Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Argyranthemum plant named ‘Bonmadwitim’, characterized by its single type white-colored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, compact, and upright-mounded growth habit.

Abstract: Shrub rose plant substantially as herein shown and described, characterized particularly by deep rose-pink, shallow cupped blooms; a strong, spicy, Old Rose fragrance; and vigorous, bushy growth.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of shrub rose plant substantially as herein shown and described, characterized particularly by its creamy-white, cupped, double blooms; moderate, fruity fragrance with a hint of citrus; and its neat, compact, branches with few thorns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, Prunus persica, broadly characterized by a medium size, vigorous, hardy, self-fertile, productive and regular bearing tree. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described in mid to late August, with first picking on Aug. 19, 2006. The fruit is uniformly large in size, sub-acidic and sweet in flavor, globose in shape, clingstone in type, firm in texture, yellow in flesh color, and red to orange in skin color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, Prunus perscia, broadly characterized by a large size, vigorous, hardy, self-fertile, productive and regular bearing tree. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described in the early part of June, with first picking on Jun. 6, 2006. The fruit is uniformly large in size, acidic and sweet in flavor, globose to slightly oblong in shape, clingstone in type, firm in texture, yellow in flesh color, and full red in skin color.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of shrub rose plant substantially as herein shown and described, characterized particularly by its medium sized, cupped rosettes of pure mid-pink blossoms; having a very strong myrrh fragrance; and its tall, slightly arching growth with dark, glossy foliage.

Abstract: Shrub rose plant substantially as herein shown and described, characterized particularly by its deep, rich crimson, medium-sized rosette shaped blossoms; a pleasing fruity fragrance; and short, bushy, upright growth.

Abstract: ‘Salmon Star’ is a new variety of Lupinus hybridus that exhibits numerous and large-shaped salmon-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new Petunia plant particularly distinguished by its trailing, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit, freely branching habit, freely flowering habit, single flowers that are deep pink in color, and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new Petunia plant particularly distinguished by its trailing, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit, freely branching habit, freely flowering habit, single flowers that are light yellow in color, and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new cultivar of pelargonium particularly characterized by having salmon-orange, single, stellar-type flowers with relatively long peduncles, floriferous with medium-sized inflorescences borne well-above the foliage, medium-green foliage with strong zonation, a medium to tall-sized, rounded and well-branched plant habit, an early and continuous flowering response and good resistance to rain, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new cultivar of pelargonium particularly characterized by having cup-shaped, brilliant-pink, semi-double flowers with white eyes, floriferous with large inflorescences on long peduncles, medium-green and large foliage with distinct zonation, a tall plant habit with vigorous growth, a rounded and moderately tight plant habit and a continuous and mid-season flowering response, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new Argyranthemum plant particularly distinguished by its compact, rounded, growth habit, excellent branching, very early flowering, good heat tolerance, and large white flowers is disclosed.

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

Abstract: A new Osteospermum plant particularly distinguished by its compact round plant habit, early flowering with white colored ray florets, blue colored ray florets, very large and good quality inflorescences.

Abstract: A new campanula plant particularly distinguished by large-sized blue and white, star-shaped flowers, an early and profuse flowering response, medium-green foliage with cordate leaves, moderately vigorous growth and a low, spreading and mounding, tight plant habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting system and method of mounting an alignment instrument onto a vehicular wheel which is to be used to align the wheels of a vehicle. The mounting system includes a mounting plate which has an engagement structure located directly adjacent the peripheral edge of the plate. At least a pair of the lug nuts of the vehicular wheel are to be removed and replaced with elongated internally threaded sleeves which are substantially longer in length than the lug nuts. A fastener assembly is used to fixedly mount the mounting plate onto these sleeves. The alignment instrument is then to be clamped onto the mounting plate by engaging the engagement structure.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is provided which contributes a dynamic stability of the shoe during several athletic activities. The athletic shoe comprises a tapered lateral wedge section and may further include a lateral heel stabilizer, a medial heel wedge and a tapered lateral forefoot section.

Abstract: A Swan universal receiver sleeve attached to the top of a firearm upper receiver and extended forward above the firearm barrel to a position just short of the firearm front sight. The underside of the rear portion of the sleeve is fixedly attached to the receiver top. The underside of the forward portion of the sleeve has an upper handguard piece attached thereto. A bottom handguard piece is fitted about the bottom of the gun barrel and is attached to the upper handguard piece. The handguard pieces are not physically connected in any way to the gun barrel. The sleeve is self supported by the connection of the rear portion underside to the receiver top.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for achieving reliable, consistent metal electroplating or electrochemical deposition onto semiconductor substrates. More particularly, the invention provides uniform and void-free deposition of metal onto metal seeded semiconductor substrates having sub-micron, high aspect ratio features. The invention provides an electrochemical deposition cell comprising a substrate holder, a cathode electrically contacting a substrate plating surface, an electrolyte container having an electrolyte inlet, an electrolyte outlet and an opening adapted to receive a substrate plating surface and an anode electrically connect to an electrolyte. Preferably, a vibrator is attached to the substrate holder to vibrate the substrate in at least one direction, and an auxiliary electrode is disposed adjacent the electrolyte outlet to provide uniform deposition across the substrate surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a pump of type comprising a moving member mounted to move relative to a support, the moving member having a central duct into which the substance to be dispensed penetrates via at least one opening, the support co-operating with the moving member to define a variable volume pump chamber around said central duct, the pump also having a diaphragm having a central portion in the form of a sleeve that is open at its top end and closed at its bottom end, said central duct being inserted in said central portion, the diaphragm being organized in such a manlier as to isolate the opening(s) of the pump chamber when the volume of the pump chamber increases and the substance is sucked into it. The bottom portion of the central portion of the diaphragm presents, at least over a sector of its periphery, a preferred deformation zone.

Abstract: A point of sale system designed to read information from a consumer's check, credit card, or manual input with a subsequent debiting of a consumer's account and crediting merchant's account for the goods or services provided. Point of sale terminals are designed to accept a form of credit card with a consumer's bank account information encoded thereon or in the alternative to read the MICR number from a consumer's check in order to verify that a consumer has an appropriate balance to conduct the transaction with a given merchant. Thereafter the transaction of that information is transmitted to a central computer system which verifies the consumer's credit worthiness and stores the transaction event information for subsequent bank reconciliation via the ACH or other competing network. The invention eliminates the need for paper checks with all bank reconciliation being accomplished electronically.

Abstract: This invention relates to an object observation apparatus and observation method.

Abstract: A device including an IGBT a formed on a chip of silicon consisting of a P type substrate with an N type epitaxial layer that contains a first P type region and a termination structure, and having a first P type termination region that surrounds the first region, a first electrode in contact with the first termination region, and a second electrode shaped in the form of a frame close to the edge of the chip and connected to a third electrode in contact with the bottom of the chip. A fourth electrode made in one piece with the first electrode is in contact with the first region. The termination structure also comprises a fifth electrode in contact with the epitaxial layer along a path parallel to the edge of the first termination region and connected to the second electrode and a second P type termination region that surrounds the fifth electrode and a sixth electrode, and which is in contact with the second termination region, connected to the first electrode.

Abstract: A method for charging a secondary battery by measuring the static/open circuit voltage and comparing it to a predetermined value includes: a first step of precharging the secondary battery; thereafter pausing a predetermined interval; a step of measuring a secondary battery voltage Vba1 after performing the pausing; and a step of charging the secondary battery based on the measurement of the secondary battery voltage Vba1.

Abstract: Computer animators have, till now, largely relegated themselves to using point light sources when simulating directional light sources in computer graphics and animation. The illumination achieved is computationally feasible but not totally realistic. While it is possible to use a finite light source of given size and shape to achieve a more realistic effect, the radiosity analysis required to calculate the illumination effect of such a light source is so cumbersome that it cannot be used for real-time computer animation. The described invention allows the animator to approximate the illumination effect of a finite light source by using a point source of varying location and intensity. Another embodiment of the invention allows the animator to realistically simulate ambient light by a similar method. The resulting illumination effects are comparable to those achieved with full radiosity analyses at much lower computational loads.

Abstract: A two dimensional beam deflector is disclosed which deflects beams from multiple optical assemblies. The input of beams of the multiple optical assemblies follow parallel optical paths until deflection to a wafer. An ellipsometer using a two-dimensional beam deflector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rear projection screen of the present invention includes lens sheets or optical sheets having an optical function of condensing or diffusing light. The lens sheets or optical sheets have, as a whole, two or more diffusing layers (diffusing parts) separately provided in the light-transmitting direction. It is preferable that one of the two or more diffusing layers be provided on the light-entering-side surface of the outermost lens sheet or optical sheet on the light source side and that another one of the diffusing layers be provided on the light-emerging-side surface of the outermost lens sheet or optical sheet on the observation side. Any two of the two or more diffusing layers are such that the light-source-side diffusing layer has a diffusing power lower than that of the observation-side diffusing layer.

Abstract: A thin, flexible film made of a transparent polymeric material including a structured surface and an opposite smooth surface, wherein light striking either surface, within certain angular ranges, is totally internally reflected. The structured surface includes a linear array of miniature substantially right angled isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side to form a plurality of peaks and grooves. In addition, the perpendicular sides of the prims make an angle of approximately 45° with the smooth surface, and when the film is curled the smooth surface lies in a smooth continuous arcuate curve without materially affecting the performance of the film. Because of the film's flexibility and its ability to totally internally reflect light, it may be utilized in a variety of ways, for example, as a collector of solar energy or as a light conduit. The performance of the film may be manipulated to permit controlled light leakage.

Abstract: An improved outdoor lighting system is provided that comprises a light assembly formed from at least one tubular mast having a distal end for supporting an electrically powered light source, and a proximal end mounted in the ground, and an electrical cable for connecting the light source to an underground power source. The improved system includes an electrical connector assembly in the cable located in the vicinity of the ground-mounted distal end of the tubular mast. The electrical connector assembly spontaneously disconnects in response to an application of an tensile force indicative of an automobile collision with the mast, thereby preventing damaging tensile forces from being transmitted along the underground portion of the cable to the circuit breaker.

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 III-V nitride blue laser diode has an amplifier region and a modulator region. The amplifier region has a constant current to keep the region near the lasing threshold. The modulator region has a small varying forward current or reverse bias voltage which controls the light output of the laser. This two section blue laser diode requires much lower power consumption than directly modulated lasers which reduces transient heating and “drooping” of the light output.

Abstract: A spread spectrum radio transceiver includes a high data rate baseband processor and a radio circuit connected thereto. The baseband processor preferably includes a modulator for spread spectrum phase shift keying (PSK) modulating information for transmission via the radio circuit. The modulator may include at least one modified Walsh code function encoder for encoding information according to a modified Walsh code for substantially reducing an average DC signal component to thereby enhance overall system performance when AC-coupling the received signal through at least one analog-to-digital converter to the demodulator. The demodulator is for spread spectrum PSK demodulating information received from the radio circuit. The modulator and demodulator are each preferably operable in one of a bi-phase PSK (BPSK) mode at a first data rate and a quadrature PSK (QPSK) mode at a second data rate. These formats may also be switched on-the-fly in the demodulator. Method aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and rotary blancher for processing food product using a heat transfer medium and directed flows of a fluid that can comprise a liquid, a gas, a vapor or a combination thereof. The directed flows can be discharged from orifices or banks of orifices that are distributed around the food products in the blancher. The flows are discharged at a high flow rate, a high pressure, or a combination of both. Where a liquid is discharged, it preferably is discharged at a flow rate of at least 20 gpm and at least 30 psi. Where a gas is discharged, it is discharged at a flow rate of at least 60 CFM at a pressure of at least 2 psi or at a flow rate of at least 10 CFM at a pressure of at least 80 psi. If desired, discharged fluid can be recirculated to save energy. To help increase agitation and help break up clumps of food products in the blancher, direct-contact mechanical agitation devices, such as baffles, can be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside analogues and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimes.

Abstract: The invention is a catalytic process using a Group IV B transition metal component and an alumoxane component to polymerize ?-olefins to produce high crystallinity and high molecular weight poly-?-olefins.

Abstract: Machine automated techniques are described for a method of data processing called Relationships Processing. A computing system is disclosed which provides for the high speed recording and extraction of data objects (entities) and for the development of data representing a queried relationship between the entities. Furthermore, methods and systems are disclosed to detect mandatory relations violation between entities by examining whether certain relations exist. The system is expandable to handle the relatively voluminous data bases of large commercial data repositories. A user defines a set of entities and allowed relationships between the entities. The user can expand this set of allowed entities and relationships at any time during the life of the system without reprogramming or compiling of computer program code or disrupting concurrent operational use of the system. Large systems can now be built that are no longer limited to the scope of design requirements known during initial system development.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for reserving power in a handheld computer by inducing a sleep mode when the energy supply of the handheld computer reaches a predetermined low level. A software is provided which operates a sleep mode when a device of the handheld computer detects a predetermined low battery voltage. A processor operates the software to place the handheld computer in a low energy-consuming shutdown state in which an interrupt controller operates to mask those interrupt signals thus providing an user with the impression that the device has entered an unresponsive sleep mode. In maintaining the sleep mode, the processor operates such that all input signals that request the handheld computer to power up remain active but so long as the battery voltage remains below a predetermined voltage the interrupt signals to power up selected applications and devices are masked.

Abstract: A ball glove having a plurality of pads on the palm side of the glove to facilitate glove closure based on the true axis of rotation of the metacarpalphalangeal joints of the fingers and the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. The pads include a triangular shaped palm pad placed between the wrist, the center axis of rotation of the thumb carpometacarpal joint and the center axis of rotation of the small finger and the ring finger metacarpalphalangeal joints. A finger pad is disposed distally of the center axis of rotation of the ring finger and small finger metacarpalphalangeal joints and a thumb pad is positioned distally of the center axis of rotation of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.

Abstract: A band that extends around a garment appendage, such as a sleeve or trouser leg. The band has a concealed position that hides a reflective tape and a deployed position where the reflective tape is visible. The band includes a cylindrical strip that fully encircles and is attached to the garment appendage at a distance from the free end of the garment appendage. The reflective tape is bonded to the underside of the strip or to the garment appendage.

Abstract: Securing devices secure the position of protective pads on the arms of a user of the protective pads. A sheet of material having an aperture is placed over the head with the head of the user passing through the aperture. The sheet of material may be pliable so as to fit to the shoulders of the user. Suspension members are connected to the sheet of material on opposite sides of the aperture and the suspension members include attachment devices on distal ends. The attachment devices connect to the protective pads of the wearer to hold the protective pads in place. The attachment devices may be detachable from the protective pads so that the user may utilize the securing device in conjunction with protective pads that the user already has.

Abstract: The discharge valve for a flushing cistern (1) has a main valve (V) with a main valve body (3) which forms a piston above which a relief chamber (4) is arranged. By means of a first auxiliary valve (HV1), the relief chamber (4) can be emptied, at least in part, in order to trigger flushing. By means of a second auxiliary valve (HV2), the relief chamber (4) can be flooded in order to interrupt flushing. The first auxiliary valve (HV1) and the second auxiliary valve (HV2) have a common auxiliary valve body (7) which, when flushing is triggered, releases the valve opening (68) of the first auxiliary valve (HV1) and closes the valve opening (6) of the second auxiliary valve (HV2). A valve seat (18) of the first auxiliary valve (HV1) and a valve seat (21) of the second auxiliary valve (HV2) are preferably arranged on the main valve body.

Abstract: A kit for a portable hydrotherapy system includes a wheeled vessel having a handle at one end for easy transport, an insert configured for retaining components of a water circulator pump system when not in use, whereby the loaded insert is stored in the vessel with a lid covering an open top of the vessel, and an inverter is attached to an outside sidewall of the vessel. In use, the lid and insert are removed, the water circulator mounted upon one end of the vessel, the vessel filled with cold or warm water, the circulator turned on, and a patient's feet, or feet and ankle, or feet and ankle and calf are placed into the vessel for treatment.

Abstract: An interactive toilet seat provides a target for a urine stream from a user. A user will direct their stream of urine at a target which is suspended in the bowl of a toilet. This target is in communication with a control circuit which is in turn communicating with an electronic display. The display is set to display various indicators, entreaties, goads or comparisons which enhances the use of the system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mattress retainer system for adjustable beds which includes a mattress-retention bracket housed within a pocket of a mattress accessible in an upward direction through an opening along a bottom edge of the mattress. The pocket is formed by attaching a separate piece of material along a bottom edge of the mattress at one or both of opposite head/foot ends thereof and permitting an overlying downwardly projecting portion of a peripheral covering of the mattress to remain free thereby defining the opening into the pocket.

Abstract: A cushion for use by a person, the cushion having a main portion and a subsidiary portion joined to the main portion. The main portion and the subsidiary portion have unequal volumes wherein a part of the main portion is adapted to be placed between the legs of the person while the person is lying on a side of the person, and the subsidiary portion is adapted to support the abdomen of the person while the person is lying on the person's side.

Abstract: A multiple position contoured body pillow having an elongated somewhat oblong or oval shape adapted to conform to the spine and upper torso of a human user by means of a main body section consisting of a longitudinally extending back portion having a contoured inner peripheral edge and a substantially straight outer peripheral edge, transversely extending symmetrically curved U-shaped arms attached to the ends of the main body section which arms may be repositioned toward the main body section and which arms are adapted to “spring back” into position when abducted from the main body section of the pillow, the first symmetrically curved arm being provided at a terminal end thereof with a pocket adapted to contain a foldable fabric pouch for storing remote controls, small books, and the like.

Abstract: A seat assembly and method of fabricating the seat assembly including a cushion (20) of a resilient foam having a lower face (22), and a frame (24) having a plurality of flexible bands (30) extending in a bowed path between opposite sides of the frame (24) and engaging the lower face (22) of the cushion (20). The cushion (20) is molded over the bands (30) and wrapped around the sides (28) of the frame (24).

Abstract: The floating water bed includes a specially designed unique sleeping bag and a movable mattress pad. The sleeping bag is both thin and soft and it is placed on top of the movable mattress pad. This movable mattress pad can be lowered or risen from the water. As the human being rests within the sleeping bag, with the press of a button, the mattress pad can be lowered into the water along with the sleeping bag and the individual inside. At this time, the individual inside the sleeping bag will be floating in mid-water and will begin experiencing soothing relaxation. The floating water bed will have a well-shaped hole perpendicular to the sleeping bag and rising out of the water, providing the individual with an entrance into the sleeping bag as well as a breathing space once they are within the sleeping bag. With this well-shaped hole, the individual can breathe easily without the use of oxygen masks or additional equipment.