes pants having two pant legs, each pant leg having a pant leg lower end with a lower end rearward portion; a pair of open back shoes, each open back shoe including a shoe heel having a certain heel height; and a pant leg reinforcing structure fastened to each pant leg lower end rearward portion with a reinforcing structure fastening mechanism and having a height of at least twice the certain heel height; so that the pant leg reinforcing structures prevent the lower end rearward portions from bending sufficiently to become caught between the corresponding open back shoe and a user foot.

Abstract: In a pair of protective trousers having a fly, in which a flap extending from a first edge of a torso-covering portion covers a second edge thereof in a closed condition of the fly but not in an opened condition of the fly and in which the first and second edges are secured releasably to each other, as by a hook-and-loop fastener, in the closed condition, a gusset extends along and between the first and second edges, in the opened and closed conditions.

Abstract: A protective helmet of the type used in football has an external soft elastomer layer to absorb/dissipate some of the energy of an impact. Other features include a quick disconnect face guard, carbon fiber face guard with Kevlar wrap at junction points, a soft foam inner shell inside the intermediate hardened shell, and a head fitting structure including a plurality of pads, visco-elastic cells and at least one inflatable bladder. In addition, the hardened shell may be formed as a lattice frame of strips having a plurality of fibers impregnated with resin. The resin may have a dye added that will indicate if and where an impact exceeding a predetermined value is incurred by the helmet to assist a physician in diagnosing a possible head trauma injury.

Abstract: Water-soluble articles and methods of making, using and disposing of the water-soluble articles are disclosed.

Abstract: An inflating and separating device of body protection airbags primarily adds a hole groove in an inflating device for allowing gas to flow and connecting to a position between an inflating device and a riding object by a pulling string, and the pulling force of a separating device can be adjusted, such that if a rider has an accident and falls out from the motorcycle, or an excessively large force is produced, the inflating device and the separating device will be triggered in sequence instantaneously to achieve the effect of completing the inflation of the airbag quickly and prevent the rider from being dragged by the riding object and protect the rider's body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a generally rectangular shaped disposable paper sheet for use as a toilet seat cover, comprising a die cut line shaped as an open ended oval, which divides the sheet into a central elongated ovally shaped portion and an outer seat covering portion. A pair of finger holes are cut into the central portion of the paper sheet so that, when the finger holes are used to tear the die cut line, the entire central portion can be easily torn downwardly away from the outer covering portion which rests on and covers the toilet seat. The holes are not cut in a full 360 degree circle but have a portion that is retained onto the central portion of the cover.

Abstract: A splash guard includes a shield that deploys in one direction, such as horizontally, but that also can be moved in a transverse direction, such as vertically, relative to a housing upon deployment. The retractable shield is used in a bathtub environment to help form a short retractable vertical wall across the open side of the bathtub to help return splashed water to the bathtub. Methods of using a retractable splash guard are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a lift and transfer device and method, a patient support assembly supported on a lift on a wheeled platform includes a main support arm pivoted to the lift. First and second transversely extending support arms respectively carrying a back support section and a leg support are cantilevered from the main support arm. The main support arm is positioned for lifting the patient from a bed. The main support arm is rotated from a first to a second angular position for lowering a patient to a wheelchair. First and second pivot arms each have an upper end pivotally supported to the back support section and a lower end having a torso grip pad positioned adjacent one side of the patient. Horizontal force applied by each torso grip pad and friction provide patient support. Further device forms are provided for bariatric patients and for use with other types of lifts.

Abstract: Sleeping bag for children, having a main part including a collar and a bottom part, which during use of the sleeping bag for children, forms at least one part of its lying area, and where, along its lower edge, is fastened one part of a zipper for connection with a detachable supplementary part or a cover. The sleeping bag has at least two supplementary parts, of which one is generally shaped as a cover over the bottom part of the main part, and one is formed with a bag-forming part which forms an extending cover-shaped tongue.

Abstract: A patient support system particularly suited for pediatric twin separation surgery. The patient support system includes a frame coupled to a swing circle that has a plurality of holes about the perimeter. A patient support structure is coupled to the swing circle, and disposed in a fixed relationship to the frame after rotation of the swing circle relative to the frame. A chain-and-sprocket mechanism is coupled to the frame and swing circle and positioned within the frame. At least one support leg depends from the frame, and may extend or retract relative to the frame. A drape cage is coupled to the frame for supporting a surgical drape thereon. At least one support wheel is connected to the support leg, and adapted to be interchangeably fixed in a static position and rotatable to move the frame. A substantially identical second frame may be connected in series to the frame for operative procedures.

Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.

Abstract: A mattress surface has planar lower and upper surfaces. The mattress has a forward head surface and a rearward foot surface. The mattress has parallel side surfaces. A box spring assembly is provided in a wedge-shaped configuration. The box spring assembly has planar lower and upper surfaces. The box spring assembly has a forward head surface and a rearward foot surface. The box spring assembly has parallel side surfaces. The thickness of the box spring assembly at the forward head surface is greater than thickness of the box spring assembly at the rearward foot surface.

Abstract: A configurable, adjustable inflatable device including one or more inflatable bladders and a shape-defining membrane that combines with the inflatable bladders such that an overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is at least partially controlled by the shape-defining membrane, and wherein the overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is substantially different from an inflated shape of inflatable bladders alone. The configurable adjustable inflatable device may include a covering layer that may partially or completely surround the inflatable bladders and may attach to the membrane or the inflatable bladders. The level of inflation of the inflatable bladders may also be controlled, further adding to the adjustability of the inflatable device.

Abstract: A spot cleaning device for a swimming pool cleaning system having a vacuum source and a vacuum hose having an end portion forming a vacuum inlet. The spot cleaning device is arranged to be coupled to vacuum hose and to a pole. The spot cleaning device includes a releasable connector for releasably mounting it on the pole. In one embodiment the device includes a hollow body to which the vacuum hose is coupled and which includes an inlet port which communicates with the inlet port of the vacuum hose. In another embodiment the device makes use of the vacuum hose's inlet port directly. When either device is coupled to the vacuum hose and mounted on the pole the inlet port can be positioned adjacent material, e.g., leaves, mud, algae, stones, etc., desired to be removed from the pool so that when the vacuum source is operated suction at the inlet port pulls that material directly into the inlet port without creating a cloud of debris.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a drive part, a driver, a brush part and a vibration-absorber. The drive part includes a drive shaft provided to be lineally movable and a brush part detachably attached to one end of the drive shaft. The driver is configured to apply reciprocal force to the drive shaft to reciprocally lineally move the drive shaft. The vibration-absorber is connected to the drive shaft via a second spring to be lineally movable along the drive shaft. A weight ratio of a weight of the vibration-absorber to a weight of the drive part is at least 0.9 and at most 1.1.

Abstract: There is described a novel apparatus for use in connection with pipe cleaning and monitoring systems. The apparatus is a suspension system adapted to fit a pipeline pig shaft, the pig being provided with a plurality of wheels. The wheels are concentrically mounted around a biasing means which is operable in a direction coplanar with the pig shaft. There is also described a pipeline pig comprising the suspension system and a method of cleaning a pipeline.

Abstract: The present invention is a foot cleaning device for accommodating a foot and thoroughly cleaning the foot positioned within the device. The foot cleaning device has a foot receptacle, scrub brushes, roller brushes, a liquid dispensing assembly for carrying water and soap into the receptacle, and spray jets attachable to the liquid dispensing assembly for dispersing the water and soap throughout the receptacle. The scrub brushes are distributed throughout the foot receptacle for allowing the user to clean his or her feet. The roller brushes are positioned along the bottom of the foot receptacle for massaging, cleaning, and supporting the user's foot within the receptacle.

Abstract: A scrubbing implement for cleaning a surface with contours is disclosed. The scrubbing implement includes a resilient base that includes a plurality of resilient fingers, each of which extend radially away from center of the base. A rigid cap comprises an inside upper end and a wider open lower end. The cap preferably includes a handle receiving means pivotally fixed to the cap for receiving a threaded end of an elongated handle. A flexible pad is included that comprises a cleaning surface on a lower side thereof. The pad has a peripheral lip forming an aperture in the pad for receiving the distal ends of each finger of the base. The flexible pad is fixed around the distal ends of the fingers such that the pad may be applied to the surface to scrub the surface. The fingers and flexible pad conform to the shape of the surface.

Abstract: An inlet apparatus for central vacuum cleaning systems is described that can be integrated with registers commonly used with heating and air conditioning vents in residential or commercial buildings. In particular, the apparatus opens to provide a vacuum inlet that will either remove debris directly, or through an attached hose, using the suction provided by the connected conventional central vacuum cleaning system. The apparatus contains a register body and an inlet that can be integrated with the conventional pipe ductwork used for central vacuum cleaning systems. The apparatus will seal closed when not in use in order to provide full suction to any other inlet currently in use.

Abstract: A lighting device for a vacuum cleaner is provided with a cleaning attachment, a housing adapted to attach to the cleaning attachment, and at least one lighting device. The lighting device is further provided with an electric circuit including a battery and a switch operably connected to the battery and the lighting device to regulate electric current between the battery and the lighting device. The lighting device includes a timing device adapted to deactivate the lighting device after a predetermined amount of time after activation by the switch.

Abstract: A living hinge comprising a spring portion having a first end and a second end and a first arm portion and a second arm portion coextruded with the spring portion is disclosed. The first arm portion extends from the first end and the second arm portion extends from the second end. A component having the living hinge is also disclosed. Methods of making the component having the living hinge are also discloses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge mechanism for allowing relative movement between a first and a second member of a device, the hinge mechanism arranged to connect the first device member about a first pivot axis and the second device member about a second pivot axis, and wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a synchronization mechanism having a strap arranged to provide connection of the first and second device members across an imaginary line between the first and second pivot axes to provide joint movement about both first and second pivot axes during operation of the hinge.