Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Astilbe plant named ‘Delft Lace’, characterized by its upright and sturdy plant habit; strong and healthy dark-green colored foliage; freely flowering habit; dark pink-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nierembergia plant named ‘KLENC06134’, characterized by its compact, upright and outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; large white-colored flowers; freely and continuous flowering habit; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Astilbe plant named ‘Verspink’, characterized by its compact, upright and strong plant habit; strong and healthy foliage; freely and uniformly flowering habit; intense pink-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A plum×cherry interspecific hybrid tree named ‘Nadia.’ The new selection is the result of a controlled cross of ‘Black Amber’ plum and ‘Supreme’ cherry, and is notable for its sweet, red fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘USCALI413-8’, characterized by its compact, mounding and outwardly spreading growth habit; numerous orange-colored flowers with red-colored centers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct Lobelia cardinalis plant characterized by yellow to lime green foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Astilbe plant named ‘Verswhite’, characterized by its compact, upright and strong plant habit; strong and healthy foliage; freely and uniformly flowering habit; white-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Astilbe plant named ‘Verssalmon’, characterized by its compact, upright and strong plant habit; strong and healthy foliage; freely and uniformly flowering habit; light salmon pink-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Astilbe plant named ‘Verslilac’, characterized by its compact, upright and strong plant habit; strong and healthy foliage; freely and uniformly flowering habit; pink-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new Aglaonema plant particularly distinguished by being intermediate in stature, leafy, compact, having an upright growth habit, and producing many basal branches and numerous leaves, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct pear tree named ‘Todd’ is disclosed. The new pear is a limb sport of ‘Bosc’ and is notable for its large, russeted fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Sandrine’ that is characterized by yellow immature leaves that change to yellow-green and then to green when mature, a creeping habit and purple flowers with a black center.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Brunnera plant named ‘Silver Lining’, characterized by its medium blue-colored flowers, silver-coated medium green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, upright, clumping growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Dekromanov’, characterized by its decorative-type inflorescences with green and white-colored ray florets; strong and upright flowering stems; freely flowering habit; early and uniform flowering response; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new Nemesia plant particularly distinguished by its compact plant growth habit, branching, flowering at the top of the plant and white flower color is disclosed.

Abstract: An Oak tree named ‘QSSTH’ having an upright branching habit and consistent red fall coloration, and also capable of being reproduced reliably using vegetative cuttings.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Astilbe plant named ‘Valery’, characterized by its compact, upright and sturdy plant habit; strong and healthy dark green-colored foliage; freely flowering habit; red purple-colored flowers arranged on thick flowering stems; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Argyranthemum frustescens plant named ‘Argylem’ characterized by its compact and dense plant habit with short internodes and dark green foliage, and its early, rich and long flowering with lemon semi double anemone-like flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Argyranthemum frustescens plant named ‘Argymip’ characterized by its compact plant habit with short internodes, its early, rich and long flowering and its pink flowers with contrasting dark center. The pink color is hardly fading during summer.

Abstract: An Oak tree named ‘QNSTG’ having an upright branching habit and consistent red new growth persisting in summer, and also capable of being reproduced reliably using vegetative cuttings.

Abstract: A new Nemesia plant particularly distinguished by its compact plant growth habit, branching, flowering at the top of the plant and blue flower color is disclosed.

Abstract: An existing concrete structure is restored by embedding sacrificial anodes into the concrete layer at spaced positions over the layer and connecting the anodes to the reinforcing members to provide a cathodic protection against corrosion. Each anode is inserted into a drilled hole in the layer of sufficient depth to expose the reinforcement. A steel pin passes through a bore in the cylindrical anode and is attached to the reinforcement by arc welding or by impact so as to hold the anode rigidly within the hole. The hole is filled by a settable filler material. In order to maintain effective current conduction from the anode to the reinforcement through the filler over an extended period to maintain the required protection, there is added a material to hold the pH in a preferred range of the order of 12 to 14 and a deliquescent material to absorb moisture into the filler.

Abstract: Each of stages RS(1), RS(2), . . . of a shift register is constituted by six TFTs. A ratio of a channel width and a channel length (W/L) of each of these TFTs 1 to 6 is set in accordance with a transistor characteristic of each TFT in such a manner that the shift register normally operates for a long time even at a high temperature.

Abstract: An analog circuit for an autofocus microscope system measures a degree of focus of an object directly from the video signal of a microscope CCD camera. The circuit then returns an index to a host computer for the purpose of adjusting the position of the microscope's objective lens to bring the object in focus. Best focus is found by comparing indices at several different vertical positions. The criterion adopted for determining the degree of focus is derived from the energy distribution of the video signal spectrum. The high frequency energy of the video spectrum is a maximum at best focus and as the optics defocus, the distribution shifts to lower frequencies. Low cost, real time autofocus is achieved with the analog circuitry of this invention, replacing more expensive dedicated, real time image processing hardware.

Abstract: A method An apparatus and system for producing a digital video signal from an analog video signal, the analog video signal including an analog video data signal that is raster scanned in lines across a CRT screen to form consecutive frames of video information, the raster scanning controlled by use of a horizontal synchronizing signal (Hsnyc) (Hsync) that controls a line scan rate, and a vertical synchronizing signal (Vsnyc) (Vsync) that controls a frame refresh rate, to produce consecutive frames of video information, wherein the digital signal is produced by generating a pixel clock signal with pixel clocks for repetitively sampling instantaneous values of the analog video data signal, and digitizing the analog video data signal based on the pixel clock sampling.

Abstract: A scanning unit for an optical position measuring device, which is suited for optically scanning a scale graduation, to produce positionally dependent scanning signals on the basis of scale graduation. The scanning unit includes a carrier element, at least one optoelectronic component, which is arranged on the carrier element, a radiation-sensitive or a radiation-emitting surface region of the component being oriented to face away from the carrier element. Provision is also made for at least one electrically conductive connector lead between the carrier element and a contacting region of the component. An at least semi-transparent cover element is arranged directly on the radiation-sensitive and/or radiation-emitting surface region of the component.

Abstract: A facsimile machine includes a printer unit for printing out data having a predetermined format, and an interface circuit for converting facsimile image data into recording data having a format in which the printer unit can input the recording data and for supplying the recording data to the printer unit. The printer unit includes a printing portion for printing recording data, and a data supply control circuit for supplying the recording data from the interface circuit to the printing portion at predetermined printing intervals.

Abstract: An installation for increasing the scanning range along the axial direction of the light source. The installation includes a light source and a transparent glass panel. The light source provides a light beam necessary for scanning a document. The transparent glass panel has a coating thereon for lowering light transparency near the mid-portion of the light axis relative to either end.

Abstract: This invention employs a scheme to allow an input video signal to undergo encoding, e.g., predictive encoding, DCT processing, quantization at fixed quantization step size and variable length encoding to generate first encoded data to determine (calculate) allocated code quantity every frame or every GOP on the basis of data quantity every predetermined time, e.g., every frame or every GOP of the first encoded data and total quantity of usable data to encode the input video signal every predetermined time on the basis of the allocated code quantity to generate second encoded data. Thus, variable rate encoding such that encoding rate changes every predetermined time is realized. As a result, even if pictures (frames) of complicated are successive, there is no possibility that quantization step size is caused to be large with respect to these pictures as in the conventional apparatus. Thus, uniform high picture quality can be obtained through the entirety.

Abstract: A multi-resolution color contact-type image sensing apparatus whereby a color image of an original can be obtained with a particular resolution, depending upon the size of the original image. A first array of photosensor segments with a base resolution is arranged with at least one other array of photosensor segments having a greater-than-base resolution. All such photosensor segments might be aligned in a single linear array, with at least one portion of segments having a greater-than-base resolution. A resulting image with at least the base resolution could be created depending upon the size of the original in relation to the placement and width of the greater-than-base resolution segments. A plurality of linear arrays might also be used, with each successive array having a greater resolution than the previous array. Moreover, the arrays might be arranged in parallel with each successive array being narrower in width than the previous.

Abstract: A cordless drive assembly for driving various orthopedic surgical instruments is described. The drive assembly is battery powered and includes tracks in the handle portion of its housing for receiving the battery. A latch locks the battery to the housing. A combination of a rechargeable, detachable battery system and a power tool. The battery slides onto the power tool through a complementary groove and flange structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insert for a jack. The insert includes a connector mount having a main body including a first side positioned opposite from a second side. The connector mount also includes a snap-fit connection structure positioned at the main body for securing the connector mount to the jack, a divider positioned at the first side of the main body, and an insulation displacement terminal housing positioned at the first side of the main body. A plurality of contact springs are separated by the divider, and a plurality of insulation displacement terminals are housed by the insulation displacement terminal housing. The insert further includes a circuit board that provides electrical connections between the insulation displacement terminals and the contact springs. The circuit board is mounted at the second side of the main body.

Abstract: A process for maintaining ongoing registration for pages on a given search engine is disclosed. It is a method to actively cause an updating of a specific Internet search engine database regarding a particular WWW resource. The updated information can encompass changed, added, or deleted content of a specific WWW site. The process comprises the steps of having software tools at a local WWW site manually and/or automatically keep an index of added, changed, or deleted content to a particular WWW site since that WWW site was last indexed by a specific Internet search engine. The software tools will notify a specific Internet search engine of the URLs of specific WWW site resources that have been added, changed, or deleted. The Internet search engine will process the list of indices of changes, additions or deletions provided by a web site, or add the URL of resources that require indexing or re-indexing to a database and visit the WWW site to index added or re-index changed content when possible.

Abstract: A CRC generation unit includes a number of CRC calculation assemblies to be selectively employed to incrementally calculate a CRC value for a first sequence of N data bytes. The calculation is iteratively performed, one iteration at a time. Further, the selection of the CRC calculation assemblies is made in accordance with the group size of each of a number of data word groups of the N data bytes. In one embodiment, the CRC calculation assemblies include a first assembly for incrementally calculate the CRC value for an iteration, whenever the group size is n/2 bytes or less for the iteration, and a second assembly for incrementally calculate the CRC value for an iteration, whenever the group size is more than n/2 bytes for the iteration. In one embodiment, the CRC generation unit is a shared resource to multiple network traffic flow processing units of a network traffic routing IC.

Abstract: The invention includes a neck and clothing protector and method of using same that are especially designed for use in the cosmetology industry. Embodiments of the protector may include a rectangular strip of textured, flexible waterproof material of preselected dimensions wherein the protector is integral and does not have any scoring or perforations passing through its rectangular surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. Unlike conventional designs, the single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member. The shoulder pad further includes a pair of interior pad assemblies wherein each interior pad assembly is removably connected to an arch member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for a bathing and transfer chair that provides a stand alone wheeled chair that is configurable to engage a stand alone base, adapted to engage a bathing tub and lower the level of the chair thereby submersing the user in the bath water. The seat portion of the device is adaptable to transfer an individual from the wheeled chair portion of the device, positioned outside of the bathing area, to the submersing base which is positioned within the bathing area. The described embodiments can be custom fit to individual's dimensions, or be refit at any time to accommodate growth and/or size changes. Legs, calf support and back angles as well as chair height can be adjusted independently to maximize positioning options to accommodate the support and comfort of the user.

Abstract: A portable hot water heater for larger-scale applications including emergency use, situations involving hazardous materials, and the like. The hot water heater advantageously efficiently and rapidly heats large quantities of water for providing a stream of hot water for immediate use. The hot water heater includes a pump that can draw water from any suitable water source, a power source, a heating assembly that quickly and efficiently heats the water as it flows through the heating assembly. The heating assembly is attached to a shower head or other fixture.

Abstract: A method for transferring a patient from a first surface to a second surface includes providing a winch having a drive system and two reels operatively coupled to the drive system. Two straps are attached to each of the reels. Two wedge cushions are provided for pushing the patient in the direction of the winch from the first surface to the second surface. The wedge cushions have a cover, an insert and an attachment mechanism for attaching them to the straps. The wedge cushions are thinner at the attachment mechanism end. The first of the two straps is passed beneath the patient and is attached to a first wedge cushion. The second of the two straps is passed beneath the patient and is attached to another wedge cushion. The reels are rotated, thereby pulling the two straps until each of the wedge cushions wedge firmly beneath the patient. Nest, the reels are rotated together, thereby pulling the two straps until the patient is transferred from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: The invalid lift apparatus provides a compact and portable device for lifting, supporting, and lowering an invalid. The invalid is lifted in a substantially single vertical plane, with a curved cushioned lift under each arm. Straps and harness safely and selectively secure the individual to the lifts. The screw jack provides exact height positioning of the invalid. The base deck cutout allows the invalid to access toileting and other needs. The carpet rollers and larger diameter pivotal wheels provide excellent maneuverability. The width no greater than 20 inches and length no greater than 30 inches provides apparatus access throughout a home, even through narrow doorways.

Abstract: An apparatus has a first section having a hollow interior that is filled with air, and a second section attached to the top of the first section and having a hollow interior that retains a liquid.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low shrinkage polyamide fiber suitable for use as a yam of a fabric for airbags and an uncoated fabric for airbags produced using the same. The fabric produced using the low shrinkage polyamide fiber of the present invention has high tensile strength and tear strength, and excellent quality, and thus, is useful as a fabric for airbags.

Abstract: A control system for a laundry washing machine with a horizontal wash drum detects load imbalance in the drum and selects a proper rotation speed for the drum in a water extraction operation. A drive controller for the motor turning the drum detects a phase angle variation in the drive voltage and drive current applied to the motor as an indication of the load imbalance in the drum, and determines whether the detected load imbalance falls in one of a plurality of pre-defined load-imbalance zones. The drive controller then provides a signal indicating the detected imbalance zone to a machine controller of the washing machine. The machine controller selects a proper rotation speed for the extraction operation based on the detected imbalance zone, or alternatively initiates a load-redistribution operation to reduce the load imbalance.

Abstract: A cambered hydrofoil for mounting to a pool pole that uses a mounting collar to transfer hydrodynamic force to the pole and thus increase scrubbing action of the brush attached to the end of said pole. The assembly consists of a left and right hydrofoil (15, 21), left and right hydrofoil threaded pivots (22, 26), left and right ball-nosed spring plungers (16, 20), mounting collar (17) locking screws (19, 25) for fixing its position on the pole and collar dimples (18, 24, 45 and 46) that work with the spring plungers to hold the planes at the proper angle for either pool side or pool bottom brushing.

Abstract: A wrap-around car wash structure comprising two staggered, vertical brushes. Each brush is mounted on a carriage which slides along a bifurcated boom pivotally mounted on a support base. The boom and carriages start in an extended position wherein the brushes are near the center of the wash lane; the booms swing in toward the sides of the lane as the brushes' carriages are pulled inwardly by reversible power cylinders. A control mechanism on at least one of the booms promptly reverses the power cylinder as the brush clears the side of the vehicle regardless of the width of the vehicle and the degree to which it has displaced the boom toward the side of the wash lane.

Abstract: A pipe cleaning tool comprises a rod slidably retained in a housing. The housing is affixed to a pipe in the area of the blockage so that, when affixed, the rod slides through the housing and through the blocked pipe. The end of the rod is pushed into and through the blockage, allowing free flow of fluid through the pipe to resume. A blowout port on the housing is in fluid communication with a rod bore in the housing through which the rod slides so that, when the blockage is removed, fluid flows out through the rod bore and out the blowout port. Fluid flowing out through the blowout port can then be controlled and directed by coupling a hose to the blowout port. The pipe cleaning tool is particularly useful to remove blockages in the test cocks of backflow prevention valves.

Abstract: A hair brush with a cleaning element for removing entwined hair from the brush after use. The cleaning element of the brush includes a plate(s) with opening through which the bristles protrude. When the plate is expanded, the plate pushes any hairs entwined in the bristles to the tips of the bristles where they are removed. The brush also has a post mechanism, which allows for the adjustment of the cleaning element to various intermediary positions, effectively adjusting the length of the bristles for use of the brush.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning sheet to be attached to a cleaning head. The cleaning sheet has an attachment sheet dimensioned to cover a nozzle head provided in the cleaning head. Liquid squirted from the nozzle head can be received by the attachment sheet and come between the cleaning head and the cleaning sheet. Since the cleaning sheet has a liquid permeable attachment surface, the liquid having reached the attachment surface can be absorbed by a liquid absorbent sheet of the cleaning sheet and gradually applied to a floor surface to be cleaned.