Abstract: A process for preparing 2-difluoromethoxy-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (desflurane) comprising the following steps: (a) providing a first mixture comprising desflurane and 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-123); (b) adding water to the first mixture to form a second mixture; and (c) fractionally distilling the second mixture to yield a desflurane product purer in R-123 than said the mixture. Also described is a purified desflurane product prepared by the process, and intermediate products comprising water added to a mixture of desflurane and R-123.

Abstract: ‘LIRF’ is a distinctive variety of Liriope muscari which is characterized by the combination of its narrow leaf width, dense foliage and a pink flower color.

Abstract: ‘LIRTP’ is a distinctive variety of Liriope muscari which is characterized by the combination of its tall plant height, tall inflorescence length combined with narrow leaf width, dense foliage and a purple flower color.

Abstract: ‘AU Buck IV’ is a new and distinct Chinese chestnut cultivar that is blight resistant, precocious and an annual bearer. It produces a medium to heavy crop load each year and a large sized nut. Nut drop begins about October 10 and continues for a 5-6 week period. A high percentage of nuts produced drop during the first 4 weeks of the period that nuts drop from this cultivar. ‘AU Buck IV’ is a small tree that is broadly elliptic in shape with high, upright to spreading and diffuse branches that was 8.23 meters tall with a canopy covering an area of 30.19 square meters at 15 years old. ‘AU Buck IV’ is the fourth cultivar to mature and drop nuts in a series of four Chinese chestnut cultivars that will provide for a continuous nut drop of a high energy wildlife food source from late August through mid-to-late November.

Abstract: A new Salvia plant named ‘Salv Bule’, particularly distinguished by large dark violet-purple flowers and long racemes, early bloomer, strong stems and racemes with dark foliage and a dense habit.

Abstract: A new Penstemon plant named ‘Peni Vio09,’ particularly distinguished by large, purple flowers, upright and medium-compact plants, strong stems, and an earlier flowering habit.

Abstract: A new Angelonia plant named ‘Car Witti09’, particularly distinguished by the white flower color, upright habit, with dense foliage, strong stems, and good floriferousness.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Dianthus plant named ‘BRIGHT EYES’ that is characterized by compact habit, grey-green foliage, and double flowers that are predominantly white in color with deep plum-red centers. In combination these traits set ‘BRIGHT EYES’ apart from all other existing varieties of Dianthus known to the inventor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinctive male asparagus hybrid called ‘M256’. ‘M256’ has the ability to confer desirable traits on its progeny, such as early spear emergence, and produces offspring that have a higher proportion of marketable spears.

Abstract: A new and distinct Cuphea llavea plant named ‘Vielav’ with large, purple bicolored flowers and an upright growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hypericum plant named ‘Kolmawhi’, characterized by its upright and columnar plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; uniform and freely flowering habit; uniform and high density of fruits; pale yellow-colored fruits; and resistance to Puccinia rust.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lavender plant named ‘Sanne’, characterized by its compact, upright and somewhat outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching growth habit; durable green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; large purple violet-colored flowers arranged in compact verticillasters on crowded spikes and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new variety of Grandiflora rose suitable for garden decoration, having flowers of golden yellow edged and blushed with an intense ruby coloration.

Abstract: A new and distinct Cordyline cultivar named ‘Sunrise’ is disclosed, characterized by very stable, strongly variegated foliage of bright pink and burgundy and excellent performance in drought and high heat.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Shrub rose plant is provided that forms in abundance on a substantially continuous basis attractive slightly fragrant semi-double blossoms that are yellow to cream-yellow in coloration. The buds are globular in shape. The vegetation is vigorous and a spreading growth habit is displayed. The disease resistance is above average for the class with respect to Black Spot, Powdery Mildew, and Rust. The plant is particularly well suited for providing attractive ornamentation in the landscape, and can be grown as a ground cover.

Abstract: The cross-sectional area of a thin-film transistor (TFT) is decreased in order to minimize bitline to supply leakage of the TFT. This is accomplished by utilizing a spacer etch process to manufacture a TFT having a very narrow and thin channel in a controllable manner. The spacer dimensions of the TFT may be adjusted by simply modifying the thicknesses of the poly gate and the channel poly. The channel thickness is limited by the thickness of the deposited channel polysilicon which may be as thin as approximately 300 ? to 500 ?, and the channel width of the TFT corresponds to the height of the spacer etched along the polysilicon gate of the device which may be as small as approximately 0.15 to 0.25 ?m.

Abstract: Apparatus for acquiring an image utilizing serial transmission between the analog-to-digital converting means and the processing means (ASIC) is disclosed herein. The image acquiring system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the following devices. The image sensor converts an image to an electrical signal responding to a trigger signal. An amplifier amplifies the power of the electrical signal mentioned above, and the amplified electrical signal is of the analog format. The A/D converting device converts the amplified electrical signal from the analog format to the digital format responding to a reference voltage, wherein the A/D converting device outputs the digitized electrical signal in series. The processing device stores the digitized electrical signal in a memory, wherein the trigger signal is generated by the processing device responding to the digitized electrical signal.

Abstract: A method for setting a transmission quality target value for power control in a mobile radiocommunication system, a method wherein: an offset is applied in an anticipated way to said transmission quality target value to compensate for the effects of a compressed mode whereby transmission is interrupted during transmission gaps in compressed frames, and the transmission rate is correspondingly increased to compensate for said transmission gaps, said offset includes a first component intended to compensate for the effects of said transmission rate increase, and a second component intended to compensate for the effects of said transmission gaps, said transmission rate increase applies not only for a compressed frame but for a plurality of frames including said compressed frame, and said second component is not applied for all frames of said plurality of frames, but only for said compressed frame and/or for at least one frame, or recovery frame, following said compressed frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for arranging records in search results to be provided in response to a data inquiry of a database. After search results including records are received, a determination is made with respect to the order of the records in the search results. This determination may be based on various factors such as the destination of the search results, the preferred status of certain records over other records, a marketing determination with respect to the records, a frequency determination with respect to the number of times that a record or records may have already been provided in response to data inquiries, a weighting factor determination or a combination of one or more of these factors. In response to the determination of the order of the records in the search results, the records then are arranged into ordered records based on the determination.

Abstract: A filter driver for implementing disk space quotas is described. Quota limits on disk space taken up by files in the file system are established for users and directories, and an internal database is established to track quotas against actual disk space utilization. A driver in accordance with the invention uses kernel resources of the operating system to prevent execution of file system I/O operations which would violate any established quota. In doing so, the driver executes a logic in kernel mode which serializes file allocation operations and also serializes access to the internal database. The first step in this logic is to intercept file system I/O requests before they reach the file system driver. Then the driver determines prospectively—before the I/O request is completed—whether any quota would be exceeded by completion of the I/O request. If a quota would be exceeded, completion of the I/O request is blocked and an error status is issued.

Abstract: An infant caregiver's padded pillow garment has a single shoulder strap on one side. An outer breathable water resistant cover shields an inner memory foam pad. Teething items and toys on tethers are removably clipped to an edge of the garment. The garment covers the upper front torso and shoulders for holding the infant to cushion the infant's head banging the caregiver's bones. The garment folds in half vertically along a stitched vertical fold line and flips over to the back of the caregiver with the strap over the front for normal activity without holding the infant. The padding conforms to the shape of the caregiver's body from thick over the boney body portions tapering to thin over the upper breast.

Abstract: A bib for illustrating an infant's last feeding time, including a cover member for covering a predetermined portion of at least one of an infant and an infant's clothing. The cover member being manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and first predetermined shape. A securing mechanism is operably connected to such cover member at predetermined location thereon for securing such cover member at least one of around such infant's neck, to such infant and to such infant's clothing. Indicia is formed on such cover member illustrating predetermined information relating to a last feeding time of such infant. An indicator mechanism is disposed on such cover member for indicating such infant's last feeding time.

Abstract: What is described is a sash-style apparatus that can be comprised of two strips of material. The two strips of material can be configured such that in one configuration the first strip of material lies substantially behind the second strip of material and in a second configuration, the two strips of material can be minimally parted to reveal the mother's nipple and allow an infant to breastfeed. The mother can feed and bond with her infant, without exposing her breast.

Abstract: A sports cap in which a visor has an intermediate support layer bonded with a bottom lining layer and sandwiched between a top layer and a bottom layer, and a positioning block with a center insertion hole selectively fastened to one of recesses on the top side of the intermediate support layer for securing a stem of a decorative item for enabling a golf counter to be detachably fastened to the decorative item by means of magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A pre-assembled anti-creep waist-clothing stay device including a patch having front and back surfaces and sized for application to a crotch-adjacent inner-seam area of the waist-clothing and a stay strip affixed to the back surface of the patch, the stay strip being positioned and sized such that the patch extends beyond edges of the stay strip. In key embodiments, the patch includes a heat-activated adhesive such that, when the patch is applied to the waist-clothing with iron-on heat and pressure, the patch adheres at its back surface to the waist-clothing, thereby securing the stay strip in position to prevent the waist-clothing from riding up and bunching in the crotch area.

Abstract: A cistern outlet valve mounting bracket assembly (10). The assembly includes first and second bracket members (12, 14) adapted for positioning about an outlet valve (20) in engagement with each other and the valve (20). The members (12, 14) also have means (28, 32) to allow fixing of the engaged members (12, 14) to a cistern (38). A method of installing an outlet valve (20) in a cistern (38) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A waste removal system that includes a toilet pan (28) for a ultra-low flushing volume toilet (20). The pan (28) includes a rearward end (28a) adapted for positioning substantially adjacent a cistern (22) and a frontward end (28b) adapted for positioning substantially remote the cistern (22). The pan (28) also includes a flushing water outlet having a primary outlet nozzle arrangement (42) disposed substantially adjacent the pan frontward end (28b) and adapted to direct flushing water (62) downwards and towards the pan rearward end (28a). The system also includes a related flushing method and drainline (90).

Abstract: That end of a wall-mounting support for a shower head that is coordinated to the wall may be pivoted about a horizontal axis. A holder, into which a shower head may be inserted, is provided on the far end of the wall-mounting arm. That holder may also be pivoted about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A bed rail structured to minimize the gap between the mattress and the bed rail and including a leg portion and a rail portion. The rail portion extends upwardly on a first side of the mattress to extend beyond the sleeping surface of the mattress and prevent a person from rolling out of bed. The leg portion is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring and extends toward a second side of the mattress. In one embodiment, the leg portion includes a distal end that is engaged to the second side of at least one of the mattress and box spring such that the distal end and rail portion hug the mattress. In another embodiment, the bed rail includes a relatively rigid cover depending from an upper portion of the rail portion to the sleeping surface so as to cover a gap that may exist between the first side of the mattress and the rail portion.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support, and a positioning system for positioning the patient support, wherein the positioning system is capable of placing the patient support such that a point on the patient support is at a location, and rotating the patient support about a vertical axis that intersects the point, wherein the positioning system includes a first arm and a second arm rotatably coupled to the first arm, and the patient support is rotatably coupled to the second arm. A patient support system includes a first base portion rotatable about a first vertical axis, a second base portion rotatably coupled to the first base portion such that the second base portion is rotatable relative to the first base portion about a second vertical axis, a first arm coupled to the second base portion, a second arm rotatably coupled to the first arm, and a patient support rotatably coupled to the second arm.

Abstract: A medical examination table which is movable between a lowered patient entry/exit position and a raised patient examination position. A scissor-lift assembly is provided to raise and lower the examination table. The examination table includes a drawer having a pivotal front panel which is adapted to support instruments or other items thereon when the drawer is folded to a downward position. The examination table further includes a storage pocket located beneath the backrest. The storage pocket and its contents are concealed when the backrest is lowered and are accessible when the backrest is inclined.

Abstract: A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a face of a user (16) of a massage device (10) includes a support frame (226) and a resilient assembly (220). The support frame (226) is coupled to the massage device (11). The resilient assembly (220) includes a first resilient subassembly (256) that is coupled to the support frame (226), and a second resilient subassembly (258) that engages the first resilient subassembly (256). The first resilient subassembly (256) and the second resilient subassembly (258) cooperate and act in parallel to support the face of the user (16). The first resilient subassembly (256) can include a plurality of spaced apart resilient members (360).

Abstract: A support for use with the upper extremity of a patient is disclosed. An upper extremity support including a wedge for supporting the upper extremity is provided. The upper extremity support may include a block for supporting the wedge. The upper extremity support may also include straps and may define apertures and grooves for fastening and positioning the upper extremity in relation to the upper extremity support, the patient or another support. The upper extremity support may position the upper extremity in a substantially scaption position.

Abstract: A mattress embodying a foam encasement surrounding individually wrapped coils and lacking a barrier separating upholstery layers from the coil assembly. Border material is affixed to sidewalls forming the foam encasement and the upholstery layer is tacked to a base of the foam encasement.

Abstract: A drawer guide is provided for a dishwasher or other device through which there is a flow of liquid or gas. The drawer guide has guide rails and at least one rolling member assembly to guide the guide rails in a displaceable manner on another guide rail. A cage is provided for the rolling members. At least one of the guide rails has a rear rail portion with fluid passage openings that allow liquid or gas to flow through the guide rail when the device is in operation. At least one cage for the rolling members of the drawer guide can include a rear cage portion that is provided with fluid passage openings that allow liquid or gas to flow therethrough when the device is in operation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of foot apparel that includes a platform curved to anticipate the natural movement of a foot. The method includes forming the platform with a heel pad having a geometric center point. The method also includes connecting a retaining covering to the platform that is configured to retain a foot at the front of the platform and to allow the heel of the foot to move freely relative to the heel pad. The article of foot apparel conforms more closely to the actual physiology of the foot and allows the heel of the foot to remain centered in the heel pad when worn.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is disclosed. The electric toothbrush includes a body having an interior hollow region for retaining one or more motors, batteries, and drive mechanisms. The toothbrush includes multiple bristle carriers. Each of the bristle carriers undergoes some type of movement and is driven by the one or more motors and drive mechanisms. Various combinations of movement of the bristle carriers are described. And, numerous drive train mechanisms are disclosed for achieving the noted motions.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush includes a handle having an electric motor, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head. The head has first end disposed adjacent to the neck and a second end opposite the first end. The head has a first bristle holder with a plurality of bristles disposed therein and a second bristle holder having a plurality of bristles disposed therein. The first bristle holder is located at the second end of said head. A rotating shaft is operatively connected to the electric motor and to the first moving bristle holder to reciprocate the first moving bristle holder in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the head.

Abstract: A mop head wringing mechanism comprises a first sleeve having a helical-shaped spline extending at least partially around an external face thereof and a second sleeve is slideably engaged over the first sleeve. The second sleeve has a spline engaging portion in constrained engagement with the helical-shaped spline of the first sleeve whereby translation of the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve causes rotation of the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve. A slip member is substantially constrained from lateral movement with respect to the second sleeve and is engaged with the second sleeve for enabling rotation of the second sleeve relative to the slip member. A control member is coupled to the slip member such that movement of the control member causes the second sleeve to translate from an at-rest position to a displaced position thereby rotating the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve.

Abstract: A cleaning device including a cleaning member and a handle connected to the cleaning member. The handle includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a ball member and the second member includes a socket. The ball member being disposed in the socket to couple the first member and the second member and enable the second member to pivot with respect to the first member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cleaning article including a brush portion. The brush portion has a plurality of strips and at least one layer of a fiber bundle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper system with a wiper drive (1), which is comprised of a wiper motor (2) and a gear (3). A wiper arm shaft (14) for a wiper arm (19) can be driven via the output shaft (5) of the gear (3). Linking points (31, 32, 33) for accommodating the wiper drive (1) on a surface (24, 40) are arranged in the housing area (7) of the wiper drive (1). The linking points (31, 32, 33) of the wiper drive (1) each feature a decoupling element (41, 42, 43), in which fastening elements (55) to mount the wiper drive (1) either on a vehicle body (24) or on a screw-down surface (40) are accommodated.

Abstract: A retractable hose extension for a vacuum having an expandable hose within a containment structure, a first coupling at the first end of the hose and in the first end of the containment structure for connecting the hose to a vacuum, a valve at the second end of the hose, and either a door or other releasable retention device for the hose. Preferably, the valve is an iris valve. Two fixed embodiment and one portable embodiment exist. The first fixed embodiment is inserted within a wall. The second fixed embodiment is rotatably attached to a tube contained within or running below a ceiling and extending from a vacuum system.

Abstract: An electrical appliance includes a housing carrying a drive motor, a temperature sensor and a controller. The temperature sensor monitors the operating temperature of the drive motor. The controller is responsive to the temperature sensor. The controller adjusts the current applied to the drive motor in response to a high temperature condition detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment including a hydraulic system and adjustable linkages to allow a user to adjust particular features to suit the equipment for different applications.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes suction means that provides suction force, a suction nozzle that uses the suction force provided by the suction means to draw in particle laden air, a dust collecting box that receives the particle laden air drawn in through the suction nozzle, an upper cover having an opening at a central portion thereof that provides for selective opening/closing of an upper portion of the dust collecting box, and a filter assembly that is selectively fastened to an edge of the opening, for filtering dust from the particle laden air and discharging the air upward. This structure simplifies cleaning and replacement of the dust collector assembly.

Abstract: A floor cleaning appliance includes a housing carrying both a suction generator and a dirt cup. The dirt cup includes a sidewall, a top wall and a dump door. A latch is provided to secure the dump door in a closed position. An actuator for releasing that latch is remotely positioned on the top wall. A linkage is carried on the sidewall and operatively connects the actuator with the latch.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cyclone dust separating unit which includes a cyclone part to separate dust from a dust-laden air drawn from a surface being cleaned using a centrifugal force, a dust collecting part comprising a dust chamber to accommodate the dust separated at the cyclone part, and a compressing part to compress the dust accommodated in the dust chamber. The compressing part includes a driving part to rotatably drive a driving axis, and a compressing plate driven in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the driving axis according to the rotation of the driving axis, and to compress the dust accommodated in the dust chamber. As a result, a vacuum cleaner is provided, which requires a minimum space for the installation of a compressing part to compress dust inside the dust collecting part, and provides maximum compressing force of the compressing part.

Abstract: A suction brush of a vacuum cleaner for both vacuum cleaning and steam cleaning is provided. The suction brush includes a brush main body connected to a cleaner main body; a steam generating unit for heating water being supplied from a water storage tank mounted on the brush main body and spraying steam generated by heating the water on the surface to be cleaned; a turbine fan, installed in the brush main body, for generating a rotating force by the drawn-in air that flows into the brush main body; a power transfer unit for being driven by the rotating force of the turbine fan; and at least one pair of duster rotating plates, arranged on a lower part of the suction brush, for being rotated by power being transferred through the power transfer unit.