Abstract: An Osteospermum cultivar particularly distinguished by small, bright white flowers, early flowering, good garden performance in the summer and a compact plant habit is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Senecio plant named ‘Sunsenebatubu’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching growth habit; freely flowering habit; and daisy-type inflorescences with elliptic-shaped ray florets that are violet blue in color.

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 blue with dark veins in color, and good garden performance.

Abstract: ‘DT23’ is a distinctive variety of Dianella tasmanica, which is characterized by its combination of compact form, green leaf color, broad leaf width, strong leaf arching, green summer basal sheath color with red-brown margin, and large bluish-purple berries.

Abstract: A variety of rose plant of the shrub class, named ‘AUSpastor’ suitable for cut flower production is disclosed. The ‘AUSpastor’ rose is a plant suitable for year round production under standard greenhouse conditions having buttermilk-colored blooms that fade to almost white with an Old Rose fragrance and long vase life, which are produced on strong upright stems.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Gentreak’ that is characterized by semi-double red flowers, medium green foliage with a zonation pattern, an early flower response and a moderate growth habit.

Abstract: A new Calibrachoa plant particularly distinguished by coral flowers with light pink margins and darker red mid-veins, early and continuous flowering, narrow, dark green foliage, good vigor, semi-upright to later prostrate or trailing plant habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Corokia plant named ‘Phantom’ that is characterized by narrow leaves that are colored dark brown on the upper surface and vigorous growth.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of landscape shrub rose plant is provided which forms attractive single bicolored blossoms. The blossom petals are bright red on the upper surface and light pink and red on the under surface. The plant exhibits a bushy growth habit. The attractive dark green and glossy foliage contrasts nicely with the blossom coloration. The new variety is particularly well suited for growing as ornamentation in the landscape.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hakonechloa plant named ‘Stripe it Rich’ characterized by gold foliage variegated with white stripes and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Scabiosa plant named ‘Vivid Violet’ characterized by vivid violet flower color, large flower size, a low, mounding habit, continuous June to October bloom (in Canby, Oreg.), excellent mildew resistance, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Campanula plant with large bells of deep violet colored flowers, multiple inflorescences, no seed set, and long bloom time (from May through September in Canby, Oreg).

Abstract: ‘Katrinus Deluxe’ is a distinctive variety of Lomandra longifolia which is characterized by the combination of its dense plant growth habit, medium-tall plant height, narrow-medium leaf width, large inflorescence size and presence of male flowers only.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Climbing rose plant is provided which abundantly forms attractive yellow blossoms having a slight fragrance and the configuration of an old rose. The plant displays good vigor and good tolerance to diseases, particularly with respect to Black Spot. The foliage is very dense and semi-glossy, and contrasts nicely with the blossom coloration. The new variety is particularly well suited for growing as attractive ornamentation in the landscape where a climping rose plant is desired.

Abstract: A Lantana plant particularly distinguished by deep yellow to rose lavender flowers, a continuous, abundant and mid-season flowering response, medium green foliage with ovate leaves, vigorous, compact growth and good branching ability, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, pink ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during the last week of September.

Abstract: A new female cultivar of Ilex vomitoria named ‘CAROLINA RUBY’ that is characterized by its dwarf stature and compact habit and its prolific and abundant fruiting when pollinated by an appropriate male form of the species. In combination these traits set ‘CAROLINA RUBY’ apart from all other existing varieties of Ilex vomitoria known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Thuja plant named ‘4EVER’ that is characterized by an upright habit, light green leaves that turn yellow below 5 degrees Centigrade and sheds very few leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, pure white outer ray florets and creamy yellow inner ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during the last week of September.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Ceratostigma named ‘My Love’ that is characterized by compact habit, intense golden-yellow foliage, and clear-blue flowers in summer. In combination these traits set ‘My Love’ apart from all other existing varieties of Ceratostigma known to the inventor.

Abstract: In an automated prescription dispensing and packing system, empty prescription bottles are labeled and loaded in assigned locations in carriers. Pills are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles in the carriers. Ranks of carriers containing filled prescription bottles are assembled at stations where the bottles are unloaded and packed into shipping containers with literature printed by the system. Multiple bottles of an order are automatically packed in the same shipping container.

Abstract: A multi-port rotary disc valve comprising a stator with a plurality of fluid flow ports and a rotary distributor with a plurality of channels arranged in a channel pattern. The channels are adapted to connect the ports between them and/or to the environment in a plurality of predetermined combinations, each combination being associated with an angular position of the rotary distributor with respect to the stator. The succession of combinations performed during a full or partial unidirectional turn of the rotary distributor consitute a predetermined sequence. The rotary distributor comprises a rotor and a mask mounted movably thereon, the rotor and the mask accommodating the plurality of channels. The mask is adapted to change the channel pattern by changing its position with respect to the rotor, thereby enabling the rotary disc valve to perform different predetermined sequences corresponding to different positions of the mask.

Abstract: A convective cooling apparatus cools an electronic device including at least one heat-generating component and enclosed in a case having cooling medium such as air or fluid therein. The convective cooling apparatus neither attempts to increase the velocity of flow in the cooling medium nor replaces the cooling medium with other material as prior art cooling apparatus did. Instead, it utilizes the instability which is inherent in the flow of the cooling medium. In the convective cooling apparatus, by using a driver for generating a signal tuned to the characteristic frequency of the flow, a an acoustic vibrator is driven to provide acoustic waves. The acoustic waves induce resonance of flow, which renders the cooling medium vigorously mixed, which, in turn, enhances the heat dissipation from the device.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a transport module suitable for 300 mm wafers has a cushioning system that attaches to the interior of an enclosure door. The system comprises a pair of upright parallel cushions, each comprising an elongate base portion with a plurality of integral fingers extending at an acute angle from the base members. Each sequential finger of each cushion engaging every other wafer. Each finger having an arm portion and a wafer engaging portion. The wafer engaging portion comprising a curved convex surface to provide minimal vertical line contact with the circumferential outer surface of the wafer without providing axial constrainment of the wafer. The base portions are attached to the inside facing door panels by a plurality of attachment portions each comprising a split shank portion that extends through the aperture and a plurality of flange portions on the ends of the split shank portions for securing the base portions to the inside panel.

Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing magnetostrictive sensor techniques for the nondestructive evaluation of pipeline structures. The system consists of a magnetostrictive sensor instrument unit, a data storage unit, and a plurality of magnetostrictive sensor probes are positioned on an in-line inspection vehicle. The instrumentation unit includes electronics for transmitting excitation pulses to a transmitting magnetostrictive sensor probe as well as electronics for amplifying and conditioning the signals detected by a receiving magnetostrictive sensor probe. The magnetostrictive sensor probes include both plate magnetostrictive sensors and permanent magnets which provide a DC bias magnetic field necessary for magnetostrictive sensor operation. The transmitting and receiving probes are attached to the in-line inspection vehicle by way of mechanical arms on opposing sides of the vehicle.

Abstract: A composite article is provided which includes a blend component comprising a vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer and a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer, and a component including a substantially non-fluorinated polymer having pendant amine groups intimately bonded to the blend component. Increased adhesion is observed by a greater peel strength value between the blend component and a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer when compared to a peel strength value between a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer and the substantially non-fluorinated polymer having pendant amine groups.

Abstract: Materials variously treated with sodium silicate were studied until enough information was obtained to find a way to solve the problems that have prevented sodium silicate from being the used as a fire retardant. These problems are: 1) water solubility (miscible with water), which results in extensive leaching when exposed to water, 2) cracking, chipping and peeling of treated surfaces, and 3) surface granulation. During flame tests it was discovered that sodium silicate formed a foam-like material, and this material was found to have become water insoluble, yet its elemental composition had remained virtually identical to that of the unmodified sodium silicate. This investigator proposes that under the influence of heat and dehydration, sodium silicate undergoes a polymerization process resulting in particles sizes too large to dissolve in water, and then developed a mechanism to explain how the process could occur.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for performing channel assignment in a base station for a mobile communication system. Upon receipt of a request for assigning a channel to a mobile station, a base station transceiver system (BTS) generates a connect message including channel information, which indicates a Walsh code, out of 256 Walsh codes, to be used for a channel to be assigned to the mobile station, and a quasi-orthogonal function (QOF) index. The BTS transmits the generated connect message to a base station controller (BSC). The BSC generates a connect ACK message for acknowledging the channel assignment-related information included in the connect message and transmits the generated connect ACK message to the BTS. Upon receipt of the connect ACK message, in the BTS assigns the channel that was acknowledged by the BSC to the mobile station.

Abstract: A conductive fluoro-resin composition of the addition reaction curing type is provided comprising (A) a reactive fluorinated polyether compound comprising fluorinated polyether units and having at least two aliphatic unsaturated hydrocarbon radicals in a molecule, (B) a compound having at least two hydrogen atoms each directly attached to a silicon atom, (C) a platinum group metal catalyst, and (D) silver particles. The composition cures into rubbery parts having improved heat resistance, weather resistance and solvent resistance and optionally forming firm bonds to various substrates.

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 data representing a queried relationship between the entities. The system is expandable to handle the relatively voluminous data bases of large, commercial data repositories. A user defines 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 a scope of design requirements known during initial systems development.

Abstract: The present invention permits improved data access and improved data management in a computer system. To this end, data are divided into individual partial data (F) and stored in cells (Z) of storage devices (C) in such a way that the partial data (F) being accessed and managed are present in the computer system in a redundant manner. Computer units (CL) are able to access the redundantly stored data. The fact that they are stored in the storage devices (C) ensures that the computer units (CL) accessing said data are supplied more rapidly. This is achieved in particular owing to the fact that the redundantly stored data are accessed in accordance with parameters of data transmissions between the computer units (CL) and the data storage devices (C) and that, in accordance with said data transmission parameters, the redundantly stored data are moved to and from the data storage devices (C) by corresponding copy and delete operations.

Abstract: An upper body garment suitable for wearing by a person made of a base fabric and having openings for the person's arms and head, and a breast portion. The garment includes a protective panel attached to the breast portion for protecting the upper body of the person during descent from a vertical surface. A garment suitable for wearing on a lower arm of a person made of a base fabric and having an elongated arm portion, and a hand portion attached to the elongated portion. The garment includes a first protective panel for protecting the upper body portion of the person during descent from a vertical surface.

Abstract: The functional clothing article includes a body for receiving and supporting a femoral region, a hip region, an abdominal region and a waist region of a user. An abdominal support unit is provided at a front portion of the body to support the abdominal region. A hip support unit is provided at a rear portion of the body to elastically support the hip region. The hip supporting unit includes a fastening unit for detachably coupling the hip support unit to the abdominal support unit.

Abstract: In a protective garment comprising an outer shell, an intermediate liner, and an inner liner, a visual indication whether each liner is being worn, is provided to a person observing the outer shell, while the protective garment is being worn, via a tab extending from such liner and being manipulatable to an indicating position, in which the tab extending from such liner can be detachably attached to another part of the protective garment. In its indicating position, the tab extending from the intermediate liner can be detachably attached to the outer shell. In its indicating position, the tab extending from the inner liner can be detachably attached to the outer shell, in one contemplated embodiment, or to the tab extending from the intermediate liner, in an alternative embodiment.

Abstract: The subject of the invention concerns an adjustable toilet bowl for public usage,which enables the free regulation of the height of the bowl with respect to the floor. The toilet bowl is composed of two elements, lower (1) and upper (2). These elements are joined, sliding way, with vertical screws (5) and sleeves with internal thread (14). Screws (5) mounted in the lower element (1), are ended from the bottom with drive element (6) and are fixed by rotary motion to flat bars (4) and (7), to which a flat bar (8) with motor (9) and gear wheel (10) is fixed permanently. Drive elements (6) and (10) are set on the same level. The upper element (2) has an optionally profiled pan (11), permanently joined with a sewage discharge pipe (12), and to the inner upper surface (13) of the upper element (2), sleeves (14) ended with an opening (15) are installed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bath apparatus having auxiliary features. The auxiliary features include a handle for providing ergonomic manual transportation of the bath apparatus. Additionally, improvements to conventional therapeutic effects are provided for enhancing the overall therapeutic bathing experience. Further, a bath apparatus is disclosed having a pedicure apparatus for providing a motorized rotary pedicure effect to the user. Even further, a bath apparatus having a fluid dispenser is disclosed for dispensing therapeutic additives.

Abstract: A crib assembly for permitting access to an infant in a crib without lifting the infant over the top of the crib includes a base panel supporting an infant when the infant is placed on the base panel. Each of a pair of opposing ends of the base panel has one of a first and second end walls coupled thereto and extending upwardly therefrom. A front wall is hingedly coupled to the first end wall and is pivotal between a closed position and an open position. The front wall inhibits the infant sliding over the front edge of the base panel when the front wall is in the closed position.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a stationary bed frame and a movable bed frame. A portion of the stationary bed frame is coupled to a portion of a plurality of actuator devices and a portion of the movable bed frame is coupled to a portion of the actuator devices. A power supply coupled to the actuator devices activates the actuator devices. At least one of the actuator devices comprises a safety switch to prevent unauthorized use of the actuator devices, and a toggle switch to elevate and lower at least one actuator of the actuator devices. A caregiver unlocks the safety switch, activates the actuator devices and guides a person transversely from one side of a mattress located on the movable bed frame to a second side of the mattress thereby permitting access to a portion of the person that was previously inaccessible.

Abstract: A bariatric hospital bed with full feature capability to enhance the care and treatment of bariatric patients. Among the features are fully adjustable and retractable siderails, bed raise-and-lower features, head-up and leg-down features for converting to a seated position, as well as Trendelenburg and reverse-Trendelenburg features. An integral scale assembly and radioluscent capabilities with a built'in X-ray tray are also provided together with redundant, easy-access controls in a pendant as well as in both siderails. An improved footboard is also provided for use as both a foot-rest and a step.

Abstract: A patient immobilization device comprises a backboard having a front side and a back side, and a pair of opposing paddles slidably mounted on the backboard. The paddles are configured to move between a storage position and a support position, to support the head of a patient. Each paddle has a leg portion depending there from and extends through a respective slot formed in the backboard between the front and back and sides. A spanning portion of the paddle depends from the leg portion and engages the back side of the backboard to secure the paddle to the backboard. The spanning portion moves in a generally arcuate path between the storage and support positions.

Abstract: Pillow (1) suitable for women's body, allowing an easy resting an easy resting to women's chest, keeping breasts separated therebetween and raised, unflattened by the body. The pillow has a donut shape additionally allowing an effective body side support, and it comprises: a substantially oval annular pillow main body (2), having a central opening allowing breast insertion and a resting surface (3) for the chest area surrounding the breast; a pillow secondary body (4) of elongate shape, located transversely to the opening of the main body (2) so as to position itself between the breasts, at the sternum.

Abstract: A support for the head of a patient lying in a generally prone position. The support features a tray adapted for support on an underlying operating table surface. A plurality of pins projecting from an engagement with the tray are positioned to engage and suspend either a cushion directly or a cushion engaged in a casing. The pins may be adjusted to raise or lower the engaged cushion or casing. A mirror is also provided to view a patient's eyes through slots in the cushion and casing engaged over a patient's face.

Abstract: A tubular-shaped, circulation-enhancing pillow or cushion device worn on any part of upper or lower extremities as a rest and/or sleep aid. The device may include a semi ridged, yet flexible and resilient tubular core, a soft fabric elastic liner and an outer cushioned tension wrap. The device may allow one to instinctively change sleeping postures, while remaining asleep or while resting, whether laying in a supine, prone, side or upright position. The device may isolate the part of an extremity that would otherwise have a tendency to become numb, achy or “fall asleep” due to pressure exerted from above by one's resting head, torso, knee, ankle, or other overlying body part, while at the same time act as a pillow or cushion to the overlying body part at rest.

Abstract: A diaper changing station for mounting on a wall surface above a floor surface includes a platform to receive a child. The platform includes a child-receiving portion and a protective covering portion. The child-receiving portion and protective covering portion are coupled together at a seam to form a unitary structure that supports a child and that is movable between a closed position generally up against the wall surface and an open position generally away from the wall surface and above the floor surface. A lip structure is formed on at least one of the child-receiving portion and the protective covering portion to abut with an edge of the other of the child-receiving portion and the protective covering portion to form a generally seamless transition between the portions of the platform.

Abstract: A tufted air mattress including a first printed sheet and a second sheet. The first printed sheet is printed over a selected area with an ink containing a fluoropolymer. The portion of the printed sheet with the ink defines a coated area. The first printed sheet attached to the second sheet where the printed sheet is not coated with the ink. The coated area of the printed sheet inhibits heat welding of the first sheet to the second sheet. The coated area also lubricates the first and second sheets to aid in inflating the air mattress without flaking and contaminating the air inflating the air mattress. In one embodiment of such a mattress, three sheets define two air volumes that are alternatingly inflated and deflated through an alternating air supply valve.

Abstract: A resilient foam or fiber cushion or mattress pad having wave-shaped top and bottom surfaces with the two surfaces angled relative to one another and the valleys of the wave-shaped patterns intersecting to create ventilation holes or apertures through the pad. The pad may be utilized either as a topper pad for a cushion or mattress or as a spring core element of a cushion or mattress.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning ducts of a heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. In one embodiment, a pod has a vacuum chamber therein, a drive motor located within the pod and configured to receive a removable drive shaft therein, and a conduit member located within the pod adjacent the drive motor. The conduit member has a vacuum inlet opening at an exterior wall of the pod and a drive shaft exit opening formed in the conduit member through which the removable drive shaft can extend. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a man-portable pod and a cart removably-coupleable to the man-portable pod. A method of manufacturing the apparatus and a method of cleaning an HVAC duct is also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum truck includes a self-propelled vehicle, a storage tank, a vacuum source, a laterally-shiftable scraper, and a pullback scraper. Suction lines connect a collection area of the scrapers to the storage tank and to the vacuum source. The exhaust from the vacuum system heats the collection area and the suction line to prevent plugging by the cold vacuumed material. The vehicle's engine exhaust can also be controlled to serve as a second heat source that can be used. A fluffer comprises a rake pivoted to the scraper is extendable for fluffing bedding while performing the vacuuming operation. The truck includes a front discharge opening and auger for emptying the tank. The driver's cabin is in front and has high and low windows, such that all vehicle operations are easily seen.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rotating brush driving control apparatus. The rotating brush driving control apparatus includes a supporting bracket disposed in a suction brush assembly; a moving member slidably and elastically disposed in the supporting bracket; a lever disposed above a driving belt, the lever having an end rotatably disposed at a side of the supporting bracket; a tension spring elastically connecting the moving member and the lever; and a locking member disposed below the moving member, the locking member locking or unlocking the moving member in turn according as the moving member is downwardly pressed; wherein, when the locking member locks the moving member, the other end of the lever press the driving belt by the tension spring so that the driving belt transmits the driving power to the rotating brush.