Abstract: A new and distinct variety of grape plant characterized by a medium dark red seedless grape that matures for harvest and shipping in late August to September about the same time as ‘Ruby Seedless’ (non patented) with very good flavor, juicy and firm skin. The berries are borne on strong woody stems and branches and are well adapted to commercial handling.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named ‘Grace’, characterized by its large, upright, uniform and moderately vigorous growth habit; large dark green-colored leaves; uniform and freely flowering habit; large double white-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new Calathea plant particularly distinguished by tall upright, dense leafy growth habit with long-lasting, paper white bracted inflorescences which are held above and among the foliage, glossy, elliptical leaves with alternating bars of dark and lighter green which followed the primary veins and a thin band of silver green along the margin of the leaf is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct peach variety of Prunus persica named ‘NJF18’ is provided. This variety is distinguished from other peach varieties by its unique combination of showy flowers that are medium in width, flat fruit that ripen in early midseason with mottled red over color on an attractive orange ground color, semi-clingstone fruit with a juicy, melting texture and sweet, mild flavor, firm fruit that retain their firmness well and trees with regular, heavy production of large fruit.

Abstract: A new Calathea plant particularly distinguished by having a tall, upright plant habit with long-lasting, pink and green bracted inflorescences which are held high above the foliage, and large, elliptical leaves marked with broad metallic silver-green bands, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new Calathea plant particularly distinguished by upright, wider than tall, dense leafy growth habit with paper-white bracted inflorescences which are held above and among the foliage, glossy, elliptical leaves with alternating bars of dark and lighter green which follow the primary veins and a thin band of silver green along the margin of the leaf, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Malus Mill. plant that produces large, juicy apples having an excellent sugar-acid balance and good keeping quality, suitable for use as a dessert fruit.

Abstract: ‘Cascading Pink Lady’ is a new distinct variety of Lagerstroemia indica ‘prostrata’,commonly referred to as Crepemyrtle. It is a low growing variety where the primary limbs cascade out and downward while producing multiple secondary along the primaries. It reaches a height of 16 to 20 inches at maturity with substantially no upward growth. It can reach a width of 36 to 40 inches. This cultivar blooms in mid June in Zone 7B and normally is in full bloom by the end of June. Because of its bloom habit it sometimes appears to be a multi-colored Crepemyrtle. While most new blooms are a Red Purple 72D a few blooms are very lite in color, with some appearing almost white. The plant very resistant to powdery mildew and is cold hardy with no visible damage at 8 degrees Farenheit.

Abstract: A new Calibrachoa plant particularly distinguished by purple flowers, early and continuous flowering, dark green foliage, good vigor, semi-upright to later prostrate or trailing habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor for sensing a rotational position of a rotating object is provided. A ring-shaped permanent magnet magnetized in the axial direction is sandwiched between two pairs of magnetic plates from above and below. Two pairs of upper and lower protruded magnetic substance portions are provided between the upper and lower magnetic plates at opposite outer ends thereof. Magnetic sensitive devices are inserted in air gaps between the two pairs of upper and lower protruded magnetic substance portions. A magnetic flux generated from the ring-shaped permanent magnet is substantially concentrated to the protruded magnetic substance portions and passes the magnetic sensitive devices. The amount of magnetic flux passing each magnetic sensitive device is substantially proportional to the rotational angle of the ring-shaped permanent magnet.

Abstract: The magnet powder-resin compound particles substantially composed of rare earth magnet powder and a binder resin are in such a round shape that a ratio of the longitudinal size a to the transverse size b (a/b) is more than 1.00 and 3 or less, and that an average particle size defined by (a/b)/2 is 50-300 ?m. They are produced by charging a mixture of rare earth magnet powder and a binder resin into an extruder equipped with nozzle orifices each having a diameter of 300 ?m or less; extruding the mixture while blending under pressure though the nozzle orifices to form substantially cylindrical, fine pellets; and rounding the pellets by rotation.

Abstract: A racemate diastereoisomer and optical isomer of a compound of formula (I): wherein B is H, a C6 or C10 aryl, C7-16 aralkyl; Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, all of which may be optionally substituted with C1-6 alkyl; C1-6 alkoxy; C1-6 alkanoyl; hydroxy; hydroxyalkyl; halo; haloalkyl; nitro; cyano; cyanoalkyl; amino optionally substituted with C1-6 alkyl; amido; or (lower alkyl)amide; or B is an acyl derivative of formula R4—C(O)—; a carboxyl derivative of formula R4—O—C(O)—; an amide derivative of formula R4—N(R5)—C(O)—; a thioamide derivative of formula R4—N(R5)—C(S)—; or a sulfonyl of formula R4—SO2; R5 is H or C1-6 alkyl; and Y is H or C1-6 alkyl; R3 is C1-8 alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, or C4-10 alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with hydroxy, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 thioalkyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amido, C6 or C10 aryl, or C7-16 aralkyl; R2 is C2—R20, NH—R20, O—R20 or S—R20, wherein R20 is a saturated or unsaturated C3-7 cycloalkyl or C4-10 (alkylcycloalkyl), all of which being optionally mono-, di- or tri-

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

Abstract: A user controlling coin operating bidet assembly is comprised of a coin handling system with a coin collector box and an electrically operating bidet. The coin handling system contains optical coin validator, solenoid valves, coin flaps, optical coin counter, electronic timer, and microprocessor controlling those parts according to the signals triggered by the coins inserted. The electronic timer receives signal from the microprocessor and supplies power to another solenoid valve and a warm air blower connected to the bidet. A switch for selecting water and air is attached on the control panel of the bidet. 25 cents coin allows 30 seconds operation. Additional 25 cents inserted within 30 seconds extends the operation time for another 30 seconds. Emergency “HOLD” switch placed on the control panel holds the power to the bidet and stops the electric timer. Pressing “RESET” switch on the control board returns the bidet in a continuing mode.

Abstract: A portable patient lift has spreadable support legs with a feature that enables the legs of the lift to operate in a first range of motion during operation, and a second range of motion for compact folding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism for raising and lowering a patient support including a base having two spaced posts extending upwardly, a sliding sleeve on each base post and a cross member fixed to and extending between the sleeves. An actuator is located between the base and the cross member to move the cross member vertically with respect to the base. A horizontal member located above the cross member is slidingly moveable with respect to the sleeves and includes guides to capture the sleeves. A pulley is provided on the cross member and supports a chain or belt, fixed to the base at a first end and at the other end to the horizontal support. As the actuator raises and lowers the cross member, the upper support is raised and lowered at a greater speed. On the base is a reversible fold down pole to assist the patient in raising and lowering themselves.

Abstract: Adjustable chair for medical and paramedical diagnosis and treatment, comprising a pillar, a seat, a chair back, a support for the lower legs and if appropriate a head rest, the height of the pillar being adjustable and the remainder of the parts mentioned being adjustable with respect to one another. The chair back, the seat and the support for the lower legs are adjustable into a fully extended (bed) position. Also an ergonomic chair, particularly an automobile chair.

Abstract: A telescoping folding platform that is compact in the retracted and folded configuration and that is made rigid and locked in the unfolded and extended configuration by means of spring biased securements that are incorporated into the structures of the platform. The platform can be given numerous utilitarian embodiments by means of attachments that are locked in place in securements that are incorporated into the structures of the platform. When the attachments are wheels and a drawbar the platform is configured as a cart which has particular utility in off the road emergency rescue situations.

Abstract: A pillow specifically used for eliminating any physical contact between a specific delicate skin area of a users body part, a support surface, and the pillow, thus completely eliminating any possible contact between the specific delicate skin area and any associated object. For example, the specific delicate skin area may be the face of the user, the users body part being their head and the support surface being a bed. The pillow is so structured as to be removably, adjustably, and comfortably worn and attached onto any part of the users body and may also be made from numerous materials of choice.

Abstract: A low-profile multilayer cushion assembly which can be used to support the human body under various conditions. The cushion assembly generally includes a top layer of supportive material having a relatively high compression modulus, a middle layer of woven material, and a bottom layer. The bottom layer includes a matrix of supportive material having a relatively low compression modulus and an arrangement of inserts spread throughout the matrix having a relatively high compression modulus. In the preferred embodiment closed-cell polyurethane foam is used for the top layer and inserts, and open-cell polyurethane foam is used for the bottom layer matrix. The inserts are adhesively attached to the matrix to provide additional resistance to buckling. An optional protective cover encases the bottom layer, middle layer, and top layer.

Abstract: Passenger boarding bridges have adjustable walkways that are elevated high above the ground when servicing aircraft doorways. Passenger safety is improved by automatically stabilizing the passenger boarding bridge when it is in an aligned condition. A method for automatically stabilizing the passenger boarding bridge includes moving the aircraft-engaging end of the passenger boarding bridge into an aligned relationship relative to the doorway of an aircraft. The aligned relationship between the aircraft-engaging end of the passenger boarding bridge and the doorway of the aircraft is detected automatically. Adjustable jacks, which are fixedly mounted to the passenger boarding bridge wheel carriage, are actuated between a retracted condition and an extended condition. In the extended condition, the adjustable jacks engage a ground surface below the passenger boarding bridge, thereby increasing the stability of the passenger boarding bridge.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush refill head combines a typical round oscillating or primary tuft block which oscillates in a rotational manner with a secondary tuft block. The secondary tuft block may be oscillated in a rotational manner or may oscillate linearly back and forth in the same direction as the handle of the toothbrush. The secondary tuft block could be in the form of a pair of side by side plates mounted on the head adjacent to the round oscillating block. The invention could also be practice where the secondary tuft block is in the form of a plurality of sets of rows of bristles mounted for back and forth movement in a direction perpendicular to the handle.

Abstract: A sweeper including a rotating brush or drum supported by a float arm movably coupled to a bucket. The float arm is coupled to a linkage to movably support the float arm between a retracted position and a forward position. Float arm is supported independently of a hood connected to the bucket and is movable through linkage relative to hood. In an illustrated embodiment, float arm is rotationally coupled to linkage to compensate for height variations and/or provide a mechanism to rotate linkage to move the float arm forward relative to the bucket.

Abstract: A wiping plate (1) for accommodating a replaceable wiping cloth (2) is disclosed. The wiping plate (1) includes an essentially plate-shaped support plate (3) with an elastically resilient foam member (4) that can be fixed to the bottom face thereof. The foam member (4) is provided with at least one recess (5) inside which at least one non-elastic plug (6) is arranged. The at least one plug (6) is connected to the support plate (3) and has a length that is smaller than the height of the foam member (4) in the unstressed state. The plug (6) can at least be brought in contact with the side of the wiping cloth (2), which faces away from the wiping surface, by applying pressure to the support plate (3) and the compressed foam member (4).

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive device for a reliable tie down tensioning which device enables the tie-down to be quickly and easily applied and the flexible element tensioned and just as quickly and easily removed.

Abstract: A spring fastener, which comprises two engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement portion comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio when the engagement portion does not have the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion into, with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel.

Abstract: A clip which solves a technical problem that the latching of the clip is not easily released by the external force caused by falling, etc., and is easily released when the clip is used. The clip has opposed clipping arms capable of forming an independent and separate space by pressing and holding a clipped object constituted of a flexible hollow member between them. The clip has a latching means on one end of the opposed clipping arm, which has a latching part capable of latching the clipping arms. The clip further has a latching releasing means capable of releasing the latching by an external force headed to an external direction from the clipping arm. The latching means has a supporting point part acting the latching releasing force, added to the latching means by the latching releasing means, to the direction to release the latching of the latching part.

Abstract: Methods are described for forming unitary fabric elements for use in engineered thermal fabric articles, including, but not limited to, thermal fabric garments, thermal fabric home textiles, and thermal fabric upholstery covers, and for forming these engineered thermal fabric articles, having predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the thermal fabric article in correlation to insulative requirements of a user's body.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for assembling a safety shield assembly and more particularly a method for assembling a safety shield assembly with a fluid handling device. Preferably, the safety shield assembly may be assembled with a needle assembly, an intravenous infusion set a syringe, a catheter or other fluid handling devices or assemblies that contain piercing elements.

Abstract: There is disclosed a baffle for inhibiting the passage of sound, debris or the like through a cavity of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A kitchen whisk having a whisk-head attached to a grippable handle by a coupling, the handle having a flex zone for enhancing the “whipping” action of the whisk-head. A cable can be embedded within the flex zone region of the handle for reinforcing the same, the ends of the cable being disposed between and encased within a handle core and an inner plug core, the inner plug core being located within the coupling. In addition, the coupling captures the ends of the wires for attachment to the handle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin-film coil in which a first coil and a second coil each having a desired number of winding are electrically connected in series and the second coil is formed between winding portions of the first coil on substantially the same plane, comprising: forming the first coil having a predetermined number of windings via a first insulating film; forming a second insulating film on a surface of the first coil and between the winding portions of the first coil; forming an underlying conductive film on the second insulating film, and treating the underlying conductive film so as to leave only the bottom portions of the underlying conducting film between the winding portions of the first coil; and growing deposition originating from a remaing portion of the underlying conductive film on the bottom portions of the underlying conducting film between the winding portions of the first coil so as to form the second coil.

Abstract: A method and device for thermal conduction is provided. Methods of forming heatsinks are provided that include advantages such as the ability to produce intricate detailed features that other manufacturing methods are not capable of. Other advantages provided include a reduction in process time and cost due to the absence of a need to machine components after initial fabrication. Embodiments of heatsinks that are formed using methods provided include features such as sub-fins and other detailed features that cannot be formed using other manufacturing processes. Further embodiments of heatsinks that are formed using methods provided include materials that cannot be formed using other manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A method of inserting a preceding element and then a following element in the ground, along a calculated path, in order to construct a work, the method including: a step of determining an absolute positioning error of a preceding element relative to the nominal position at which the preceding element ought to have been inserted; and a step of automatically guiding the inserter arm towards a target position at which a following element is to be inserted as a function of the absolute positioning error determined for the preceding element in such a manner as to reduce the positioning error of the following element relative to the preceding element.

Abstract: A tool (10) and method for measuring endplay between an axle shaft (36) and an axle hub (34) of an axle assembly. A mounting plate (22) is fastened to the hub, and one end of a through-rod (16) whose ends protrude from opposite ends of a housing (14) of a fluid-operated device (12) is fastened to the axle shaft by applying an external force to the other end of the through-rod while fluid is not operating the fluid-operated device. With the mounting adapter and the through-rod secured as described, fluid is delivered to the fluid-operated device to move the through-rod relative to the housing, and the resulting relative movement between the through-rod and the housing is measured by a measuring device (48).

Abstract: Celestial object location devices with sensor arrays of having less that one sensor for each of three orthogonal components of gravity and magnetic field vectors. The accuracy of position sensing is enhanced by estimating “missing” sensor input based on input from two orthogonal sensors provided, or determined with limitations from the two gravitational sensors provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting an overhead crane runway system survey uses a survey apparatus that is alternately pushed or pulled by an overhead crane. The survey apparatus, having a wheeled carriage, includes survey sighting targets, e.g., prisms, that are visible to survey personnel on the ground. XYZ data is there collected and a rail alignment profile, a rail elevation profile, a rail span profile, and/or a crane skew profile may be generated. The data and profiles generated may reviewed to ascertain whether the overhead rails conform to alignment specifications. Further, crane skew data may be reviewed to determine whether the crane itself may be misaligned.

Abstract: A plotting board includes a base; a top; a pivot that connects the top and the base, the top and the base being rotatable and detachable with respect to each other, the pivot including a magnet wherein at least a portion of the pivot is disposed at a substantially central point on the top.

Abstract: A testing system for testing flatness of a surface of a workpiece includes a testing apparatus (10) and a processor (20). The testing apparatus includes a testing box (12) and a measuring apparatus (14). The testing box includes a plurality of holders (122); the holders define a datum plane. The measuring apparatus comprises a plurality of movable testing poles (142) extending out of the testing box and a plurality of gauges (141) configured for measuring distance of the testing poles retracting into the testing box. Ends (1421) of the testing poles away from the testing box are located at the datum plane and configured for supporting the surface of the workpiece thereon to allow the gauges measuring retracting distance of the testing poles under the pressure of the workpiece. The retracting distance of the testing poles is equal to distances between testing points on the surface of the workpieces and the datum plane.

Abstract: A jig is provided for aligning the cutting depth of knife blades on a cylindrical rotary cutter head of a rotary planar machine. The jig has a tripod support adapted for spacing the jig radially over the cutter head. An indexing member circumferentially positions the jig with two radially adjustable knife adjustment members aligned longitudinally and radially over a knife blade. In use, the jig can be calibrated over a knife blade so that the knife blade can be removed and a replacement knife blade installed with the same radial projection along the longitudinal extend of the cutter head. Alternatively, or in addition, each of a plurality of knife blades of a cutter head can be set to the same longitudinal radial projection.

Abstract: A hair dryer in which the direction of a palm of a user gripping the hair dryer is same as the direction of wind blown from the hair dryer. A blowing pipe is coupled to a case and has an air outlet at one end. A heater for heating air is provided inside the case. A fan for blowing air toward the heater and the air outlet is provided inside the case. A grip part, which is designed to be gripped by a human hand, is coupled to a portion of the case opposite to the air outlet. A handle is mounted to the grip part so as to prevent the grip part from being released from the band.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fiber web having a three-dimensional surface structure and a strength. The method includes the steps of pre-imprinting the fiber web, pressing the fiber web and forming the fiber web. The pre-imprinting step pre-imprints the fiber web at a dry content of less than 25% with an imprinting band using a first pressure field. The pressing step presses the fiber web onto the imprinting band using a second pressure field. The pressing step further dewaters and dries the fiber web fixing the three-dimensional surface structure and the strength. The forming step forms the fiber web on the imprinting band.

Abstract: In one embodiment a gaitor interface may be used to connect a gaitor to many different types of footwear. The gaitor interface provides a removable attachment between the gaitor and the shoe. One part of the gaitor interface comprises a track that can be mounted along the exterior of the shoe. The track includes a pair of elongated arms that define an interior flex track. Another part of the gaitor interface comprises a connector for attaching to the track. The connector has a bead portion that can be slid into the flex track. The interlock between the bead portion and the flex track provides a releasably secure connection between the gaitor and the shoe. In another embodiment, a convertible shoe having a removable shoe collar is provided. The removable collar may be reversible and may have different linings or covering for the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed are chain-type crampons for preventing mountain-climbing boots from being slipped on a snowy road or icy road when climbing a mountain. The crampons having an elastic band and chains mounted on the band are provided with a plurality of spikes and link rings, so that a brake power on the snowy road or icy road is increased and snow is not adhered to the crampons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports boot (1) for walking or cross-country skiing, with a flexible shaft (2) receiving the foot, and a reinforcement (5) surrounding the shaft (2) on its external side by sections and being connected with the outsole (3). The shaft (2) is formed in this connection by a cushioned inner boot (6), and a coat (8) of fabric o some other material compatible with the skin. The reinforcement (5) is formed by a latticed or net-like support structure (12) for the inner boot (6), and composed of flexible ribbon elements (13) having, however, the highest possible tensile strength, and being made of plastic or textiles, said ribbon elements resting against external part sections of the inner boot (6), or surrounding the inner boot (6) on its external side within part sections. In this connection, the latticed or net-like support structure (12) is variable with respect to its delimiting or receiving volume as required by means of a lacing system (14).

Abstract: A universal cleat suitable for use for multiple different baseball shoes comprises a generally triangular base with a substantially flat bottom for fitting into a plurality of different shaped recesses in different shoes. There is a grip projecting from the base in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base. The base has an oblong shaped mounting hole for receiving a retaining screw.

Abstract: A display system may include a frame, column connection members connected to the frame, and column members rotatably connected to the column connection members. The display system may also include a magnetic drive assembly carried by the frame that engages the column connection members to selectively rotate the column members. The magnetic drive assembly may include a power source, energizing members connected to the power source, and column movement members connected to the column connection members. The energizing members may include an electromagnet, and the column movement members may be positioned spaced-apart from and overlying the energizing members. The electromagnet of the energizing members may be selectively energized to form a magnetic field between the energizing members and the column movement members to selectively cause rotation of the column members.

Abstract: A display device, according to the present invention, taking the form of a scroll with handle (201) and spool-rod shaft (202) for rolling and unrolling printed flexible material (400) and a tubular housing (300) with an internal chamber—a floating cowling—freely rotatable over said wound spool-rod from which the printed material is extendable. The scroll text (400) or image to be viewed is manually extendable by pulling it through a continuous longitudinal slot (301) in the cowling with a pull-tab (501) which also prevents the printed material from being irretrievably drawn into the cowling. The cowling is rotatably received at its open ends over the spool-rod by a pair of opposed retaining/aligning yokes. The invention improves on traditional scrolls by providing protective containment for the printed material without requiring the containment's separation to display it. The cowling and handle are adaptable as works of art related to the printed material.

Abstract: A personalized item comprising a frame member, character engagement areas, character blocks and inserts is described. The frame member has a substantially rectangular area therethrough or a rectangular recessed area formed therein. The character engagement areas each include a first character placement template formed therein and each character engagement area is adjacent an elongated side of the rectangular area. Each character block has a first template engaging member, a second template engaging member, and a character retained therebetween. The first template engaging member is configured to engage the first character placement template, and the second template engaging member is configured to engage the second character placement template. The plurality of inserts are configured for insertion into the frame member to substantially cover the character engagement areas and the template engaging members.