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

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apricot tree denominated varietally as ‘MC5’ is described herein and which produces an attractively colored apricot fruit which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately May 14–May 22 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Abstract: A new cultivar of interspecific Baptisia, ‘Midnight’, characterized by its upright, vase-shaped growth habit with long inflorescences of violet-blue flowers held well above the foliage, its secondary inflorescences that are produced after the primary inflorescences have past peak producing a long blooming period of at least 3 weeks, its lack of foliage on the lower 20 to 40 cm of stem for suitability for planting with other plants, and its adaptability to cultivation in alkaline clay soils.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Gentiana named ‘True Blue’, characterized by its sturdy, well-branched stems that are held upright, its ease of cultivation in ordinary garden soils, its semi-glossy leaves, its large blue flowers that open and are rich bright blue in color on both the inner and outer petal surfaces, and its hardiness in U.S.D.A. Zones 4 to 8.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Heuchera of hybrid origin, ‘Pinot Noir’, characterized by its relatively small, broadly ovate shaped leaves held on purple petioles that are dark purple-grey in color when they emerge and developing a silver overlay with dark purple veins as they mature. ‘Pinot Noir’ is further characterized by its mounded and compact plant habit, its tolerance to high heat and humidity, its vigorous growth habit, its early blooming habit with abundant, creamy white flowers and its hardiness in U.S.D.A. Zones 4 to 9.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Yogigi White’, characterized by its compact, upright, outwardly spreading and rounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plant habit; uniform and freely flowering habit; decorative-type inflorescences with obovate-shaped ray florets; white-colored ray florets; and natural season flowering about September 27th in the Northern Hemisphere.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of blueberry plant primarily characterized by medium-large berries with strong sweetness, weak acidity, and a nearly spherical berry shape and berries that have green flesh, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new apple variety distinguished by the following unique combination of characteristics: It is field-immune to apple scab disease, has good resistance to the bacterial disease fire blight, and moderate resistance to the fungal disease powdery mildew. This new apple is relatively late ripening. It has medium-large fruit size, red colored fruit, with excellent flavor (full favored, fruity, sweet, mild-subacid). The fruit hangs well on the tree, even after ripening. The tree is highly productive on an annual basis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-phase-locked loop without dead zone, which can reduce clock jitter and provide larger tolerance for data random jitter. It generates and output multiple sets of control signals (upk/dnk) via a multi-phase voltage controlled oscillator which generates a plurality of multi-phase clock signals for detecting the transition edge of data signal. Therefore, the phase error ?e and the voltage Vd of the multi-phase-locked loop can be adjusted to be nearly linear according to the control signals. A multi-phase-locked loop without dead zone thus can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns DNA sequences from the K. lactis PGK gene having transcriptional promoter activity. to expression vectors comprising these sequences and to their use for the production of proteins.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a releasing material is blended into the polymer so that the releasing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the releasing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: An integrated data processing platform for processing a digital signal that includes a general purpose processor and a digital signal processor (DSP) module. The DSP module recovers digital data from a digital signal utilizing a sequence of DSP operations selected by the general purpose processor. The general purpose processor processes the digital data recovered by the DSP module, but is also available to perform general purpose tasks. A shared internal memory array selectively provides information to the DSP module and to the general purpose processor. The information stored in the internal memory array includes operands utilized in the execution of the DSP algorithm and selected instructions and data utilized by the general purpose CPU either for controlling the execution of the DSP algorithm or for executing its own general purpose tasks.

Abstract: A mask includes a flexible backing and an expandable membrane. The flexible backing is configured to overlay the eyes and nose of a wearer. The expandable membrane is coupled to the backing. The expandable membrane fills the non planar surfaces of the face when the backing exerts a pressure onto the membrane.

Abstract: A hood is provided that includes a lid and a mask which are pivotally connected and separately moveable. The mask and lid form an opening that increases or decreases in size when the mask pivots. The lid is moveable between an up and down position. In the up-position, an edge of the lid is disposed on a user's forehead and in the down-position the edge is disposed on a posterior of the user's head. The mask is connected to the lid by a hinge portion which allows the mask to provide varying levels of coverage to a user's face.

Abstract: A shock balance controller is described, including a support structure configured to support the shock balance controller, the support structure having a chamber including a port disposed in a side of the chamber, the port providing an opening to a housing, and a bladder coupled to the housing, the bladder being filled with a first material configured to receive pressure from a shock, wherein the first material, when receiving the shock pushes a first piston that compresses a spring disposed in the housing, the spring pushing a second piston that increases the pressure of a second material stored in the chamber. A shock balance controller may also include a structure configured to support the shock balance controller, the structure having a chamber, a port, and a housing assembly, and a bladder coupled to the structure using the housing assembly, the bladder and housing assembly being configured to transfer energy between the bladder and the chamber.

Abstract: A device for spraying an inner surface of a toilet bowl with a cleaning and/or deodorizing chemical is disclosed. The device includes a container for the chemical, a spray nozzle through which the chemical can be sprayed laterally around a perimeter of the nozzle, a conduit in fluid communication with the container and the spray nozzle, fluid delivery means for delivering chemical from the container through the conduit and to the spray nozzle, and means for attaching the spray nozzle near a rim of the toilet bowl. The spray nozzle of the automatic or manual toilet bowl cleaning device can operate such that the chemical is applied to the entire circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl whereby the entire toilet bowl is cleaned around the inner circumference of the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A floating spa cover generally comprises an inflatable insulating and soar heating central portion surrounded by one or more independently inflatable adjustable rings. The inflatable central portion comprises a center section and a peripheral ring. The center section covers most of the spa water surface and includes an upper film of substantially transparent plastic and a lower film of translucent plastic separated by a gas-filled space. The first adjustable ring, connected to the central portion so as to be selectively removable, encompasses the central portion and is independently inflatable to selectively adjust the area of the cover over a first range of areas. The second adjustable ring, connected to the first adjustable ring so as to be selectively removable, encompasses the first adjustable ring and is independently inflatable to selectively adjust the area of the cover over a second range of areas.

Abstract: A holding device for sanitary and more particularly bathroom sector possesses a hand grip arrangement with an associated attachment means having at least two pairs of suction heads of which the hand grip arrangement may be secured to an even surface and may be detached from same, the hand grip arrangement being coupled or able to be coupled by means of coupling means with each pair of suckers at coupling points lying between the respective suction heads of a pair of suckers.

Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus to support a patient in a prone position on a patient table during a diagnostic imaging scan comprises a head support and an arm support. The head support is configured to extend above the patient table and supports a patient's head above a table top of the patient table while the patient lies on the patient table in a prone position. The arm support is joined to the head support and is configured to extend below the patient table to support a patient's forearms below the patient table.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a medical procedure patient platform having a peripheral edge, a length of the peripheral edge having a substantially rigid male connecting member; and, an extension having a substantially and permanently rigid female connecting member, the female connecting member configured for rotational mating attachment with male connecting member. In a particular embodiment, the device further provides that the female connecting member is configured to maintain the extension in a horizontal arrangement upon attachment to the male connecting member. In another embodiment, the female connecting member is configured to attach to the patient platform at any location along the length of the peripheral edge.

Abstract: A sleeping infant positioning device that will hold an infant in the recommended back-lying position while in a crib or other flat surface. The device includes a pad that has an attached fabric and strap safety restraint, into which the infant is placed. The restraint is designed to fit over roughly the area where a pair of diapers would fit over the infant, with the restraint also including a pair of leg holes to allow insertion of the legs of the infant. A pouch is located on the pad behind where the infant's head is placed, allowing placement of a pillow if desired. An adjustable blanket can also be clipped to the pad, allowing the blanket to be placed over the infant if necessary.

Abstract: A dock leveller, comprising a deck plate having a deck upper surface, which deck plate is pivotably connectable with a platform; a lip having a lip upper surface, which lip upper surface, with the deck upper surface, forms at least a part of a transport surface; and a lip hinge construction with a pivot element which pivotably connects an end of the lip and an end of the deck plate of the dock leveller, characterized in that the upper surface of the lip, through the pivot element, is placeable at a positive angle or a negative angle relative to a position in line with the upper surface of the deck, being pivotable to both one side and the other side.

Abstract: A system for preventing a rack fault condition of a passenger boarding bridge includes a plurality of electromagnetic sensors that are disposed for sensing separately a rotational movement of each one of a first and a second electromechanical screw jack, one electromechanical screw jack located adjacent to each lateral sidewall surface of the passenger boarding bridge. The system also includes a control circuit in communication with the plurality of electromagnetic sensors. The control circuit receives signals from the sensors, which signals are indicative of the sensed rotational movement of each one of the first and second electromechanical screw jacks. A value is determined relating to a rotational synchronization of the first and second electromechanical screw jacks. When the determined value is outside a predetermined range of threshold values, a control signal is provided for affecting the rotational movement of at least one of the first and second electromechanical screw jacks.

Abstract: A method for wireless communication between an aircraft and a passenger boarding bridge includes assigning an aircraft to a parking space adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. The aircraft includes a signal-transmitting module for use in automated bridge alignment operations and has a unique aircraft identifier code associated therewith. The step of assigning includes providing the unique aircraft identifier code to an automated bridge alignment system of the passenger boarding bridge. Signals transmitted between the aircraft and the passenger boarding bridge are encoded with the unique aircraft identifier code for transmission between the aircraft and the automated bridge alignment system.

Abstract: A system is provided for aligning a first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section with a first doorway of an aircraft and for aligning a second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section with a second doorway of the aircraft includes. The system includes a sensor for sensing an orientation of a first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section when it is in an aligned condition with a first doorway of the aircraft, and for sensing an orientation of a second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section when it is in other than an aligned condition with the second doorway of the aircraft. The sensor is in communication with a controller. The controller is for receiving a signal from the sensor, and for determining the orientation of the first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section and the orientation of the second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section in dependence upon the signal.

Abstract: In a method for aligning an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft, a first sensor disposed aboard the aircraft is used for sensing first information relating to a current bridge alignment operation and a second sensor disposed at a location that is remote from the aircraft is used for sensing second information relating to the current bridge alignment operation. The sensed first information and the sensed second information are received at a processor. The processor subsequently determines instruction data for moving the aircraft-engaging end of the passenger boarding bridge along a direction toward the doorway of the aircraft, based upon the sensed first information and the sensed second information.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a street blower to the front end of a zero-turn riding mower. The mounting apparatus comprises a main support beam that extends across the front of the mower frame and rests on top of the frame. The main beam preferably includes a securing mechanism that engages the left and right angled extensions of the mower frame to keep the mounting apparatus from sliding forward, backward, or to the sides. On top of the main support beam is a central eyebolt for anchoring a chain that holds the blower such that the wheels of the blower are preferably all suspended above the ground. At least two lower support arms are attached to the main beam, each of which comprises a vertical support and a horizontal support. At one end of the horizontal support is a cradle designed to support the axle or rear frame of the blower.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly including a disposable cleaning implement having a cleaning element mounted to a fitment having an elongated post. The cleaning assembly includes an elongated maneuvering wand having a handle portion and a distal implement attachment end thereof. A gripping mechanism is coupled to the wand attachment end, and is configured to releasably grip the fitment post to mount the cleaning implement. The gripping mechanism and the maneuvering wand cooperate to substantially limited pivotal movement of a longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative a longitudinal axis of the gripping mechanism to not more than about 0 degrees to about 25 degrees when the fitment post is subjected to forces radial to the longitudinal axis of the fitment post.

Abstract: The spatula of the present invention is designed to effectively clean and remove residual paint from the inside walls and bottom of a cylindrical paint container. The spatula includes a blade with a protrusion with a curved edge extending from the blade. In the preferred embodiment, the protrusion is located adjacent to but set back from the straight distal edge of the blade so that the distal edge of the blade can be effectively used to scrape residual paint from the bottom of a container. The side edges of the blade form a right angle with the distal edge so that the distal corners of the blade may be used to clean paint from the hard to reach circumferential corner at the bottom of a cylindrical container. Finally, the curved edge of the protrusion may be effectively used to scrape residual paint up the sides and out of the cylindrical container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper lever (10) with a driven wiper arm (12) and a wiper blade (16) linked to it to clean windows, in particular of motor vehicles, which is provided with a band-like, long-stretched-out, elastic supporting element (30) that is curved over its band surfaces, which features a long-stretched-out, rubber elastic wiper strip (24) on its concave curved band surface (31), on whose upper, convex curved band surface (29), in particular in the longitudinal mid-range of the supporting element, a coupling part (32) sits to connect the wiper blade (16) to the wiper arm (12) and wind deflector strip sections (52) extending towards the ends of the supporting element are arranged in particular on both sides of the coupling part and a cap (60) to cover the connecting area between the wiper blade and the wiper arm belongs to the wiper lever, which cap can be locked on the supporting element (30) of the wiper blade and is provided with elastically deflectable locking means (74).

Abstract: A lever assembly holds a wiper strip, which directly wipes a wiping surface. The lever assembly includes a plurality of levers, which are connected together in tournament style. An axial length of the lever assembly is shorter than an axial length of the wiper strip. A cover member receives the lever assembly, and opposed ends of the cover member hold the wiper strip. The cover member includes a plurality of cover portions, which are formed separately from one another.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structure for connecting a dust collecting hose of a central vacuum cleaning system, which is capable of connecting a dust collecting hose and a collecting pipe, without opening a closed plate by hand. The structure for connecting a dust collecting hose of a central vacuum cleaning system has a base plate. The base plate comprises a dust collecting pipe and a closed pipe. The dust collecting pipe is connected to a vacuum cleaning system. The closed plate is connected to one end of the dust collecting pipe at its rear end. An installation groove pivotally is formed at the front surface of the closed plate. The closed plate is rotationally installation at the installed in the base plate disposed groove in order to open the dust collecting pipe. A connecting plate is connected to a dust collecting hose at its rear end.

Abstract: A robotic appliance with a joystick sensor and associated methods of operation are provided. In one embodiment, the robotic appliance includes: a housing, a joystick sensor configured to provide sensed signals that vary as the robotic appliance traverses a surface area and comes in contact with an obstacle, a controller adapted to receive the sensed signals, wherein the controller determines the direction of the obstacle in relation to the robotic appliance and an x-y plane corresponding to the surface area based on the sensed signals and controls the robotic appliance based on the direction of the obstacle, a propelling mechanism, and a bumper that defines a periphery for a front section and a rear section of the robotic appliance in the x-y plane, wherein the bumper is in operative communication with the joystick sensor so that movement of the bumper in relation to the housing varies the sensed signals.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance includes a dirt and dust separating apparatus, a motor configured to drive a fan for generating suction air flow and a selectively-operable switch for energizing the motor and cleaner head. The cleaner head has a drivable agitator in the form of a brush bar and a dedicated motor. When the main vacuum motor is switched on, the brush bar motor is energized so that the brush bar is automatically driven on start-up of the cleaner. This enables the superior cleaning performance achievable with a brush bar to be automatically achieved, without the user having to remember to select operation of the brush bar.

Abstract: A three-way adjustable butt hinge for a door is adjusted vertically in a door frame by inserting an allen wrench in a vertical adjustment screw at the top of the hinge pin. Turning the wrench moves the screw in either direction, pushes on the hinge pin and raises or lowers the door as necessary. A pin has an eccentric shaft with upper and lower sections offset on parallel axes. Lateral adjustments are effected by loosening a side-mounted set screw and turning the eccentric shaft as necessary to move the door either in or out or side to side in the frame. The lateral set screw holds the hinge pin integral with the sash hinge. The door is removed from the frame by simply lifting the door sash hinge and pin from the complementary pin receiver on the frame hinge.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotating shaft structure with automatic locking mechanism, characterized in which a shaft extending axially from an axial member passes through, in sequence, the core hole of the upright frame plane of the main frame, a friction disc, a disc-like connecting part connected with the frame plane, a cam member comprising a fastening part and a sliding part, at least an elastic body, and a connecting segment on the free end of the shaft connected with a end enclosure so as to form axial pressure to constrain the elements described above. The shaft and the main frame are provided with a linking portion and a connecting portion, respectively. The outer and inner edges of the adjoining planes between the fastening part and the sliding part are provided with at least a wedge block and at least a wedge slot alternately so as to connect the fastening part and the sliding part together.

Abstract: A hinge with simplified components has a central bracket, a first tilt hinge assembly, a second tilt hinge assembly and a rotating hinge assembly. The central bracket has a main arm, a first arm and a second arm. An outer surface of the first arm has multiple positioning detents formed in the outer surface. The first and second tilt hinge assemblies respectively connect to the first and second arms. The first tilt hinge assembly has a resilient stationary positioning spacer mounted adjacent to the outer surface and corresponding positioning protrusion. With the resilient stationary positioning spacer, the single spacer replaces a positioning spacer and a resilient spacer. Therefore, the components of the hinge are simplified and then the manufacturing cost and the assembling complexity are decreased.

Abstract: A dual-axis hinge for a portable electronic device has at least one stationary bracket, a pivoting bracket and a connecting leaf. The stationary bracket is adapted to be mounted securely in a base of the portable electronic device. The pivoting bracket is mounted pivotally in the stationary bracket and pivot relative to the stationary bracket in a first axis. The connecting leaf is adapted to be connected with a cover of the portable electronic device, is pivotally mounted in the pivoting bracket and pivots relative to the pivoting bracket in a second axis that is in different direction from the first axis. With such an arrangement, the cover connected with the connecting leaf may pivot relative to the base in the first axis and the second axis respectively and allows the portable electronic device to make more motivation and contents to various applicability requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus on a drafting system of a spinning machine, especially a draw frame, carding machine, combing machine or the like, for weighting the drafting system rollers, has at least one pressure fluid cylinder with a piston which is acted upon by pressure fluid and is arranged so as to be axially movable inside a cylinder housing and from which a piston rod extends. The piston rod passes through at least one cylinder cover that forms the end boundary of the cylinder housing. For determining the position of the piston with the piston rod, an optical distance sensor scans the distances with respect to a counter-element and the distance sensor is connected to an evaluation device.

Abstract: A metal locking tie formed from a locking head and an elongate strap extending through the locking head. The locking head is defined by a top wall, a bottom wall and two sides. The locking head includes a strap passageway that extends through the locking head from an entrance end to an exit end. The bottom wall of the locking head has a tab that extends upwardly toward the strap passageway in the locking head. The strap has a first end, a second end, and an aperture therethrough. When the strap is positioned within the locking head the upwardly extending tab of the locking head engages the aperture in the strap. A metal locking tie tool secures the strap to the locking head by displacing a portion of the strap in the locking head.

Abstract: A support band having at least one band segment, a first connection end and a second connection end. The first and second connection end(s) each having a mounting surface with a wedge end, a wedge surface extending from the wedge end forming an acute angle with respect to the mounting surface, and a stand-off surface between the mounting surface and proximate a distal end of the wedge surface. The first and second connection end mounting surface(s) coupled to the at least one band segment. The support band having mounting means for mounting on and or within a structure via compression and or expansion.

Abstract: A zipper pull for an invisible zipper includes a housing having a recess on an inner surface thereof. The recess is configured to receive at least a portion of a slider of a zipper. The pull remains stationary with respect to the slider when not in use. Leading and trailing ends of the housing have sloped surfaces that are configured to be grasped by fingers of a user.

Abstract: A hook-connector includes a first hook part and a second hook part. Each of the first hook part and the second hook part include a first plate and a second plate, and a hub disposed between the first and second plates. The hub holds the first and second plates in essentially parallel, spaced apart relationship. The hub and the first and second plates define a cord opening there-through. The hook-connector further includes a hook member that is attached to a first end of the first and second plates. The hook member includes a hook element that defines a hook opening that is sized to receive the hub of a corresponding hook part. The hook member further defines a sloped portion configured to slidingly mate against the sloped portion of the corresponding hook part in one mating configuration of the first and second hook parts.

Abstract: A method of forming a fabric is provided. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of yarn and batching the yarn on an A-frame so that the fabric is formed with a width greater than 102 inches and with a twill weave with a satin face. Also included is the step of passing the fabric across a plurality of rolls that have a rough surface and that apply compression to the fabric. The steps of applying fabric to a tenter frame and heating of the fabric is also included. The present invention also provides for a fabric in certain exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: A method of forming a piezoelectric actuator of an inkjet head formed on a vibrating plate to provide a driving power for ejecting ink to each of pressure chambers is provided. The method includes forming a lower electrode on a vibrating plate, forming a piezoelectric layer on the lower electrode to be located above each of pressure chambers, forming a protecting layer covering the lower electrode and the piezoelectric layer, exposing an upper surface of the piezoelectric layer by decreasing a thickness of the protecting layer and the piezoelectric layer, forming an upper electrode on the upper surface of the piezoelectric layer, removing the protecting layer. According to the present invention, since the piezoelectric layer having a flat upper surface is formed in uniform figure, area and thickness of the upper electrode formed thereon is uniformly controlled.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mold for producing a catalyst carrier, which has a circular cross-sectional cell structure to realize high cell density and form a very thin web, compared to conventional arts, using a bundle of I-shaped pins.

Abstract: A tubular member is expanded by pressurizing an interior region within the tubular member.

Abstract: A control circuit board is received in a circuit board receiving case without being directly joined to the circuit board receiving case and has a circuit board side connector. The circuit board side connector is installed to a main body side connector of a gear housing in an installation direction parallel to a rotatable shaft of the motor main body to supply electric power to the motor main body through the main body side connector. A pin main body of a fixing pin is received into a fixing through hole of the control circuit board through a pin receiving through hole of the gear housing in a direction perpendicular to the installation direction of the circuit board side connector.

Abstract: In a method or system for producing a helical stator, a stator core strip is provided having a base portion with spaced tangs extending from the base portion. The strip is driven in a feed direction toward a bending region. At the bending region the strip is bent with an outside pressure member positioned to apply pressure at an outside edge of the strip base portion and with an inside pressure wheel having a plurality of teeth. A backstop surface of the teeth contact an inside edge of the base portion between adjacent tangs to support the base portion as the strip is bent by the outside pressure member. A winding arbor receives the bent strip to collect multiple turns of the bent strip to form the helical stator.