Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Zalsasaq’, characterized by its erect and strong flowering stems; vigorous growth habit; salmon orange-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: Hibiscus ‘Panama Bronze’ is an ornamental variety, crossed and cultivated in Georgia. The plants of the new Hibiscus variety display new growth with an intense bronze color in high light that matures to a green color with bronze edging, deeply cut foliage, stable foliage color, very large flowers, thrives in hot an humid conditions, and flowers heavily during short days (November to April) in zone 10. ‘Panama Bronze’ can be grown in the garden or in a container.

Abstract: A newly discovered, and asexually prorogated genotype of Centipedegrass with a distinct set of agronomic, horticultural, and morphological traits.

Abstract: A new Ipomoea plant named ‘Seki Blahrt’ particularly distinguished by compact and mounding plant habit, then becomes more outwardly trailing with age, vigorous, freely branching with dense foliage, and very dark, almost black, cordate or ‘heart’ shaped foliage, with soft pink and white flowers.

Abstract: A new variety of Shrub rose suitable for garden decoration, having flowers of pure pink coloration.

Abstract: A new Angelonia plant named ‘Car Laver09,’ particularly distinguished by violet flower color, upright and medium-compact habit, dense foliage, strong stems, and good floriferousness.

Abstract: ‘Matilda’ is a new and distinct waxflower plant (interspecific Chamelaucium hybrid) notable for its early flowering, compact growth habit, and dense terminal cover of large white flowers that age to white with a diffuse magenta to maroon ring.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Lilium hybrida named ‘Double Star’, characterized by its double flowers that are pink in color, with petals that have deep pink midribs and lighter pink margins and it's flowers that lack functional reproductive organs and pollen.

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 late-season. Attractive firm light blue berries are formed which exhibit an excellent sweet flavor. The plant is not self-fertile, and displays a vase-shaped growth habit with deciduous foliage. 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 is well adapted for growing in well-drained soils outside tunnels.

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

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Metasequoia plant named ‘Shirrmann's Nordlicht’, characterized by its medium green-colored leaves occasionally with greenish-white axial variegation, globe-shaped compact growth habit, and good garden performance, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Campanula plant named ‘ROYAL’, characterized by its upright, compact, rounded plant habit; plant spread measuring about 22 cm; purple-violet colored mature petals (upper surface: RHS N82B); green colored mature leaves (upper surface: RHS N137A); cordate leaves with an acute tip; short internode measuring about 11 mm; and sepal texture that is dull, with short stiff hair on margin with abaxial side.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Zalsaris’, characterized by its erect and strong flowering stems; vigorous growth habit; purple and white-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Sunbelremo’, characterized by its upright and mounding plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching and flowering plant habit; long flowering period; medium-sized lemon yellow-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Zalsamin’, characterized by its erect and strong flowering stems; vigorous growth habit; dark red-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Duealbusky’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading to trailing and decumbent plant habit; numerous large purple violet-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Zalsasam’, characterized by its erect and strong flowering stems; vigorous growth habit; yellow-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘BLT04’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; strong and vigorous growth habit; leaflets with distinctive venation; freely flowering habit; single pink-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an ion-conducting membrane comprising an ion-conducting region and a non-ion-conducting region. The ion-conducting region is formed by a plurality of ion-conducting passageways that extend through the membrane. The passageways are filled with ion-conducting material and may be surrounded by non-ion conducting material. The membrane may comprise a substrate of non-ion-conducting material that is penetrated by openings, each opening providing a corresponding one of the passageways.

Abstract: A user wearable wire control system and associated processes that can be utilized to control a dangling wire along a user's body. The user wearable wire control system includes a first layer and second layer that are configured to form a sleeve with a hollow portion disposed therein. The sleeve is adapted to encase a least a portion of a wire. The sleeve includes a first aperture at a first end portion configured to allow at least a portion of the wire to enter the sleeve and a second aperture at a second end portion configured to allow at least a portion of the wire to exit the sleeve. As such, a wire that would otherwise dangle loosely along the body of a user may be at least partially encased in the sleeve and may reduce the danger and/or inconvenience of a dangling wire.

Abstract: A cap in combination with spectacles that are removably coupled to the underside of the cap's visor. The spectacles are pivotally movable from a first deployed position, where the lenses are disposed in front of a user's face to a second stowed position, where the spectacles underlie the visor. The pivoting mechanism is axially biased to provide constant pressure to hold the spectacles in substantially any position.

Abstract: A safety cap comprising a plurality of rigid plates, a foam insert, and an outer covering. The rigid plates are embedded within the foam insert, and the foam insert comprises foam joints. A safety cap comprising a plurality of cushions, a rigid shell, and an outer covering. The cushions are attached to the inside of the rigid shell, and they comprise a plurality of nozzles. A safety cap in which rigid plates and cushions are embedded within a foam insert. The cushions are positioned on the inner surface of the rigid plates and may contain air, foam, fluid or a combination thereof. The outer covering is preferably made of fabric, and the cap preferably comprises an adjustable strap. The cap optionally includes ventilation holes, ear cutouts, eye cutouts, a ponytail cutout, an eye protector and/or a face protector.

Abstract: There is provided a shock absorbing structure comprising a generally planar surface made of a flexible plastic material. A plurality of upstanding, hollow support members extends from the planar surface. The support members are made of flexible plastic material. There is also a plurality of openings in each of the support members, the openings define air passages within the shock absorbing structure to allow air to flow through the support members. The shock absorbing structure may be used in helmets, shin pads, kneepads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, chest protectors, gloves, pants and footwear.

Abstract: A flush mechanism for a water closet include a housing fixable to a toilet flush tank outlet and a float body removable within the housing for controlling water discharge through the tank outlet. A hydraulic assist valve is disposed within the float body and moveable therein for causing upward opening movement of the float body in order to reduce exterior operational force required to operate the float body.

Abstract: A bed enclosure comprises a frame having a pair of end frame members. Each of the end frame members includes an arched top portion and straight vertical portions extending downwardly from the arched top portion. The frame includes longitudinal frame members on front and back sides of the frame that are coupled to end frame members wherein the frame includes a bottom frame used to receive a mattress. A pair of roll-up sidewalls each having a handle for rolling up or rolling down the sidewalls to gain access to an interior of the bed enclosure, each sidewall includes plurality of longitudinal rails that is coupled to the frame. The end of each rail is received in respective slots formed in the frame members and each of the sidewall resembles accordion walls which permits a user to enter or exit the bed enclosure.

Abstract: A resting method and apparatus for a young child. The young child can be either a newborn, infant, or toddler. The resting apparatus will attach to a cushion such as a mattress, or other back supporting device which is generally associated with a crib or other child's sleeping environmental structure. The resting apparatus has a base sheet or cover which attaches to the cushion. On top of the base cover is attached a pouch section. The pouch section is sized to allow the child to fit comfortably within the interior of the pouch from the child's neck to the child's feet. The pouch fits securely against the outer surface area of the child. The child is laid on its back within the pouch. The arms and legs are held in longitudinal alignment within the pouch. The pouch is designed to restrain the child from overturning from its back position to a front facing position.

Abstract: A flat, sturdy rescue board is shaped like a sled. The long edges of the board platform have wings for attaching handles or arm hooks to the platform. A rotatable handle is attached to each wing. Each handle can rotate ninety degrees only. The handles are normally parallel to the top of the board surface but may be rotated ninety degrees so that they are perpendicular to the board. When a victim is loaded onto the board the handles may be used to extricate the board and victim from the dangerous situation. Semi-circular arm hooks may also be attached to each wing. When a victim is loaded onto the board, his arms are positioned above the hooks. When the board is pulled to safety the victim remains secured to the board by the arm hooks. The board also has lower rails attached to the bottom of the board for sliding the board along ice or on long the ground.

Abstract: A flexible tubular frame, comprising an upper section and a lower section, supports a person's neck and head for hygienic, therapeutic, or cosmetic purposes. The upper section has a depressed portion shaped for supporting a person's neck when the person lies within the open ends of the base frame and the upper frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening bottles and storing data has an enclosure formed from a pair of semi-enclosed casings that includes a gripping member having a pair of tabs for grasping and removing caps from bottles. The enclosure provides a protective shell for a portable data storage device that may be pivoted outwardly from within the enclosure when the device is in use. The data storage device includes a universal serial bus plug and can be used with any electronic device having a universal serial bus port, such as a desktop computer, notebook computer, communications device, and the like. The apparatus may be carried separately or can be attached to another carrying device or hung on a hook.

Abstract: A laundry treatment method consisting of controlling the rotational speed a program-controlled laundry machine drum between lower and upper limits as a function of at least one predetermined parameter of the laundry within the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method control dewatering in a drum-type washer so that a dewatering cycle can be selectively modified by a user selection and so that noise and vibration on a dewatering cycle can be reduced. the apparatus includes a key input for selecting a wash course, the selected wash course corresponding to one of a plurality of selectable dewatering courses; memory for storing at least one eccentricity detection reference value per the selectable dewatering course; and a controller for performing the selected wash course based on the stored at least one eccentricity detection reference value. The method includes selecting a wash course, the selected wash course corresponding to one of a plurality of selectable dewatering courses; storing in memory at least one eccentricity detection reference value per the selectable dewatering course; and performing the selected wash course based on the stored at least one eccentricity detection reference value.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush with a removable brush section having a transponder communicating with a handle portion of the toothbrush via a non-contacting inductive coupling.

Abstract: A cleaning implement having a dirt bin for collecting debris from a floor, a cleaning sheet and an air filter. The cleaning sheet and air filter comprise a unitary assembly. When the user discards a soiled sheet, the soiled air filter is likewise discarded. This process prevents the air filter from becoming unduly clogged, and diminishing the performance of the cleaning implement.

Abstract: A tire-cleaning device for a wheelchair or other wheeled device, such as a scooter, which includes a pair of rotatably-mounted rollers positioned to support at least one wheel of the wheelchair. A rotatably-mounted cleaning brush is positioned between the rollers. The rollers are activated in a direction opposite that to the brush such that the rollers and brush rotate in opposite directions causing the brush to rotate in a direction opposite the tire of the rotating wheel of the wheelchair in order to effect the best cleaning mode. Cleaning fluid is drawn to the tire of the wheelchair by the rotating brush.

Abstract: An adhesive roller for detritus removal having an elongated strip where the strip has both a backing layer and an adhesive layer overlying and covering a first side of the backing layer. The strip also has a first end, a second end and two spaced apart sides. The strip is wound from its first end and to its second end into a tubular cylindrical roller with the adhesive layer facing outwardly. An adhesive release coating also overlies at least a portion of a second side of the backing layer. The adhesive release coating may be either applied as a liquid coating, or may be a solid substrate. This adhesive release coating facilitates removal of individual sheets from the roller. Alternatively, a portion of the backing layer is crimped to form alternating peaks and valleys along at least a portion of the backing layer.

Abstract: An improved combination garbage disposal safety poker and scraper for scraping waste from eating ware and sinks and pushing such materials into the disposal unit so that such wastes are close as possible to the blades of the disposal. The safety poker/scraper has interchangeable tops which may consist of a cup-shaped drain and handle, an elastomeric cap and handle or simply an enlarged handle. The scraper portion is detachable and can be replaced when worn. The scraper portion is curved so that it can fit more easily into the garbage disposal unit.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes a handle section including operably connected linear sections. A proximal section has a handle portion and a distal section has a fixed longitudinal length protruding away from the proximal section. A float is included having planar top and bottom surfaces. The assembly also includes mechanisms for pivotally connecting the float to the handle section, for pivotally attaching the proximal section to the distal section, and for rotatably connecting the proximal section to the distal section. A mechanism is also included for telescopically adjusting a length of the proximal section. A carrying case is included for housing the float and the handle section therein, and is provided with an articulated lid attached thereto. The pivotally connecting mechanism, the pivotally attaching mechanism, the rotatably connecting mechanism, and the telescopically adjusting mechanism are independently and simultaneously operable.

Abstract: An input disk and a clutch disk are supported by an output shaft in such a manner that the input disk is rotatable relative to the output shaft, and the clutch disk is non-rotatable relative to and is axially movable relative to the output shaft. When a large load torque is exerted about the output shaft, relative rotation between the input disk and the clutch disk occurs. A connecting rod has one end connected to a worm wheel, and is reciprocally swung through rotation of the worm wheel. A rotatable lever has one end, which is connected to the other end of the connecting rod, and has the other end, which is engaged with and is secured integrally with the gear teeth of the input disk.

Abstract: A cleaning robot to prevent a suction member from moving upwards when the suction member is rotated during a collision with an obstacle, and which completely unfolds the suction member when a lower surface of the suction member travels on an uneven floor. The cleaning robot includes a main body to travel on a floor to be cleaned, a dust collecting unit, and a corner cleaning unit. The corner cleaning unit includes a suction member having a suction arm with a rotatable cylinder, a movable member rotatably coupled around the rotatable cylinder by a torsion spring such that the movable member can move upwards and downwards together with the suction member, a driving unit, supporting brackets, at least one elevation guide face to allow the movable member to move upwards and downwards along the elevation guide face as the movable member rotates, and at least one guide knob.

Abstract: A floor care apparatus has a housing, including a wall, for storing a dust bag. The dust bag is angled relative to the wall and pressure sensors fill the space between the wall and dust bag. During use, as dust fills the bag, the bag expands and impinges upon a first of the pressure sensors and subsequently upon a second of the pressure sensors thereby indicating a filling of the bag with dust. A processor, connected to each of the pressure sensors, sorts a relative difference between signals of the sensors during dust filling. A visual indicator displays to users the relative fullness of the dust bag. To achieve angular disposition between the wall and dust bag, tapers, angular walls, ribs or combinations thereof are contemplated.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a dirt collection vessel and a suction generator carried on the housing. The dirt collection vessel includes a dirty air inlet, a dirt collection chamber and a clean air outlet. A filter is received in the dirt collection vessel. The filter includes multiple sections. Each section provides a discrete airflow pathway. In addition, the floor cleaning apparatus includes a flow control valve assembly including a clean air inlet. The flow control valve assembly is selectively displaceable between two positions. In the first position dirty air is serially moved by the suction generator through the dirty air inlet, the dirt collection chamber, the filter and the clean air outlet so that dirt is collected in the dirt collection chamber. In the second position clean air is moved by the suction generator through the clean air inlet, a selected one of the sections of the filter, back through the other sections of the filter and then through the clean air outlet.

Abstract: The invention is a bare floor cleaning appliance provided with a foot pedal for raising and lowering the suction nozzle while simultaneously energizing and de-energizing the independent drive motor powering a horizontal axis rotary agitator. The foot pedal is depressed once to lower the suction nozzle to a position closest to the floor surface and the horizontal rotary agitator is energized to clean the floor surface. Suction from the motor-fan assembly is used to pick up dirt and used cleaning solution. The foot pedal is depressed one more time to raise the suction nozzle from the floor surface and de-energize the horizontal rotary agitator. In this mode, suction from the motor-fan assembly is used to pick up dry objects including dirt. The foot pedal operates the switch for energizing and de-energizing the independent electric motor by rotating a mode indicator operably connected to the foot pedal.

Abstract: A vacuum broom apparatus for removing particulate debris from surfaces such as those of floors includes a housing which has an upper wall from which protrudes a vacuum inlet tube connectable to a vacuum power source. The housing includes a shroud which protrudes downwardly from the upper wall and peripherally surrounds a broom which protrudes downwardly within the shroud through a bottom opening thereof. One or more vacuum nozzles which communicate with the vacuum inlet tube are positioned adjacent to the broom. Optionally, a front wall of the shroud is elastically flexible to thereby effect an air dam between a lower edge of the front wall and a floor surface against which it may be pressed.

Abstract: A sash balance brake shoe assembly (2) is disclosed for counterbalancing a sash window (3) slidably supported within a master frame (5). The assembly generally includes a balance assembly preferably in the form of a block and tackle balance assembly (7) and a brake shoe (28). The balance assembly has a balance channel (6). The brake shoe (28) has an extension member (36) that is received by the balance channel (6). A fastener (42) directly connects the brake shoe (28) to the balance channel (6).

Abstract: A frameless glass door clamp has a clamping member, a base cover and a cap cover. The clamp member has a base side surface and a cap side surface. The base cover is mounted on the base side surface and has a panel, multiple flanges, a tapered face and multiple rounded outer edges. The cap cover is mounted on the cap side surface and has a panel, a multiple flanges, a tapered face and multiple rounded outer edges. Because the outer edges of the base and cap covers are rounded, the frameless glass door clamp is much less likely to injure people or damage objects and is easier to manufacture.

Abstract: In an apparatus at a spinning room machine, especially a flat card, roller card, cleaner or the like, for drawing a clothing onto a roller using a drawing-on device, the spinning room machine has an electronic control and regulation device. In order to provide an apparatus that is simple in terms of equipment and that makes possible checking of the drawing-on procedure and/or of the measurement data, a measurement device for registering data ascertained during drawing-on is associated with the drawing-on device, and the measurement device co-operates with the electronic control and regulation device of the spinning room machine for permitting passage of data between the drawing-on device and the control and regulation device.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polymer-based capacitive ultrasonic transducer, which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a first conductor on the substrate; (c) coating a sacrificial layer on the substrate while covering the first conductor by the same; (d) etching the sacrificial layer for forming an island while maintaining the island to contact with the first conductor; (e) coating a first polymer-based material on the substrate while covering the island by the same; (f) forming a second conductor on the first polymer-based material; (g) forming a via hole on the first polymer-based material while enabling the via hole to be channeled to the island; and (h) utilizing the via hole to etch and remove the island for forming a cavity.

Abstract: A device for fabricating a toothing at an inner facing edge of a three-dimensional pot-shaped body produced by forming and fine blanking exclusively implemented by cutting and/or shaving with a fine blanking die and/or a shaving device. The device includes a base plate and a pressure pad between which the pot-shaped body is receivable. A pilot die is received within a hollow space of a die and is biased in an advancement direction of the die such that a portion of the pilot die protrudes from the hollow space and contacts the base of said pot-shaped body before the die when the die is advanced in the working direction. A groove is thereby created between said curved edge of the pot-shaped body and the pilot die for leading a fine blanking burr or shaving chips into the recess of the pot-shaped body. Further advancement of the die fixing and pressing the burr or the chips into the recess.

Abstract: A rivet is inserted into a workpiece by an apparatus that includes an internal roller screw linear actuator in which rotational movement of an internally threaded cylinder is converted into linear movement of a fastener insertion actuator assembly. The cylinder is driven in rotation by a servo-controlled motor. The angular velocity of the cylinder required to deliver the required energy to effect fastener insertion is calculated and the motor is first controlled to accelerate the cylinder up to the calculated angular velocity, the actuator assembly simultaneously being moved by the cylinder towards the workpiece. The motor is then controlled to maintain the angular velocity of the cylinder at not less than the calculated magnitude at least until insertion of the fastener. The cylinder stores kinetic energy by virtue of its inertia. Using this inertia to insert fasteners eliminates the need for position or force feedback control. The process allows for a rapid cycle time and the apparatus is compact.

Abstract: A method of producing a decorative carpet tile may include providing a carpet tile in accordance with the prior art techniques and then treating the carpet tile in one of various manners to provide a separation internal to side edges of the carpet tile. The treatment can include tip shearing side portions relative to an internal portion to provide at least one discontinuity, dripping colors to provide a frame, carving, burning, or otherwise providing a separation internal to the side edges of the carpet tile in various disclosed embodiments.