Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Salvia plant named ‘Blue Lips’, characterized by its upright plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and yellow and dark purple-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Solidago plant named ‘KLESH06001’, characterized by its upright plant habit; freely branching growth habit; early and freely flowering habit; pyramidal spray formation; and inflorescences with light yellow-colored ray florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Scented Geranium plant named ‘Paccrio’, characterized by its upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely flowering habit; single pink-colored flowers with a red purple-colored blotch on the upper petals; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Cal Scare08’, characterized by its mounding and outwardly spreading to trailing plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plants; early and freely flowering habit; numerous scarlet red-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Caliachoa plant named ‘Cal Orang08’, characterized by its mounding and outwardly spreading to trailing plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plants; early and freely flowering habit; numerous bright orange-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Cal Peachy’, characterized by its mounding and outwardly spreading to trailing plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plants; early and freely flowering habit; numerous peach-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Angelonia plant named ‘Anwhitim’, characterized by its upright plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; large white-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A calla lily plant particularly distinguished by red-purple spathes, medium-density maculation on the upper surface of the leaves that is visible from the lower surface and produces 2 to 4 inflorescences per 3-cm tuber, is described.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Mandevilla plant named ‘Sunparadai’, characterized by its upright and vining plant habit; relatively small glossy foliage; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; dark red purple-colored flowers; and long flowering period.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Cal Whiroen’, characterized by its mounding and outwardly spreading to trailing plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plants; early and freely flowering habit; numerous white-colored flowers with red purple-colored centers and venation; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Angelonia plant named ‘Andeepvi’, characterized by its upright plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; large dark violet-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Cal Yell08’, characterized by its mounding and outwardly spreading to trailing plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plants; early and freely flowering habit; numerous bright yellow-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new variety of Hybrid Tea rose suitable for garden decoration, having flowers of warm pink with a cream reverse coloration.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose, distinguished by its deep red flowers, disease resistance and cold tolerance.

Abstract: A new variety of Polyantha rose suitable for garden decoration, having flowers of brilliant scarlet coloration.

Abstract: A variety of rose plant of the shrub class, named ‘AUSlofty’ is disclosed. The ‘AUSlofty’ rose is a plant suitable for repeat flowering production having medium apricot blooms, a strong tea fragrance and a vigorous upright growth.

Abstract: A variety of rose plant of the shrub class, named ‘AUSbernard’ is disclosed. The ‘AUSbernard’ rose is a plant suitable for repeat flowering production having deep crimson blooms, a strong Old Rose fragrance and a broad bushy growth.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Aechmea plant named ‘Fantasy’, characterized by its upright and outwardly arching growth habit; unique white, light green and green variegated foliage with green-colored margins and white, light green and green-colored longitudinal stripes; inflorescences held upright and above foliage on strong scapes; tightly branched inflorescences with red-colored flower bracts; and long-lasting inflorescences.

Abstract: A new Orchid plant particularly distinguished by having pale-lavender flowers, double branched inflorescences, a long scape and flower sepals and petals that open wide and erect, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘Seabrook's Lavender’ that is characterized by lavender colored flowers that have a long corolla and a strong fragrance.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Nierembergia particularly characterized by blue flowers, a compact growth habit and very early flowering, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new Calibrachoa plant particularly distinguished by large, red flowers, very strong branching with a mounding and semi-trailing plant habit and a floriferous flowering habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Viola named ‘SMEV1’ that is distinguishable by compact habit, green glossy foliage, and large fragrant, blue and cream-white flowers. In combination these traits set ‘SMEV1’ apart from all other existing varieties of Viola known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Campanula plant characterized by yellow to yellow green foliage, large, blue bellflowers in upright and decumbent stalks, a compact, low habit, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of cultivar of Colocasia plant named ‘HAWAIIAN EYE’ that is characterized by a combination of a medium to large size plant with large purple-green leaves, light purple veins, undulating purple margin, a matte finish and dark purple colored petioles. In combination these characteristics distinguish ‘HAWAIIAN EYE’ from all other varieties of Colocasia known to the inventor.

Abstract: In a lens barrel, a flare diaphragm is disposed on an optical path of lenses or in the vicinity thereof such that the flare diaphragm can advance into and retreat from the optical path for cutting deleterious light corresponding to the lenses moving in the direction of the optical axis. This lens barrel can reliably cut deleterious light flux in a simple structure.

Abstract: A method of establishing wireless communications between an interrogator and individual ones of multiple wireless identification devices, the method comprising utilizing a tree search method to attempt to identify individual ones of the multiple wireless identification devices so as to be able to perform communications, without collision, between the interrogator and individual ones of the multiple wireless identification devices, a search tree being defined for the tree search method, the tree having multiple nodes respectively representing subgroups of the multiple wireless identification devices, wherein the interrogator transmits a command at a node, requesting that devices within the subgroup represented by the node respond, wherein the interrogator determines if a collision occurs in response to the command and, if not, repeats the command at the same node.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a marking forming apparatus, a method of forming a laser marking on an optical disk, a reproduction apparatus, an optical disk, and a method of manufacturing an optical disk, capable of providing a greatly improved copy prevention capability as compared to prior known construction. To achieve this object, in the optical disk of the invention, for example, a marking is formed by a laser on a reflective film of a disk holding data written thereon and at least position information of the marking or information concerning the position information is written on the disk in an encrypted form or with a digital signature appended thereto.

Abstract: A system for the production of video signals includes a playback device for playing back prerecorded video and audio signals from a prerecorded storage medium, a source of user supplied video and audio signals, a video and audio mixer for combining the prerecorded and user supplied signals to provide combined video and audio outputs, a production monitor connected to the mixer to display to the user the mixed signals, and a storage or reproduction device receiving a mixed video signal output from the mixer. The prerecorded storage medium, wherein the prerecorded storage medium stores, as well as a video channel and at least one audio channel, at least one prompting channel, the video signals stored on the prerecorded medium being prekeyed to indicate areas to be overlaid in the mixer by the user supplied video signals, and the mixer being operative to convert signals from the prompting channel into production control signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disabling the effect of copy-protect signals placed in a recording video signals which is based on differences in the characteristics of television and VCR circuitry. Copy-protect signals include pseudo-sync pulses and/or added AGC pulses in the blanking interval of a video signal. The specific method described includes altering the level of the video signal during the vertical blanking interval, e.g., level-shifting, so as to render the copy-protect copy protection signals ineffective to prevent in preventing unauthorized copying by a VCR. A circuit for achieving the method includes a sync separator for detecting the vertical blanking interval, pulse generating circuits for producing pulses of predetermined widths during this interval, and a summing circuit for summing the predetermined pulses with copy-protect signals thereby to shift their level.

Abstract: A machine tool center (10) displays at least one machine tool (11, 12, 13) which has a working area (17) accessible through an operator door (16) to process workpieces (21). Furthermore, a loading/unloading station (14) for the workpieces (21) and a loading device (22) which transports the workpieces (21) between the loading/unloading station (14) and the respective machine tool (11, 12, 13) and changes these at the machine tool (11, 12, 13) are also provided. In the new machine tool center (10) the loading device (22) is arranged below the working space (17) of the machine tool (11, 12, 13) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An audio type signal is encoded. The signal is first divided into bands. For each band, a yardstick signal element is selected. The yardstick may be the signal element having the largest magnitude in the band, the second largest, closest to the median magnitude, or having some other selected magnitude. This magnitude is used for various purposes, including assigning bits to the different bands, and for establishing reconstruction levels within a band. The magnitude of non yardstick signal elements is also quantized. The encoded signal is also decoded. Apparatus for both encoding and decoding are also disclosed. The location of the yardstick element within its band may also be recorded and encoded, and used for efficiently allocating bits to non-yardstick signal elements. Split bands may be established, such that each split band includes a yardstick signal element and each full band includes a major and a minor yardstick signal element.

Abstract: A uniform, centralized system for converting all existing systems into one unique, universal system which allows for tracking those titles for articles objects of value, such as motor vehicles, boats, land, antiques insurance files, etc., in a congruent and continual manner. The system provides a centralized computer data base(s) operating in a “client-server” computer environment for use in creating a title history file, and for assigning a singular registration number and identification number from the VIN (or other) identifying number with those numbers being coded, and creating a coded title and registration number and for storing relevant data on the item. The centralized data base is connected to various authorized agents such as insurance agents and car dealers, and to governmental agents such as department of motor vehicles and tax collecting entities. In this way, all relevant data on an item can now be is maintained on a centralized system which is accessible to all who need the information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating virtual worlds wherein a user may begin with a database containing a limited pictorial representation of a desired virtual world and then edit the database to specify the remaining data needed to create the actual virtual world. In one embodiment of the present invention, a database containing a limited pictorial representation of a virtual world is communicated to a receiving unit, and a grouping unit collects various descriptions of the pictorial representation into selected groups. An attribute assigning unit then assigns attributes to the groups. The attributes may include group hierarchy, constraints of motion, color, texture or other features. The modified database is then communicated to a data coupling unit which couples real world data to the groups. Finally, a rendering unit renders the virtual world which looks and functions according to the specified attributes and the real world data.

Abstract: A cryptographic device formed as an integrated circuit encapsulated in an integrated circuit package. The cryptographic device decrypts information having a first encrypted format that is input into the cryptographic device producing information in a non-encrypted format. The information in the non-encrypted format is subsequently re-encrypted into a second encrypted format which is output from the cryptographic device. The decryption and re-encryption operations are accomplished entirely within the cryptographic device.

Abstract: A facial hair trimmings catcher useful during personal grooming that is collapsible or otherwise adapted for storing as a smaller unit. The catcher includes a bag comprising a closed bottom, closed side walls and an open top and further includes a support member that is attached to the side walls to form a support configuration. The support configuration supports the bag under the face of the user. The support member may include a support strap adapted for passing behind the neck of the user. The bag may be held open by a flexible tension member extending around a top periphery as a frame or disposed as a frame for the side walls such that the bag may be quickly opened or collapsed.

Abstract: Disposable garments adapted to be donned while bathing or showering and drying off. The garments take the form of ponchos. The bathing or showering poncho will have a different color than the drying poncho. Also the bathing/showering poncho will have soap and shampoo impregnated therein. Both ponchos will have ties on the sides thereof to secure the poncho and prevent inadvertent exposure.

Abstract: Water-soluble glove liners and methods of making, using and disposing of the water-soluble glove liners are disclosed.

Abstract: A head support system includes a helmet that has an upper surface and a bottom edge. A strap has a pair of ends. Each of the ends is attached to the bottom edge so that the strap traverses an open bottom side of the helmet. A plurality of belts is provided. Each of the belts has a first end and a second end. Each of the second ends is attached to a bottom side of a vehicle roof. A coupling apparatus is attached to each of the first ends of the belts and to the helmet to suspend the helmet from the roof. The helmet may be positioned on a person's head to prevent excessive vertical movement of the person's head.

Abstract: A heat transfer fluid pathway is provided driven by a pump which feeds the heat transfer fluid through a vest and cap or other heat transfer garment, where the heat transfer fluid draws heat away from the body of the wearer. A drinkable heat sink material is located within a removable cartridge located within a heat exchange pouch. The heat transfer fluid passes from the heat transfer garment to the heat exchange pouch where heat drawn from the wearer is transferred to the heat sink material within the cartridge. A temperature control valve is provided along with a bypass line so that an adjustable amount of the heat transfer fluid is routed to the heat exchange pouch for temperature control. A supply of elevated pressure air is optionally provided to maintain optimal contact for efficient heat transfer within the heat exchange garment and the heat exchange pouch.

Abstract: The toilet cleaning apparatus provides for hinged fit to an existing toilet with rim. The seat of the apparatus has a top, a bottom, and a cavity therebetween. The motor with pulleys and belt is disposed within the cavity. A movable cleaning pad disposed outside of the cavity between the seat bottom and toilet rim is attached to the motor via the drive attachment. The apparatus provides an electric power source in communication with the motor and the seat lift and lowering pivot drive, and a pair of pedals for controlling the power source whereby the seat is selectively lifted and lowered and the seat bottom and rim are selectively wiped by the cleaning pad, with the seat in the down position.

Abstract: A combined crib and playpen assembly includes a playpen body, a hanging bed, and a bassinet unit. The playpen body has a first bottom wall, and a first surrounding wall connected to and cooperating with the first bottom wall to define a first receiving space. The hanging bed is disposed removably within the first receiving space, and includes a second bottom wall spaced a part vertically from the first bottom wall, and a second surrounding wall connected to and cooperating with the second bottom wall to define a second receiving space. The bassinet unit includes a base plate disposed removably on the second bottom wall, and at least one bassinet member supported by the base plate and defining a third receiving space which is smaller than the second receiving space.

Abstract: An apparatus has a collapsible base that assumes a deployed position and a collapsed position where the base has a smaller size than in the deployed configuration. A surface is removably attached to the base. The base includes a frame system that includes a plurality of struts that are hingedly connected to each other. The surface can be used as a sleeping surface, a table top, a game surface, or for other similar purposes.

Abstract: A device for providing a dining support that is extendable from and retractable and concealable on furniture is disclosed. The device has a platform that is movable between a deployed position for supporting food and drinks, and a retracted position beneath the furniture. To move device from the retracted position to the deployed position, the platform is pulled from beneath the furniture and then elevated to a horizontal position. The height of the platform is vertically adjustable.

Abstract: A bed, in particular a sickbed or nursing bed, comprises a height-adjustable bedstead having a frame comprising frame side parts and frame transverse parts and, in the region of the frame transverse parts, legs connected with each other in pairs by means of cross bracings. The legs have lower ends supported on a floor and, at their opposite upper ends, are supported and slidably guided at guiding profiles extending in parallel to the frame side parts. Further, the bed comprises two lifting assemblies each having a drive unit comprising a housing, and a pushrod adapted to be moved out of the housing and into the housing by the drive unit. The two lifting assemblies are arranged in the region of the frame side parts, leaving a space for accommodation of an adjustment drive for an adjustable mattress supporting device.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress is providing including an encasing housing a base layer and a patient support layer in a cavity of the encasing. The base layer has a foam base member and foam side panels connected to the base member. The patient support layer is provided above the base layer and has a plurality of sections or zones. In one embodiment the plurality of sections is made of an inflatable component, and another of the plurality of sections is made of a non-inflatable component. In an alternate embodiment, each of the sections contains an inflatable component. In one embodiment, the zones of the patient support surface include a head zone adjacent a head of the mattress, a foot zone adjacent a foot end of the mattress, a seat zone adjacent the head zone, and a knee zone between the seat zone and the foot zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for placement under a sleeping bag useful in leveling or controlling the attitude of the sleeping bag includes a plurality of chambers, some of which extend along a longitudinal length of the leveling camping pad with respect to each other, and wherein some of which are adjacent to each other and extend along a width of the apparatus, and wherein the width is perpendicular with respect to the length, and wherein at least four of the plurality of chambers include a valve for adding or removing air from each of the chambers without affecting a quantity of air in the remaining chambers. A preferred modification includes a continuous upper chamber that extends over the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: An institutional mattress includes a resilient core and a mattress covering sealing the core. The mattress covering has a ticking with a base fabric made of yarns with a denier value of at least 500 and has a thread count of at least 18 threads per inch in both warp and fill. The ticking is bonded to a fluid proof material having an anti-microbial agent. The core may be fire resistant polymeric foam and the ticking base fabric may be 1050 denier “ballistic” nylon. The ticking base fabric may be coated with urethane having at least one of a flame retardant and an anti-microbial, and then laminated with a polyurethane film. Alternatively, the ticking base fabric may be treated with a flame retardant covered with a fluid proof material. The mattress covering may be sealed around the core with stitching.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a lifting apparatus, in particular a ferry landing stage, comprising a platform that is capable of being taken into a predetermined lift position with the aid of a hydraulic cylinder or of a cable winch. A safety stop by which the platform may be supported independently of the drive mechanism is associated to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A protective barricade system to prevent persons from accidentally falling through holes in roofs or floors or from the edges of stairwells, balconies, or pitched roofs. The barricade system comprises a plurality of barricade brackets that are spaced apart and can be releasably attached to the underlying surface.