Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Tricyrtis plant named ‘Taipei Silk’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching growth habit; glossy dark green-colored foliage; large inflorescences with numerous purple and white-colored flowers; and winter hardy to USDA Zone 6.

Abstract: The invention is a new variety of Japanese Maple. The variety is a robust tree with a leaf color predominantly green/purple with a pale pink to white margin.

Abstract: A new rose plant that has abundant, red, white, and yellow flowers and attractive foliage. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for year-round production in commercial glasshouses. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new and distinct Malus domestica Mill, apple tree variety named ‘CIVG198’ particularly characterized by having deep, red skin color, high sugar content, very firm flesh, scab resistance, long storage capacity and long shelf life.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Myrica plant named ‘SOLEIL’ that is characterized by densely branched, brilliant yellow foliage. In combination these traits set ‘SOLEIL’ apart from all other exiting varieties of Myrica known to the inventor.

Abstract: ‘Maestro Lavender Blue’ is a new variety of geranium having a distinct lavender blue color and excellent outdoor performance.

Abstract: ‘Persian Slipper’ is a new variety of Lupinus hybridus that exhibits numerous and large-shaped violet-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine 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. The tree having a low winter chilling requirement of approximately 300 hours at or below 45° F. 2. Fruit with firm flesh, good handling and shipping quality. 3. Vigorous, upright tree growth. 4. Fruit ripening in the early maturity season. 5. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 6. Heavy and regular production of fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lobelia plant named ‘Kirilo-LV63’, characterized by its low mounding, outwardly spreading to cascading plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy plant form; continuously and freely flowering habit; dark blue-colored flowers; relatively tolerant to high temperatures; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a body portion (2, 3), a handle (4) and a staple fastening assembly (8). The staple fastening assembly (8) includes a curved cartridge (10), which comprises at least one curved open row of staples, and a curved anvil (22), which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge (10) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge (10). The staple fastening assembly (8) is adapted to allow unobstructed access towards the concave inner faces of the cartridge (10) and the anvil (22). The cartridge (10) can be moved towards the anvil (22) from a spaced position for positioning tissue therebetween to a closed position for clamping the tissue. Preferably, a knife is contained within the cartridge (10) and is positioned such that there is at least one row of staples on at least one side of the knife.

Abstract: A person-carried hydrogen sulfide instrument is adapted for use with a conventional SCADA system or other type of fault monitoring system normally intended for monitoring well-related conditions at a well site. In response to detecting an abnormally high concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas, the instrument triggers the fault monitoring system to record an H2S fault and convey that information to a remote computer. In some embodiments, the instrument includes a signal relay unit that listens to a conventional H2S monitor. The signal relay unit has a learning mode that teaches the unit to recognize an audible alarm from the H2S monitor. In response to bearing the H2S alarm, the signal relay unit emits a trigger signal to the fault monitoring system.

Abstract: An illumination system for a microlithographic stepper has a light source that emits light of selected wavelength(s) along an optical path toward a photomask. An aperture mask is positioned in the path of the illumination light and between the light source and the photomask. The aperture mask has a dithered pattern of pixels. The intensity of the pattern controls the illumination of the photomask. The masking aperture pattern defines one or more zones of illumination. Each zone has elements that are patterned in accordance with a selected wavelength of incident light to diffract the incident light into an illumination pattern for illuminating a photomask. Each of the elements is constructed with a matrix of pixels. In the preferred embodiment the array of pixels is 8×8. The number of elements is generally greater than 3×3.

Abstract: The sector synchronism of a timing generation section for generating data recording/reproducing timing is corrected at the address-mark detection timing of an address-mark detection section. Moreover, even if only one piece of address information having no error is not reproduced in the sector concerned, when at least one piece of address information having no error is reproduced in any of a predetermined number of sectors preceding the subject sector and at least one address mark is detected in the subject sector, the data recording/reproducing is permitted, and thus, the data is recorded/reproduced at a high speed and a high reliability even if an error rate of a physical address is deteriorated.

Abstract: At the transmitter side, carrier waves are modulated according to an input signal for producing relevant signal points in a signal space diagram. The input signal is divided into, two, first and second, data streams. The signal points are divided into signal point groups to which data of the first data stream are assigned. Also, data of the second data stream are assigned to the signal points of each signal point group. A difference in the transmission error rate between first and second data streams is developed by shifting the siganl points to other positions in the space diagram expressed at least in the polar coordinate system. At the receiver side, the first and/or second data streams can be reconstructed from a received signal. In TV broadcast service, a TV signal is divided by a transmitter into low and high frequency band components which are designated as first and second data streams respectively.

Abstract: At the transmitter side, carrier waves are modulated according to an input signal for producing relevant signal points in a signal space diagram. The input signal is divided into, two, first and second, data streams. The signal points are divided into signal point groups to which data of the first data stream are assigned. Also, data of the second data stream are assigned to the signal points of each signal point group. A difference in the transmission error rate between first and second data streams is developed by shifting the signal points to other positions in the space diagram expressed at least in the polar coordinate system. At the receiver side, the first and/or second data streams can be reconstructed from a received signal. In TV broadcast service, a TV signal is divided by a transmitter into low and high frequency band components which are designated as first and second band streams respectively.

Abstract: A mobile station subscriber can access data from an informational database and have it forwarded to a desired destination. A database associated with the informational database maintains subscriber profiles. When the informational database receives a data request, it uses a mobile station identifier to acquire subscriber profile information. Using that profile information, the requested data is forwarded to a destination designated in the profile in a SMS format.

Abstract: Improved vacuum actuated display ornaments which adhere to surfaces by self-suction are improved by a wall thickness at the center of mass thicker than their peripheral wall thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of the formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof. The compounds are useful as inhibitors of bacterial gyrase activity. The present invention also relates to methods for treating bacterial infections in mammala. The present invention also relates to methods for decreasing bacterial quantity in a biological sample.

Abstract: A method for suppressing undesired viral growth in a host which comprises administering to the host an effective amount of a compound of the formula: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of HO—, CH3O— and CH3(C?O) O—. The method is exemplified by inhibiting Tat transactivation of a lentivirus and in suppressing Herpes simplex virus.

Abstract: A dual fastening device suitable for pull-up and cinch use with absorbent articles. The fastening device preferably includes a first fastening member and a second member.

Abstract: A no-slip elbow pad (10) for securely fastening to a user's arm and adequately protecting the user's arm. The no-slip elbow pad (10) includes a padding element (12) having an inner lining (14) and an outer lining (16). The padding element (12) has at least two bands (18, 20) integrally connected thereto. These bands (18, 20) overlay the inner lining (14) of the padding element (12) and are intended to secure the no-slip elbow pad (10) to the user's arm. The inner lining (14) has at least one friction element (28, 30) integrated thereon. Each friction element (28, 30) is intended to engage the user's arm to prevent the no-slip elbow pad (10) from sliding out of a desired position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective garment that comprises a torso portion for being positioned around a wearer's torso, a collar portion extending from the torso portion, and a security device. The collar portion includes an opening through which the security device extends. The security device comprises a harness portion located on a first side of the opening, and a manual activation portion located on a second side of the opening for enabling a wearer of the garment to be dragged.

Abstract: An athletic shirt which has triple gussets on each side providing an unparalleled range of motion and freedom. Each of the gussets have a specific function in the overall performance of the shirt. And, each gusset, of the present invention, is named in accordance with the particular group of muscles it provides unrestricted movement for. The gussets are named: 1.) Pectoralis major gusset; 2.) Serratus Anterior gusset; 3.) Latissimus dosi gusset.

Abstract: An ambidextrous, latex glove is provided with a textured surface on the areas of the glove corresponding with the touch parts of fingers and a palm. That is, the areas on a hand that are used for gripping and holding are covered with a textured latex surface, providing increased friction for improved gripping.

Abstract: A sports activity protection apparatus and method of use. The apparatus of the present invention is characterized by a multi-layer padded member and a belt member. The padded member is shaped to offer protection of the abdominal area, including the solar plexus and upper groin region. The padded member contains different layers for absorbing and distributing shock, ensuring flexibility, and providing for a lightweight apparatus. Individual layers are comprised of air-filled bladders, a low density material, foam material, and nylon or similar material. The belt member, preferably comprised of an elastic material, extends between each end of the padded member to be secured about the waist of the user.

Abstract: Eyewear such as goggles having a frame made of a first material and a pair of side mounting tabs secured to the frame at the respective opposite side ends thereof for attachment with a head support such as a head strap. The side mounting tabs are made of a second material which is resilient in order to provide a flexibility of the tabs to allow the tabs to flip over such that the user can comfortably wear the goggles with or without a helmet.

Abstract: 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. Within the central portion of the seat cover, there are a pair of finger holes and an additional discrete arcuate perforation. Each finger hole is not fully cut in 360 degrees but has a portion that is retained onto the central portion of the paper sheet so that, when the finger hole is used to tear the die cut line, the retained portion increases strength of the finger hole, which promotes more easily and efficiently tearing the entire central portion downwardly away from the outer covering portion which rests on and covers the toilet seat. The arcuate perforation enables the toilet seat cover to be more efficiently and rapidly flushed down the toilet bowl due to ability that the toilet water to pass through the perforation.

Abstract: A toilet overflow prevention device including an overflow valve assembly, a control valve and a water level sensor. The overflow valve assembly is configured to selectively permit a flow of water through the valve assembly from the tank to the bowl of an associated toilet. The water level sensor is configured to provide a control signal in response to detecting an above-normal water level within the bowl of the toilet. The control valve is configured to actuate the overflow valve assembly in response to a control signal from the water level sensor. Preferably, the overflow valve assembly is separate from the primary flush valve of the toilet and is located between the primary flush valve and the bowl of the toilet.

Abstract: A multiple output shower assembly is disclosed generally comprising a plurality of conduits in fluid communication with each other and at least three water output devices for discharging water from the assembly. The water output devices are located such that water is dischargeable from each of the water output devices without first flowing past any other output device in order to maintain pressure. In some embodiments, coupling mechanisms are provided to removably couple the conduits to each other and to a shower water source. In some embodiments, at least one restrictor is also provided to further equalize the pressure among the different water output devices.

Abstract: A rolling chassis supports dual lifting beams pivotably mounted on adjustable supporting pins. The beams are pivoted by rollers raised by dual driving piers. Each beam carried a pair of blocks for a rope running from a locking system on the chassis to one side of an upper harness, and another pair of blocks for a rope running from a locking system on the chassis to one side of a lower harness. A retractable knee pad assists lifting a patient from sitting to standing position as the beams pivot and retract the cables.

Abstract: A support module for use in a bedding foundation to support a support surface above a bedding foundation base, the support module being of an independent wire form configured to define a top portion, a bottom portion, and four predominantly straight support legs, wherein the support legs are skewed with respect to each other, such that each respective support leg is not parallel to any of the other support legs. The top of each support leg is bent to be oriented into a common first plane to form the top portion, which may be connected to a wire grid assembly to form a nestable bedding foundation.

Abstract: A bedding structure with collapsible frames, comprising a limiting member, a covering member, and a plurality of frame members. The covering member is connected to the limiting member and has at least one opening. The plurality of frame members are configured in a predetermined arrangement inside the covering member. The frame member further consists of at least two arc curves with one arc curve in close proximity to the other arc curve at its overlapping end. The frame member further contains two adjoining ends in close proximity to the outer edge of limiting member to turn the overlapping end into essentially the highest point and prop up the covering member to a height away from the limiting member.

Abstract: An infant support cushion to provide a safe and secure environment for containment and retainment of an infant in a sitting position. The support cushion is provided with a resilient foam cushion body with a child receiving opening centrally therein and a contoured extremity receiving portions defined by an access opening inwardly from its perimeter front edge surface by oppositely disposed extending cushion arm portions. Interlinking fastener elements maintain the arm portions in an engaged closed position maintaining corresponding central opening therewithin and contoured extremity receiving portions for the infant's leg.

Abstract: A waterbed includes a bed frame, a water mattress mounted on the bed frame, and a flapping device. The flapping device includes two longitudinal shafts rotatably supported by the bed frame and a plurality of flapping members securely mounted on each longitudinal shaft. The flapping members flap the water mattress when the longitudinal shafts turn, thereby creating water waves inside the water mattress. The user's body s can be massaged to obtain effects of exercise, fats removal, and weight losing.

Abstract: A mattress pad positionable atop a rectangular mattress which better accommodates diverse weights and sizes of the human anatomy for enhanced comfort. The mattress pad includes a flexible bottom sheet having a size and shape substantially similar to that of a top surface of the mattress. A flexible fabric top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet by peripheral stitching along common perimeter side, head and foot margins. A plurality of generally side-by-side body supporting chambers are each defined by peripheral stitching and spaced lines of continuous stitching which interconnect the top and bottom sheets. Each chamber is filled with an open or closed cell urethane foam material. Preselected nominal thicknesses of each of the chambers provides the comfort and accommodation to each portion of the human anatomy.

Abstract: The featherbed includes upper and lower fabric layers, with the upper layer being longer than the lower layer. Lines of stitching connect the upper layer to the lower layer at spaced lateral lines along the length of the featherbed, thereby defining successive abutting lateral half-tubules, which are filled such that the upper layer extends away from the lower layer in a curved configuration, defining a plurality of half-tubules, generally in the shape of half-ellipses, with the fill density being greater, approximately 21% than that of a similar-sized conventional featherbed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing contaminants from a solvent based cleaning fluid. An article cleaning apparatus comprises an ultrafiltration filter having a pore size of about 0.01 microns to about 0.2 microns. A method for performing a solvent based cleaning process using an article cleaning apparatus comprises passing a solvent based cleaning fluid through an ultrafiltration filter having a having a pore size of about 0.01 microns to about 0.2 microns.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush having movable and static carriers which independently slidingly engage the receiving member of the toothbrush head within channels defined by the surfaces of the receiving member. Such carriers can be releasably removable to replace or exchange the carriers. Also disclosed is a toothbrush having a unique assembly utilizing a one-piece housing in combination with a movable bristle carrier that is engaged on a receiving member located at the distal end of the toothbrush, and a static carrier such as a brush head tip which is secured thereto. The unitary housing reduces the number of components of the toothbrush and decreases manufacturing costs. The static and movable carriers may be replaced with other carriers and allows a consumer to individually tailor the brush to provide a particular brushing configuration. An electric toothbrush having a particular assembly, bristle configuration, and drive mechanism is disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-operable brush for cleaning the crevices of vehicle rims includes a handle having adjacent internal compartments and proximal and distal ends. The handle has an outer surface with linear grooves for assisting an operator to maintain a sufficient grip. The distal end is provided with an outlet in fluid communication with the compartments. A variable speed motor is disposed within one of the compartments and includes a drive shaft and a switch connected thereto. The device also includes a cleaning section including a driven shaft operable via the motor and having bristles extending away therefrom. A coupling member is positioned adjacent to the distal end and provided with isolated channels for receiving the drive shaft and the driven shaft. A power supply source including a plurality of batteries is housed within one compartment and is electrically coupled to the motor.

Abstract: A multi-purpose golf equipment cleaning accessory releasably attachable to a golf bag or like structure for cleaning club heads, club grips, and golf shoes spikes includes an exterior surface, a first half portion integrally and pivotally adjoined to a second half portion and defining a continuous interior surface whereupon the half portions are opened to a 180 degree orientation for revealing golf equipment cleaning structures that include a golf club head cleaner mounted to the first portion and a golf club grip cleaner integrally attached to the golf club head cleaner into and through which club heads and grips are swiped for cleaning with the second half portion further including a shoe brush on which spiked golf shoe soles are cleaned. The cleaning accessory is attachable to the golf bag by using fastening material extending along the exterior surface of one half portion or by clamps mounted to the first half portion and that are releasably securable to a strap or external surface of the golf bag.

Abstract: A flexible cleaning tool (22) is disclosed. The cleaning tool (22) includes a handle (24) connected to an elongated flexible support member (26) that includes a plurality of discrete, rotatably interconnected segments (40). A cleaning pad (28) encloses the support rod (26).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for cleaning the surfaces of a water pipe. The present invention includes a major unit and a minor unit that are magnetically coupled. The pipe cleaning apparatus cleans the surfaces of a water pipe as it is moved in conjunction (maintaining a magnetic connection) along the inside and outside surfaces of the pipe. The cleaning apparatus efficiently and effectively cleans the residue that builds up on the inside surfaces of a tobacco pipe, but also provides entertainment.

Abstract: A long handled cleaning implement such as a broom that is provided with a collapsible handle that can be used as a mini sweeping broom. This collapsible ability will also permit compact storage, a cooperating accessory dustpan is provided which the collapsible cleaning implement is stored into. When removed from the compact position the handle of the cleaning implement quickly and easily extends to a full length rigid position for use. In combination this provides the operator the choice of a large area cleaning or a small area hand sweep and the convenience of compact storage or transportation.

Abstract: A vacuum device has a housing. The housing forms an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The housing also forms a viewable compartment for retaining refuse vacuumed by the device. A vacuum motor is located in the housing. The vacuum motor has a suction inlet and a vent outlet. The suction inlet is connected to the viewable compartment. The suction inlet is also connected to the inlet opening of the housing. The vent outlet of the vacuum motor is to the outlet opening of the housing. An electric circuit of the device is connected to the vacuum motor. The electric circuit is connected to a sensor and includes a microcontroller. The sensor, for example, an infrared beam and detector, triggers the electric circuit, and programmed control by the microcontroller, when the beam is broken and not detected by the detector. When the beam is broken, the sensor signals the microcontroller and the microcontroller logically powers-on the vacuum motor to suction the refuse into the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner comprising in particular a structure mounted on transport members (R, R?) and carrying an electrically-driven turbine (T) for acting through a filter membrane (M) to establish suction in a collector (S) of particles picked up from the floor and entrained to the collector by a flow of air via a transfer duct (C), characterized in that said turbine (T) comprises a set of blades (P) and a nozzle (1) having a box constituted by an upstream portion (11) in the form of a volute centered on the axis of the blades and a diverging downstream portion (12) into which the upstream portion opens out and that communicates with the outside.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a body including a dust separator, a floor engaging head having a first dirty air inlet on its underside, a handle detachably mounted in a socket on the body and having a second dirty air inlet at its lower end, a flexible hose extending between the center of the handle and the body, a valve, and a valve actuator disposed in the socket for configuring the valve to connect the dust separator to the first or second inlets respectively when the handle is engaged and disengaged from the body. When engaged to the body, the upper end of handle is used to propel and guide the cleaner while suction is applied to the first dirty air inlet in the floor engaging head. Once detached, the handle is immediately ready for use as a tool for above-floor cleaning without the user having to manually divert the suction or fit cleaning tools.

Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning machine includes an airflow source that produces an airflow directed out of an outlet. A duct cover covers the outlet. The duct cover includes at least one opening that is sized and oriented to distribute the air evenly across the outlet.

Abstract: In one aspect, a swivel assembly connects a wand to a nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner. The assembly includes a connector for pivotally connecting to the nozzle assembly and having an oversized opening formed in an outer sidewall thereof. A receiver is provided for receiving the wand at a first end and for connecting with the connector at the second end. A locking clip includes a lug movably received in the opening formed in the sidewall of the connector. Consequently, movement of the lug within the opening permits limited rotation of the receiver relative to the connector while restraining separation of the receiver from the connector. A related method of connecting a wand to a nozzle assembly is also described.

Abstract: A caster includes a fixing portion installed on a bottom surface of an object, a wheel portion which is installed to be elevated into a flange portion and has a moving wheel provided on a bottom surface of the wheel portion, and an elevating portion to control the wheel portion to elevate into the flange portion. The wheel portion descends from the fixing portion to move the object and elevates into the fixing portion to fixedly dispose the object in a position. Therefore, a height of the caster is controlled to be high when the heavy object is being moved, and controlled to be low when fixing the object in a position, thus improving the appearance of the object.

Abstract: A door closer includes an anchor assembly for mounting on a door frame, an actuator assembly for mounting within the thickness of a door which is hinged for movement between open and closed positions, an operating member coupled by a linkage to the anchor assembly and mounted for a range of movements between a retracted position and an extended position, a resilient driving apparatus arranged to exert a driving force on the operating member, a damper mechanism operatively connected to the operating member so as to damp movement of the operating member at least in a direction towards the retracted position, and a resilient thrust device arranged to exert an increased driving force on the operating member over a defined part of its range of movement as the operating member approaches the retracted position.