Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Phlox plant named ‘Grenadine Dream’, characterized by its upright and relatively compact plant habit; freely flowering habit; white and light red purple-colored flowers; relative resistance to Powdery Mildew; and good garden performance.

Abstract: ‘SIR5’ is a distinctive variety of Lomandra confertifolia which is characterized by the combination of its compact habit, shorter leaf blade, and the very glaucous texture of the leaf blade, which gives the foliage color an overall grey-green appearance.

Abstract: An Osteospermum cultivar particularly distinguished by large, deep-yellow inflorescences with brown eyes, green foliage with incised leaves, an upright and medium-sized plant habit, inflorescences that are induced at higher temperatures, continuous flowering throughout the Summer, good heat tolerance, vigorous growth, excellent rooting characteristics and a good shipping ability, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new curcuma plant particularly distinguished by deep-purple flowers with red tips and green leaves with red veins is disclosed.

Abstract: A new cultivar of pelargonium particularly characterized by having brilliant, deep-purple semi-double flowers, floriferous with small, compact umbels, medium-green foliage with weak zonation, a medium sized, well-branched, spreading to trailing plant habit and a mid-season flowering response, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new Lobelia plant particularly distinguished by its low mounded, pendulous and semi-compact form, vigorous plant habit, dense and free branching, short internodes, large, white flowers and tolerance to heat is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Malus domestica apple tree variety named ‘FUJIKO’ particularly characterized by having intense red color on most of the skin surface; red coloration on the unexposed side of the fruit; and good overcolor of the fruits underexposed to the sun light.

Abstract: A new Pentas plant particularly distinguished by rose flowers, a large flower cluster size, upright form, and a compact and branching growth habit is disclosed.

Abstract: A new Lobelia plant particularly distinguished by its semi-upright, pendulous and compact form, vigorous plant habit, dense and free branching, short internodes, large, blue flowers and tolerance to heat is disclosed.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Coprosma plant named ‘Golden Glow’ that is characterized by an upright habit and leaves that are green when young then turn to yellow and then to orange when mature.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Pelargonium particularly characterized by bi-colored, salmon-pink and nearly white, semi-double flowers, medium-sized inflorescences on reddish peduncles, dark-green, relatively small leaves with medium zonation, a moderately vigorous growth habit and a medium to tall, rounded and moderately tight plant habit and an early to mid-season and floriferous flowering response, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Phormium plant named ‘JUBILEE’ which exhibits an upright clumping habit and appears to be bright red by virtue of the prominent red margins of the upper leaf surface and the redness of the entire lower leaf surface. In combination these traits set ‘JUBILEE’ apart from all other existing varieties of Phormium known to the inventor.

Abstract: A method, system, program, and method of doing business are disclosed for electronic commerce that includes the feature of a “thin” consumer's wallet by providing issuers with an active role in each payment. This is achieved by adding an issuer gateway and moving the credit/debit card authorization function from the merchant to the issuer. This enables an issuer to independently choose alternate authentication mechanisms without changing the acquirer gateway. It also results in a significant reduction in complexity, thereby improving the ease of implementation and overall performance.

Abstract: A convertible wet suit system is provided that includes a torso fitting portion having tubular, partial limb coverings that terminate in first end portions, extended limb coverings having second end portions, and a coupling assembly for detachably connecting the first and second end portions. The coupling assembly includes a slide fastener that only partially circumscribes the first and second end portions, and at least one VELCRO® or snap-type fastener that detachably connects only part of the region between the first and second end portions that is uncircumscribed by the slide fastener such that some areas of the end portions remain unconnected when the coupling assembly is joined. Such unconnected areas between the first and second end portions advantageously maintain the elastomeric flexibility of the wet suit in the area of the coupling assembly.

Abstract: Garments and garment sets are described that include a jacket having a powder skirt and trousers that can be attached to the powder skirt via at least one fastener. One embodiment of the invention includes a water resistant jacket, an elasticized powder skirt having at least two edges, the first of which is attached to the water resistant jacket, at least one fastener connected to the second edge of the powder skirt, water resistant trousers including a waist opening and two leg openings and at least one corresponding mating fastener connected to the trousers. The fastener and the corresponding mating fastener are constructed to detachably fix the powder skirt to the water resistant trousers. In several embodiments, the fastener and corresponding mating fastener are two mating zipper portions of standard length that can be combined to form a zipper irrespective of the garment size.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a protective cuff guard for protecting the hem of a pants leg. In exemplary embodiments the cuff guard comprises a body comprising at least one layer of durable material such as neoprene or nylon; a first fastener element and a second fastener element, disposed such that when the body is folded around the hem of the pants leg, the first fastener element engages the second fastener element, detachably affixing the body to the pants leg. In further embodiments at least some of the fastener elements are magnets. In further embodiments the cuff guard may further comprise a decorative device affixed to the body of the cuff guard.

Abstract: A female jockstrap has a covering and a support. The support includes a waistband with two front and two rear bands coupled to the covering. A protector has a generally trapezoidal upper extent and a depending lower extent. Removable couplings are provided between the jockstrap and the protector. The couplings includes a fastener on the exterior surface of the upper extent of the protector. Straps have fasteners extending laterally from the protector adjacent to the lower extent. The straps are adapted to wrap around the front bands. The interior face of the lower extent of the protector overlies the exterior surface of the covering.

Abstract: A screen for eye protection goggles is disclosed having a first and a second lens (5, 6) connected together; the screen (3) being characterized by including a seal (7) that extends along a closed ring-shaped path and is positioned along the rims (13, 15) of the first and the second lenses (5, 6) in such a way as to join the first and the second lens (5, 6) and form an airtight cavity (8) between the first and the second lens (5, 6).

Abstract: An advertising placard unit (36) for use within a toilet tank (20) is provided. The unit (36) includes an advertising information-bearing placard (40, 40a) and connection structure (42, 50, 56) allowing secure coupling of the unit (36) onto an overflow tube (30) forming a part of the tank flush valve assembly (22). Preferably, the placard (40, 40a) is supported in an upstanding, oblique orientation above the tube (30) in such a manner as to not interfere with valve operation or placement of a lid (24) on the tank (20).

Abstract: A portable infant bed has a bottom panel with a perimeter and a top sleeping surface. A side wall is connected to the perimeter of the bottom panel around a periphery of the bed. The bottom panel and side wall are foldable and unfoldable between an in-use configuration with the side wall extending up from the perimeter and surrounding the sleeping surface and a folded configuration with the side wall lying generally parallel with and adjacent the bottom panel. A vent through a portion of the side wall positioned at a level near the sleeping surface, the vent permitting air to pass freely through the side wall.

Abstract: A bed has a frame and a mattress support. The mattress support is suspended from the bed frame by a plurality of elastic supports. The mattress support can move in a downward direction when weight is applied to the mattress support.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a mattress, a mattress support, cast shoes, a footboard support, a drive for causing the reciprocating movement, and a box frame to contain and support the reciprocating movement platform is disclosed. The apparatus provides medical treatments, which are also described, by externally applying periodic acceleration to the body of a subject on the mattress.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a support pillow comprises a pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms that form a well region, a first side and a second side. The pillow body further includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery outlining the well region. The pillow body further comprises a fill material and a cover enveloping the fill material. The cover comprises a main section that extends about the first and second sides and the outer periphery, and a center panel coupled to the main section so as to be located along the inner periphery. Also, the center panel is constructed of a stretchable material and has a variable width.

Abstract: Innerspring coils for innersprings for mattresses and other reflexive support structures, have generally helical coil bodies and at least one non-helical segment or step which extends between one or both axial ends of the coil body and one or both of the coil ends. The step or steps may be linear or non-linear, and parallel to or angularly disposed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the coil body. When located proximate to a coil end, the step extends out of the plane in which the coil end lies. One or more steps may alternatively be formed intermediate to helical turns of the helical coil body.

Abstract: A stain removing composition having a mixture of N-methyl pyrrolidinone and at least one solvent from the group consisting of 3-pentanol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether. Preferably the stain removing composition comprises, in percent by weight about 70-90%, N-methyl pyrrolidinone and about 10-30%, in percent by weight, at least one of the solvents from the group described above. In another embodiment, a method of removing a stain from a textile includes the steps of applying the stain removing composition to an area of application. After the composition has been applied to the area of application it is removed with a suction device or other type of absorption device. Water may be applied to the area of application after the composition has been applied to dilute the composition and help in the removal process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for displaying usage guidelines of a washing machine, and more particularly, to a method and device for displaying usage guidelines of a washing machine wherein a user can be guided in all the washing processes by the respective stages. The present invention is characterized in that usages of the washing machine by the respective stages are provided to an inexperienced person who does not know well the usages, that actual processes are performed when the user follows the provided instructions, and that the user can personally check and troubleshoot simple problems which may occur when utilizing the washing machine. According to the present invention, there is an additional advantage in that various functions and usages of the washing machine can be more conveniently and efficiently utilized with the aid of a wash help.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a handle, a brush head with bristles fixed thereto, a reciprocating bar, an actuator that moves the reciprocating bar back and forth, an actuator receiving recess, an engaging device that engages the brush head with the reciprocating bar so that the brush head moves relative to the reciprocating bar in either penetration mode or polishing mode and a selection device that places the engaging device either in the penetration mode or the polishing mode. The reciprocating bar is protruded from the handle and received in the actuator receiving recess. The brush head moves together with the reciprocating bar in the polishing mode. The brush head is free to move relative to the reciprocating bar within a predetermined distance in the penetration mode. The longitudinal axis of the brush head is inclined from the longitudinal axis of the handle with a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet adapted to be attached to the head (20) of a cleaning tool (2). The cleaning sheet has a wiping portion (1A) that is disposed on the bottom of the head (20) when the cleaning sheet is attached to the head (20). The cleaning sheet has projecting parts (10) and (11) in the wiping portion (1A) which stick out of the forward and backward edges of the head (20) by a projecting length M when the cleaning sheet is attached to the head (20). The projecting parts (10) and (11) have a repulsive force of 0.1 to 100 N/cm when deformed by a length M/3 in the direction opposite the projecting direction. The projection (10) preferably has pointed tips.

Abstract: A yoke type paint roller frame having a pair of arms joined at one end and each one terminating at the opposite end on which a roller of selected length can be journalled. A cross bar is connected to respective ones of the pair of arms at a preselected location thereon spaced from the roller and is prevented from sliding longitudinally along respective ones of such arms. At least one end of the cross bar is detachably connected to the frame arm associated therewith by a means for connecting such as a snap fit.

Abstract: A wet spill-dust pan, which includes an arched-shaped base panel, a back wall extending upward from a back edge of said base panel, a pair of side walls connected to arched sides of said base panel and extend the length thereof in an upward manner and are interconnected to said back wall, a top panel interconnecting said back wall and part of said side walls, said base panel having an open front with a leading rubber blade portion over which debris and wet spilled material can be squeegee swept, a generally U-shaped handle having a transverse portion and a pair of laterally extending arms, wherein each said arm is pivotally connected to an outside of one of said side walls such that said transverse portion is laterally spaced from said top panel and extends thereacross.

Abstract: A vacuum-operable feces collector includes a primary housing having an outer wall for defining a cavity therein. The housing further has a rear portion provided with a plurality of vents. The device further includes a vacuum mechanism for collecting the excrement from a support surface. Such a vacuum mechanism includes an elongated hose and further includes a cage removably positionable within the auxiliary housing and a motor and a rotary fan operably connected thereto. The motor and the fan are housed within the cage wherein the cage has a plurality of outlet openings and an inlet port disposed upstream therefrom for assisting the fan to direct air outwardly from the auxiliary housing. A storing mechanism is operably connected to the vacuum mechanism and includes a disposable bag removably connected to the hose.

Abstract: A dust container of an upright type vacuum cleaner includes a circular cover having a suction port and an exhaust port, a guide member attached to a lower surface of the cover to guide an air flow, a filter attached to a lower surface of the guide member, and a cylindrical container body provided to the lower surface of the cover to receive the guide member and the filter. The guide member guides air induced into the dust container through a suction port to spirally rotate within the container body. A supporting member positioned within the container body supports the filter such that the filter supports the cover.

Abstract: A glide assembly is adapted to be removably mounted to the free end of a leg of a piece of furniture. The glide assembly includes a body defining a bore extending partially through the body to define an interior surface and an opened end of the body. An insert is removably mountable about the free end of the leg and disposed within the bore of the body so as to fixedly secure the body about the free end of the leg.

Abstract: A multi-stage hinge assembly has a first connecting board, a second connecting board, a first hinge, a second hinge, an inner mounting lever and an outer mounting lever. The first connecting board has a first ring, a second ring and a recess. The second connecting board has a first ring and a second ring. The first hinge is mounted on the connecting boards. The second hinge is mounted on the connecting boards. The inner mounting lever is mounted pivotally on the second mounting bracket of the first hinge and the rotating head of the second hinge and has two retaining plates, a holding frame and a spring. The outer mounting lever is mounted pivotally on the second mounting bracket of the first hinge and the rotating head of the second hinge.

Abstract: A hinge structure for a flat visual display device comprising: a fixed plate; pivotal plates; a rotation shaft inserted into vertical planes of the fixed and pivotal plates; rotation shaft-fixing ends in both ends of the rotation shaft for allowing the pivotal plates fitted around the ends of the rotation shaft to rotate together with the rotation shaft; a braking unit securely settled in the fixed plate and having a braking member for surrounding the outer circumference of the rotation shaft to generate braking force in the rotation shaft; stoppers folded from the fixed plate; stopper guides each having a guide groove in the outer circumference into which each of the stoppers is inserted and for being fitted around each of the rotation shaft-fixing ends; and a leaf spring inserted into a tightening face between both ends of the braking member.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (200) for joining a cover section (110) to a body section (120) of a foldable electronic device (100) includes a main shaft (10), a rotating member (20), a sliding member (30), and a spring (40). The main shaft has a fixing portion (12) at one end, a deformed shaft portion (14) at its central section, and a distal shaft portion (16) at the other end. The rotating member receives the distal shaft portion, and the rotating member includes an engaging portion (24). The sliding member engages with the deformed shaft portion. The sliding member has a deformed hole (34), engaging with the engaging portion of the rotating member. The spring surrounds the main shaft and elastically biases between the sliding member and the fixing portion. The hinge assembly is modularized, easy to install, and low in cost.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge assembly capable of adjusting a tilting angle of a display in a display appliance. The hinge assembly includes a movable plate fixed to a rear side of the display and having a through-hole, a stationary plate coupled to a stand for the display appliance and having a through-hole, a hinge shaft passing through the through-holes of the movable and stationary plates and having a head portion, a coupling member fixed to one end of the hinge shaft, a first washer disposed between the head portion of the hinge shaft and the movable plate, first and secondary washers disposed at both sides of the through-hole of the movable plate, and third and fourth stationary washers disposed at both sides of the through-hole of the stationary plate. At least one of the first, second, third and fourth stationary washes is an elastic washer for applying compressive elasticity to the hinge shaft in an axial direction.

Abstract: In an apparatus at a spinning preparation machine for changing sliver cans, sliver is delivered by a delivery device and deposited in a sliver can. The apparatus comprises means for moving a full sliver can away from the region of the delivery device and means for subsequently bringing in an empty sliver can, from a reserve position to the region of the delivery device. An intermediate storage device is arranged to be brought in to the delivery device during changing of the sliver cans is provided. In order to avoid disadvantageous piling up of the sliver on the intermediate storage device and/or in the sliver can and to allow can changing at maximum sliver production speeds, the immediate storage device is arranged to be driven such that it is movable whilst collecting the sliver.

Abstract: A securing strap for use independently or in combination with one or more similar straps. The securing strap includes a head portion and a shank portion. The head portion includes a first slot as well as first and second arrowhead shaped portions each having a neck portion. The arrowhead shaped portions are positioned in a head to tail relationship. The shank portion includes a second slot. The neck portion of the first arrowhead portion is adapted to engage the first slot. The neck portion of the second arrowhead portion is adapted to engage the second slot.

Abstract: An adjuster is provided for a restraint system having a belt which extends through the adjuster and includes a free end and another end or fastening end which is adapted to be secured to an object. The adjuster allows adjustment of the length of the belt between the adjuster and the fastening end. The adjuster includes a frame having a base member with an opening. The opening defines a first or edge plate and a second or securement plate. The first plate and the opening define a belt engaging edge. A clamping member is pivotally mounted between upright side flanges, the clamping member includes a pivoting lever and a load bar having a clamping edge, and a resilient spring member which urges the clamping member to rotate the clamping edge toward the belt engaging edge of the frame.

Abstract: A zipper pull with a cover member, which has a simple structure and can be manufactured at a low cost, can realize a good and stable receiving and holding ability of a pull-tab over a long period of time, and also can prevent swinging between respective component parts, is provided. The cover member of the zipper pull is made of a soft material and has a shape so as to prevent the condition that the pull-tab substantially and directly contacts adjoining portions of an article in the immovable state at the first position. When a slider body and the pull-tub are received in a receptacle, at least the cover member and the slider body are supported and fixed with moving interruption means for interrupting a relative movement of the cover member and the slider body.

Abstract: A silent surface fastener comprises a base part (2), a plurality of engaging elements (3a, 3b) raised from the base part, and a vibration-damping material layer (10) disposed on the back surface of the base part. According to one preferred embodiment, the vibration-damping material layer is disposed on the back surface of the base part through the medium of a bonding layer. The vibration-damping material layer is desired to have a loss tangent (tan?) at ?40 to 40° C. of 0.05-2.5 and a thickness of 0.3-10 mm. According to the other preferred embodiment, the base part is made from a woven or knitted base fabric, the plurality of engaging elements are made of a monofilament, and the fineness of the monofilament is 100-500 T (deciTex).

Abstract: The invention is for a lace gripper comprising an upper body and a lower body that may be joined together whereby a tied lace is secured between the two bodies. Preferable the upper body is designed to receive inserts, charms, lights, recording devices, alarm and locating audible signals and locating devices, to allow the user to customize the lace gripper to their personal preference. The lace gripper can additionally be utilized to maintain a memo and would be secured to an object of daily use, such as a key ring or purse.

Abstract: A bier having a base including a base top surface. A first side is attached to the base top surface. The first side has a first side inside surface. A second side is attached to the base top surface. The second side has a second side inside surface. A cross member extends between the first side inside surface and the second side inside surface. The cross member has a front surface. A top is attached to the first side and the second side. The base top surface, the first side inside surface, the second side inside surface and the cross member inside surface form a display area.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for converting one or more twist-lock orifices of a tube sheet of a baghouse filter system to one or more snap-band orifices. In one embodiment, a machine is utilized to remove one or more tabs from a twist-lock orifice by use of a cutting tool, thereby converting the twist-lock orifice to a snap-band orifice.

Abstract: A fuel line disconnection tool includes a handle member with a hand grip end and a slotted opposite head end adapted to receive generally mirror image flanged adapters having semi-cylindrical tubular projections which enable placement of the adapters in the slot at the head end of the handle. The adapters may then be fitted about a fuel line and the handle attached thereto and manipulated to disengage the connection mechanism between the fuel line and fuel filter.

Abstract: An improved manufacturing method for the hole-punching assembly of a hole-punching unit is disclosed. The method of the present invention comprises the following steps: (1) forming a plurality of aluminum balancing pieces with a rectangular shape by extrusion, and forming an indentation area on one side of each balancing piece; (2) forming an elongated slot by an application of stamping on the indentation area of each balancing piece; (3) obtaining a plurality of rectangular pieces (the number of which equals that of the balancing pieces), made of iron, and forming a row of holes by a single application of stamping on each rectangular piece; and (4) fitting each of the rectangular pieces onto the indentation area of a balancing piece, and connecting the balancing pieces together by screws or bolts. The manufacturing method can lower the production cost and simplify the production process of the hole-punching assembly.

Abstract: A method for making a pressure sensor including the steps of providing a substrate and forming or locating a pressure sensing component on the substrate. The method further includes the step of, after the forming or locating step, etching a cavity in the substrate below the pressure sensing component to define a diaphragm above the cavity with the pressure sensing component located on the diaphragm. The pressure sensing component includes an electrically conductive electron gas which changes its electrical resistance thereacross upon movement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A producing method of producing a solid state pickup device is provided. Imaging elements are formed on a wafer in a matrix form. Each of the imaging elements has a light receiving surface and plural contact points. Receiving surface border portions are formed on a glass plate to protrude therefrom in a matrix form by etching. The receiving surface border portions are attached to the wafer to surround the light receiving surface in each of the receiving surface border portions. The light receiving surface is spaced from the glass plate. The glass plate is diced outside respectively the receiving surface border portions, to form shield glass for covering the light receiving surface. The wafer is diced for each of the imaging elements, to obtain the solid state pickup device having the shield glass and one of the imaging elements.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inductance in a monolithic circuit including a substrate of planar upper surface, including the steps of forming in the substrate a cavity substantially following the contour of the inductance to be formed, the cross-section of the cavity being deep with respect to its width; and filling the cavity with a conductive material.