Abstract: ‘John 316’ is a distinctive variety of Dianella caerulea, which is characterized by the combination of its tall plant height, an absence of canes, strong leaf surface glaucosity creating a blue-green foliage appearance, violet blue flowers, long inflorescence length positioning the flowers above the foliage and a red basal sheath zone. ‘John 316’ is also less prone to falling over than the parent type.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Streptocarpus plant named ‘Spirit’ that is characterized by a large quantity of violet-blue flowers with a darker purple center venation.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Streptocarpus plant named ‘Roulette Cherry’ that is characterized by large leaves, large flowers and flowers with a white center and throat and red outer lobes.

Abstract: A new and distinct Dicentra peregrina×eximia plant named ‘Burning Hearts’ with dark burgundy flowers, good vigor, a compact habit and long flowering period.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Hosta named ‘Paradise Island’, a sport of Hosta ‘Fire Island’, that is characterized by its unique variegated foliage with bright yellow to yellow- centers and dark green margins, its red petioles and red markings extending into the leaf blade and its lavender flowers present in early to mid summer.

Abstract: ‘Ramboramp’ is a distinctive variety of Anigozanthos hybrid which is characterized by the combination of its medium to tall plant height, long flowering season, profuse flowering, large flower size and orange-red colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Phlox plant named ‘Tequila Sunrise’, particularly distinguished by salmon and pink-colored flowers, compact habit, healthy foliage, and good mildew resistance, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Phlox plant named ‘Strawberry Daiquiri’, particularly distinguished by flowers deep red-colored flowers, compact habit, healthy foliage, and good mildew resistance, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Phlox plant named ‘Pink Lady’, particularly distinguished by flowers colored a soft lilac pink with pure white centers, compact habit, healthy foliage, and good mildew resistance, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Phlox plant named ‘Red Caribbean’, particularly distinguished by bright red-colored flowers, compact habit, healthy foliage, and good mildew resistance, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of evergreen shrub holly distinguished in that it combines from three species (Ilex rugosa, I. integra, and I. pernyi), as well as exhibiting desirable landscape and production traits which distinguish it from other forms of Ilex. Plants of the new variety exhibit a moderately vigorous rate of growth, develop a dense, self-compacting, moderately broad conical form of moderate size, possess small, shiny, dark green leaves with a beautiful finely rugose surface and non-spiny margins (consumer friendly) with bright red fruit displayed on wood of the previous season's growth, and are outstanding for their high level of winter hardiness.

Abstract: A new and distinct Guzmania hybrid plant named ‘AROSA’ characterized by solid growth habit; funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 45 cm in height (above the pot when flowering); numerous, green color foliage, measuring about 50 cm in length and about 3.5 cm to 4.5 cm in width; superior floral bract production; bracts have a unique, compound red-purple inflorescence which distinguishes this cultivar from typical Guzmania; compound inflorescence, measuring about 11 cm in height and about 11 cm in diameter; and long-lasting habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct Blueberry cultivar is provided that is the product of a controlled breeding program followed by selection. The cultivar flowers and forms fruit that ripens at mid-season. The attractive large light blue berries exhibit a strong acid flavor at harvest becoming sweeter a few days following harvest and which possess a very good post-harvest shelf life. The plant requires cross-pollination for abundant fruit production. The growth habit is vase-shaped and the foliage is evergreen. A low chilling requirement is also exhibited. The plant grows well in a dry climate in well-drained sandy soils.

Abstract: A new and distinct Blueberry cultivar is provided that is the product of a controlled breeding program followed by selection. The cultivar flowers and fruits at mid-season. Attractive light blue berries are formed which exhibit an excellent aromatic sweet flavor and a very good post-harvest shelf life. The plant is self-fertile, and displays a very vigorous vase-shaped growth habit with evergreen foliage. No cross pollination is required. A low chilling requirement also is exhibited. No special sensitivity to common blueberry diseases has been encountered during observations to date. The new cultivar has proven to be adaptable to growing in different soil types.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Achillea plant named ‘Sunny Seduction’, characterized by its upright and mounding plant habit; strong and vigorous growth habit; freely flowering habit with plants remaining in flower for a long period time; inflorescences with bright yellow-colored ray florets; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘ABPP’ that is characterized by dense habit, dark-green divided foliage, and small deep-pink flowers on short stems held close to the foliage. In combination these traits set ‘ABBP’ apart from all other varieties of Geranium known to the inventor.

Abstract: A field unit for warning of a danger of collision between an aircraft and an obstacle, in particular a topographical ground obstacle or an obstacle formed by a mast, building or aerial cable structure, comprises a multi-part tubular mast having devices for fixing a solar panel and a radar antenna; an elongate radar antenna in an environment-protective casing, which, with an electronics unit, forms a radar system for synthesized radar detection of an aircraft in a radar coverage area; a central processing unit for identifying on the basis of information from the radar system an aircraft which is in a zone of the radar coverage area and which on the basis of radar information such as direction, distance and/or speed computes a collision danger area; and a high-intensity light system and radio transmitter system that can be activated by the central processing unit upon detection of an aircraft in a collision danger area.

Abstract: An adaptive variable-length coding/decoding method performs an optimal variable-length coding and decoding depending on an intra mode/inter mode condition, quantization step size and a current zigzag scanning position, such that a plurality of variable-length coding tables having different patterns of a regular region and an escape region according to statistical characteristics of the run level data are set. One of the variable-length coding tables is selected according to mode, quantization step size and scanning position, and the orthogonal transform coefficients according to the selected variable-length coding table are variable-length-coded.

Abstract: In an image recording apparatus according to this invention, an image recording media which has an image data recording area and an image data management area for managing the recording state of image data in the image data recording area and cannot be overwritten is applied, and an image data unerased area of the recording media is detected by an unerased area detection circuit when a recording mode is set by a recording mode setting REC switch, so that the image data in the detected unerased area is substantially erased by a CPU. In this state, the CPU waits for the start of an image recording operation by operating a recording trigger switch. According to this apparatus, a high-speed recording operation can be performed without missing a chance of recording even if a recording media which cannot be overwritten is applied as an image information recording media.

Abstract: A brush has an elongate core, bristles fitted radially into this core, and at least one notch consisting of at least two secant faces defining by their intersection a trough line. The two faces are asymmetric and form an angle at any point of their intersection of between 60° and 180°.

Abstract: In a solvent extraction process for preparing microspheres of a biodegradable polymer, the improvement comprising: preparing a homogenized antigen-sucrose matrix and adding a solvent to the sucrose-antigen matrix to form a solution; preparing a solution of a biodegradable polymer by adding a solvent to the polymer; adding the biodegradable polymer solution to the antigen-sucrose solution; adding an oil to the polymer-sucrose-antigen solution to form an emulsion having a controlled viscosity that corresponds to a predetermined average particle size of distributions of microspheres of biodegradable polymers; centrifuging the emulsion of controlled viscosity and removing the supernatant to obtain microspheres of a predetermined range of particle size distributions of from about 0.5 to about 7.0 micrometers.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided for the diagnosis of the presence of retroviral infection in a human host associated with lymphadenopathy syndrome and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, for expression of polypeptides and use of the polypeptides to prepare antibodies, where both the polypeptides and antibodies may be employed as diagnostic reagents or in therapy, e.g., vaccines and passive immunization. The sequences provide detection of the viral infectious agents associated with the indicated syndromes and can be used for expression of antigenic polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for modifying and feeding a liquid nutritional feeding composition. The apparatus comprises a chamber (3) for receiving a beneficial agent for modifying a liquid nutritional feeding composition, the chamber has an inlet (7) connectable to a container (5) that contains the nutritional feeding composition and an outlet (13) connectable to a feeding means (8,9). A pumping means is associated with the chamber (3) for pumping the nutritional feeding composition from the container into the chamber and back into the container to mix the beneficial agent with the nutritional feeding composition before the outlet (13) of the chamber is connected to the feeding means (8,9). The chamber (3) may comprise at least one flexible wall capable of being squeezed and released for pumping the nutritional feeding composition. The invention also relates to a method for modifying and feeding a liquid nutritional feeding composition.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring portable tools at a particular work cell remotely by R-F communication to provide error proofing of various parameters including that the correct tool is to be used at a work cell, the tool is properly calibrated for the operation to be performed, that it is being used a proper number of times per part being assembled or inspected, and that the tool has been calibrated within a selected service interval. The tools will be made actuable only by R-F communication with specific factory apparatus whereby theft of such portable tools will be inhibited.

Abstract: When a picture image recorded by a digital camera is reproduced, a high quality picture image is immediately reproduced without repetitive test prints for enhancing a picture quality or repetitive minor adjustments based on a confirmation via a monitor. Recording is carried out by a digital camera having a function of adding recording information representing a recording condition (a recording information adding unit) to digital image data obtained by the recording. A set-up processing unit in an image reproducing apparatus carries out image processing on the image data obtained by the recording for enhancing a picture quality using the recording information added to the image data, and the image reproducing apparatus reproduces the image data in the form of a print or a display on a monitor.

Abstract: Platform and/or application software on all online, machine/servers in a cluster is updated without manually taking each machine/server offline. Initially, platform and/or application software for updating is stored in respective directories in an APPLY phase. Next, the new platform and/or application software is activated with or without a trial/test phase in an ACTIVATE phase. Where the new platform and/or application software is activated with a trial/test phase, a ROLLBACK phase is either automatically or manually invoked by the application in the event of a failure of the new software for backing out the new platform and/or application software and reactivating the previous platform and/or application software. An OFFICLAL phase then transitions the new platform and/or application software to the official state followed by a REACTIVATE phase for reactivating the backup copy of the previous/old platform and/or application software after the new software has been made official.

Abstract: Continuousness and stability of an effect of preventing hip hemlines from rising in walking or a crouching posture are improved. A clothing has: a front body 11 and back body 12 which are stretchable; and a gusset 13 which is disposed between an inner crotch front portion 22 of the lower end of the front body 11 and an inner crotch rear portion 23 of the lower end of the back body 12, to cover a groin portion. The curvature of the rear end portion 13b which is formed in the gusset 13 into a convex arcuate shape is made larger than that of the inner crotch rear portion 23 which is formed in the lower end of the back body 12 into a concave arcuate shape, and the rear end portion 13b and the inner crotch rear portion 23 are stitched together to dispose a dart 26 which three-dimensinalizes so as to suit a bulged shape of a buttock lower portion.

Abstract: A band that extends around a garment appendage, such as a sleeve or trouser leg. The band has a concealed position that hides a reflective tape and a deployed position where the reflective tape is visible. The band includes a strip that encircles and is attached to the garment appendage at a distance from the free end of the garment appendage. The reflective tape is bonded to the underside of the strip or to the garment appendage.

Abstract: An embossed material and an article of apparel incorporating the embossed material are disclosed. The embossed material includes a textured surface that defines a plurality of extended regions and at least one compressed region. The extended regions may have an elongate or elliptical configuration, for example, and the compressed region may extend around each extended region. When incorporated into the article of apparel, the textured surface may face inward to form at least a portion of an interior surface of the article of apparel. Accordingly, the extended regions may be positioned to contact an individual wearing the article of apparel.

Abstract: An impact and/or vibration absorbent material and protective articles making use of said material. An impact and/or vibration absorbent material of the present invention has at least two material layers. The individual layers of the impact and/or vibration absorbent material may be of the same material, or of different materials. Each material layer preferably contains a number of holes. The holes in one layer are located and arranged to be offset from the holes in an adjacent layer. The combination of inherent material properties and the inclusion and arrangement of holes renders such a material highly impact and/or vibration absorbent. Through use of a protective article of the present invention, the effects of impact and/or vibration forces on a user of the protective article can be minimized.

Abstract: A stocking to be worn on a foot of a person, includes a flattenable hollow tube of stretch material having a first portion with a first open end, a second portion extending from the first portion and having a second open end, and a folded portion folded backward from the second open end of the second portion to surround the second portion and having a circumferentially extending connecting part secured to the second portion along a circumferentially extending securing line, and a circumferentially extending open part movable between a folded position, where the circumferentially extending open part of the folded portion is folded back to surround a corresponding area of the second portion, and an unfolded position, where the circumferentially extending open part of the folded portion is extended forward from the second open end of the second portion away from the second portion.

Abstract: A positioning structure for the male reproductive organ, and more particularly provides a positioning structure which contributes to the hygiene, health and comfort of the male reproductive organ, and mainly includes a main body, a spacing portion, a holding portion and a positioning portion, wherein the main body further comprises at least one lower retaining portion and a waistband portion. The present invention is able to avoid the pants crotch, and enables upwardly centrally fixing the position of the penis to prevent it from falling down to one side, thereby resolving the problems of ill health, unhygienic state and discomfort of the penis resulting from constant skin contact between the penis and the scrota, while at the same time effectively preventing the problem of compression deformation of the penis when an erection occurs when wearing tight-fitting pants.

Abstract: The convertible furniture includes an elongate central bench section. A subframe is provided having an elongate planar member with load-bearing upright support members supporting arm rests or back rests extending upward at opposite ends of the elongate planar member. The central bench section is disposed atop the upright support members. Two lateral extension sections are pivotally attached to opposite edges of the bench section so that the lateral extension sections independently swing out from the central bench section to define a bed frame. Each of the lateral extension sections includes extendable support legs, which provide stability to the respective lateral extension section when extended to the bed frame configuration. Removable mattresses are provided for each section of the furniture. The mattresses are stored on the subframe and hidden from view when the extension sections are retracted. Placing a mattress on the bench section converts the bench to a chaise.

Abstract: A storable dual action hydraulic device has a base unit from which floor supports extend, and a series of arms that articulate relative to the base unit to lift and re-orient a lifting device. The base unit houses an on-board power supply and control systems for hydraulic cylinders. A first arm and associated hydraulic cylinder extend from the base, and a second arm and associated hydraulic cylinder extend from the extreme end of the first arm opposite the base unit. At the extreme end of the second arm opposite the first arm, a mechanism is disposed for connecting to a lifting device capable of lifting subjects such as immobile persons. The device is equipped with weight measuring equipment, a retractable handle for maneuvering the device, a hinge member from which the lifting device motorized control for the lifting device and a controller for articulating the arms of the device.

Abstract: End portions of a pair of crossbar bed frame members are detachably connected by a locking mechanism including an arm attached by the pivot element to one frame member to rotate between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. One frame member has a first projection and the pivot element includes a second projection. A pair of elongated slots in the frame members receive the projections when the frame members are longitudinally oriented and the end portions are overlapping. The end portions have openings therein that are aligned when the end portions overlap. The arm has a portion that is inserted in the aligned openings when in the locked condition and withdrawn from the aligned openings to allow the frame members to be disconnected and separated when in the unlocked condition.

Abstract: A bedding assembly includes a fitted sheet forming opposing side panels when engaging a mattress and including at least one fastener positioned longitudinally along at least one of the fitted sheet opposing side panels. The bedding assembly also includes a top sheet forming opposing side panels when engaging a mattress and including at least one complimentary fastener positioned longitudinally along at least one of the top sheet opposing side panels, the at least one complementary fastener of the top sheet substantially aligning with the at least one fastener of the fitted sheet.

Abstract: In a patient bed system, comprising a patient bed, a support column for supporting the bed and a trolley for transporting the bed, the bed having arranged on it first coupling elements (22) which are intended for selective connection to second or third coupling elements (24, 26) on the support column and on the trolley respectively, locking means (60, 62) being provided on at least one of the coupling elements, in order to lock the first coupling elements (22) alternatively to the second or third coupling elements (24, 26) when the bed is coupled to the support column or to the trolley (16), the locking means have at least one locking element (60, 62) which is arranged adjustably on one of the coupling elements (22, 24, 26) and which, in the engagement position of two coupling elements (22, 24, 26), engages into a clearance (76, 82) of the coupling element adjacent in each case, the coupling elements having formed on them control cams (88), by means of which, during the operation of transferring the bed from

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.

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: What is shown is an apparatus (10) for adjusting the bed (12) of an operating table, the said bed comprising a plurality of segments (14a to 14f) adjustable in relation to one another, at least some of the adjustable segments (14a to 14f) being connected to actuators (16a to 16f) which can be activated in order to adjust the associated segments (14a to 14f). The apparatus (10) comprises an input device (18) for the input of commands for the adjustment of at least some of the segments (14a to 14f) connected to actuators (16a to 16f). The apparatus (10) can be operated in at least two operating modes which correspond in each case to a specific position of a patient on the bed (12). The input device (18) has means for the input of body-part-related adjustment commands which are associated with the adjustment of the position of a body part or body portion of the patient.

Abstract: An accessory has a substantially radiolucent frame, a floor-supported base, and a support structure extending between the base and one end of the frame. A second end of the frame is coupleable to a surgical table in a manner that permits the frame to articulate relative to the surgical table. The support structure is extendable and retractable to change the height at which the first end of the frame is supported above the base. The support structures is able to tilt front to rear and side to side relative to the base and the frame is able to tilt front to rear and side to side relative to the support structure. The frame is movable to a compact storage position having the second end of the frame supported on the base. A set of wheels are provided on the base to permit the accessory to be wheeled from one location to another.

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: A harness includes a single and unitary body with a plurality of longitudinal members and a plurality of latitudinal members monolithically formed therewith. The apparatus further includes a plurality of fasteners with opposed ends directly and oppositely mated to the longitudinal members and extending towards a center of the body for being engaged about the patient. Each of such fasteners has male and female members detachably and directly mated along a width of the body and between the longitudinal sides respectively. The apparatus further includes a first plurality of handles monolithically connected to the longitudinal members and extending laterally away therefrom along opposed sides of the body, and a second plurality of handles are monolithically connected to opposed corners of the body and diagonally protruding outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention generally relate to pillow devices comprising a pair of opposing lobe cushions connected by a cross member comprising a neck supporting cushion. In some embodiments the cushions may define a region for receiving a back portion of a human head in a cradling relation. Furthermore, according to some embodiments the cradle region can optionally be adjustable by the user.

Abstract: A body pillow includes an outer enclosure, first, second and third chambers disposed within the outer enclosure, the first and second chambers disposed adjacent to one another, and the second and third chambers disposed adjacent to one another, each of the first, second and third chambers adapted to be filled by respective filling material, a first baffle disposed between the first and second chambers, and a second baffle disposed between the second and third chambers, the first and second baffles adapted to prevent filling material within each of the first, second and third chambers from shifting to an adjacent one of the chambers. Beneficially, among other benefits, the body pillow's baffles prevent filling material disposed within each of the chambers from shifting to adjacent chambers, both during normal use of the body pillow and during washing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a ball balancer of a washing machine. The method includes variously setting sensing time corresponding to a plurality of water temperature ranges to detect an unbalanced mass, detecting imbalance of laundry and a laundry volume based on a water temperature, which is measured in real time, and the preset sensing time when an optional dehydration mode starts and performing a dehydration process.

Abstract: A method of aligning one end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft includes a step of parking the aircraft within a parking space that is defined adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. Human intelligible information visually displayed proximate the parking space is determined, the human-intelligible information being uniquely associated with the passenger boarding bridge. Using an input device that is disposed aboard the aircraft, the human-intelligible information is provided to a communication module that is also disposed aboard the aircraft. A signal including the human-intelligible information is transmitted from the communication module to a receiver that is in communication with the passenger boarding bridge. Only signals determined to include the human-intelligible information are accepted as valid signals during a current bridge alignment operation.

Abstract: A method of aligning one end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft includes a step of parking the aircraft within a parking space that is defined adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. An imager disposed aboard the aircraft is used for scanning a target that is located proximate the parking space, the target including machine-readable information that is uniquely associated with the passenger boarding bridge. Data relating to the machine-readable information of the target is extracted from image data and used for encoding a signal for transmission to a controller of the passenger boarding bridge. The controller determines the presence of the extracted data and compares the data to a unique bridge identifier code for that passenger boarding bridge. When a match is determined, then communication with an aircraft within or proximate a parking space adjacent to that passenger boarding bridge is confirmed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data and energy transmission system for telescopic boarding bridges with an inner section (2) joined to a first structure (4) and an outer section (3) connected to a second structure (5). The system has conductor rails (6) along the inner section (2) of the telescopic tunnel (1) connected to the first structure (4), and at least one pantograph mechanism (7) for electrically connecting the conductor rails (6) with the second structure (5), which is in permanent contact with said conductor rails (6) sliding along such rails accompanying the extension and retraction of the telescopic tunnel (1). There are additionally data transmission means connected to the first structure (4) and to the second structure (5).

Abstract: A method for spans launched, as self-supporting bridge beams, approximately horizontally from support structure to successive support structure without significant temporary false work or scaffolding between permanent support structures. Bridge spans assembled atop previously constructed roadbed are launched individually onto supporting structures or columns spaced at span widths beyond said roadbed. 3 individual spans are placed or assembled with a longitudinal girder into a unit atop the roadbed surface, the assembly becoming a launching truss. Load moving air cushion pallets are placed upon the roadbed beneath and before the 3 spans. The launching truss moves forward one span length beyond the roadbed end placing one span and assembled girder in cantilever. That span is disconnected from the truss and emplaced upon supporting structures, at eventual roadbed level, beyond the previously constructed roadbed. Repeated, the process completes the bridge.