Abstract: An apparatus for treating musculoskeletal disorders comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes and a control circuit. The control circuit causes the light emitting diodes to pulse at predetermined frequencies of from 0 (continuous) to 125 Hz. The light emitting diodes themselves emit light radiation in a frequency range of 628 nanometers (+/? 5%) for the visible diodes and 850 nanometers (+/? 5%) for the infrared diodes.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apricot tree, denominated ‘ASFCOT0409’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, of mildly acidic and sweet taste, with an attractive bright orange fruit skin covered by an appealing red blush.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apricot tree, denominated ‘ASFCOT0406’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, of mildly acidic and sweet taste, with an attractive bright orange fruit skin covered by an appealing red blush.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apricot tree, denominated ‘ASFCOT0405’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, of mildly acidic and sweet taste, with an attractive bright orange fruit skin covered by an appealing red blush.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apricot tree, denominated ‘ASFCOT0404’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, of mildly acidic and sweet taste, with an attractive bright orange fruit skin covered by an appealing red blush.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectavista’, has fruits of very long shelf life withour alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high-eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectabelle’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high-eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectatop’, has fruits of very long shelf life withour alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high-eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectafine’, has fruits of very long shelf life withour alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high-eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree, denominated ‘ASFPBF0492’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree, denominated ‘Sweetlove’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree, denominated ‘Sweetstar’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Caryopteris plant named ‘WHITE SURPRISE’ that is characterized by broad upright habit, large white variegated leaves, and violet-blue flowers. In combination these traits set ‘WHITE SURPRISE’ apart from all other existing varieties of Caryopteris known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new distinct cultivar of Aster plant named ‘DASKAT’, characterized by its upright and inverted conical plant habit; gray-green foliage; freely flowering habit; decorative, composite-type inflorescence with about 250 to 30 red-purple-colored ray florets; and only about 10 to 15 green-colored disc florets per inflorescence (almost 100% filled capitulae).

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Caladium plant named ‘White Star’, characterized by its intermediate to tall plant habit; vigorous and dense growth habit; rapid growth rate; and strap-type leaves that are white to grey-green in color with pink to light pink-colored veins and dark green-colored borders.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘Alexia’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; dark green-colored leaves; early and freely flowering habit; long flowering period; and light green-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct Heucherella plant substantially as shown and described, characterized by leaves colored blue green in spring and summer changing to green in the fall and winter with a large dark center following the veins, and a silver veil or overlay, palmately lobed leaves, numerous stalks of warm pink flowers, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Nemesia named ‘KLENH08454’ particularly characterized by red-purple flowers with purple eyes and orange nectar guides, good branching, and a vigorous growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Nemesia named ‘KLENH08448’ particularly characterized by purple veins on the lower surface of the petals, violet eyes on the upper lip of the petals, and petal lower lip includes a convex oval protuberance which serves as a pollinator nectar guide and landing platform, is disclosed.

Abstract: A leg holder system for simultaneously positioning in the abduction and lithotomy dimensions including a support device for supporting a leg cradle; a clamping device for mounting the proximate end of the support device to a mounting device having a first axis and selectively clamping and releasing motion of the support device about the first axis and about a second axis transverse to the first axis. An actuator device for actuating the clamp to selectively clamp and release simultaneously the support device and the mounting device; and an operator device remote from the clamping device and actuator device for operating the actuator device to enable the support device to move simultaneously about the first and second axis in both the lithotomy and abduction dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an optimized memory architecture for computer systems and, more particularly, to integrated circuits that implement a memory subsystem that is comprised of internal memory and control for external memory. The invention includes one or more shared high-bandwidth memory subsystems, each coupled over a plurality of buses to a display subsystem, a central processing unit (CPU) subsystem, input/output (I/O) buses and other controllers. Additional buffers and multiplexers are used for the subsystems to further optimize system performance.

Abstract: A virtual image generation apparatus comprising shape data memory for storing shape data pertaining to obstacles and the like, position data specifier for specifying position data for the subjects, overlap determiner for determining, on the basis of shape data and position data, whether or not physical objects located between a visual point and a subject should overlap and be visible from the visual point, and image generator for generating virtual images wherein physical objects are processed by prescribed show-through processing (mesh processing, translucent processing, or the like) when it is determined that an overlapping state exists. Accurate overlap determinations can be made using a vector that extends from the visual point towards an object and a vector that extends from an obstacle towards the object, and mesh processing or other show-through processing used to produce a suitable display of the subject obscured by a physical object.

Abstract: When recording or reading an optical disc having plural data recording layers, which data recording layer the light spot is focused on is detected to improve playback signal quality and signals written to the layer on which the light spot is focused are read more reliably. A convergent lens converges the laser beam on the optical disc, and a focus controller controls the focal point of the laser beam on the data layer. A tracking controller positions and tracks the focal point of the laser beam converged by the convergent lens on a track of the optical disc. A photodetector detects the reflected laser beam from the disc. A convergence detector then detects the convergence state of the laser beam emitted to the plural data recording layers. Based on output from the convergence detector, the laser driver is controlled to separately set beam power appropriately for each of the plural data layers of the disc during playback.

Abstract: Anonymous voice communication between a first station and a second station is facilitated by providing an interface that allows input of a transaction specification from at least one of the first and second stations. A reference code associated with the transaction is generated, there being a defined relationship between the reference code and the address of the second station for voice communication. The reference code is supplied to the first station, and a voice communication request and the reference code are received from the first station. The reference code is used to recover said address and a channel for voice communication is opened between said first and second stations. Voice communication can thereby be established between the first and second stations without providing the address of the second station to the first station.

Abstract: A method of transmitting OSI layer 2 datacoms data by direct incorporation into a plurality of synchronous digital hierarchy virtual containers is disclosed, in which a higher bit rate OSI layer 2 data frame is multiplexed into a plurality of lower bit rate SDH (or SONET) virtual containers, which are transmitted simultaneously and in parallel over a synchronous communications network. The plurality of virtual containers are virtually concatenated by association of the payloads of the plurality of virtual containers. Re-assembly of the OSI layer 2 data frames from a plurality of virtually concatenated VCs is achieved by storing each received VC payload corresponding to an OSI layer 2 data frame in a corresponding respective memory location, and alternately reading interleaved bytes from the plurality of payloads under control of a plurality of read pointers.

Abstract: A check processing system comprises an image lift device which is provided for lifting an image of a check as the check is being transported along a check feed path. A MICR reader is provided for reading a MICR codeline from the check as the check is transported along the check feed path past the MICR reader. The image of the check is reoriented when the MICR reader is unable to read a MICR codeline from the image of the check due to misorientation of the check along the check feed path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to remove a block effect and a ring effect appearing in a compression-coded image is disclosed. The present invention is especially applicable to an image compression-coded at a low bit rate. In particular, the present invention includes a variety of masks for the removal of the block/ring effect. Thus, one mask is select for a pixel to be filtered. Moreover, candidate pixels to be averaged with the pixel to be filtered is selected from the pixels of the selected mask to better maintain the details of the image, and a weight is applied to improve the calculation speed of the averaging operation. More particularly, the masks according to the present invention have longer tabs toward adjacent blocks at boundaries of the given block to remove the block and ring effect. In the method, a pixel of an image is filtered according to a filtering methodology. The filtering methodology includes selecting at least four pixels of successive pixels according to a position of a pixel to be filtered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to remove a block effect and a ring effect appearing in a compression-coded image is disclosed. The present invention is especially applicable to an image compression-coded at a low bit rate. In particular, the present invention includes a variety of masks for the removal of the block/ring effect. Thus, one mask is select for a pixel to be filtered. Moreover, candidate pixels to be averaged with the pixel to be filtered is selected from the pixels of the selected mask to better maintain the details of the image, and a weight is applied to improve the calculation speed of the averaging operation. More particularly, the masks according to the present invention have longer tabs toward adjacent blocks at boundaries of the given block to remove the block and ring effect. In one embodiment, a pixel of an image is filtered according to a filtering methodology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to remove a block effect and a ring effect appearing in a compression-coded image is disclosed. The present invention is especially applicable to an image compression-coded at a low bit rate. In particular, the present invention includes a variety of masks for the removal of the block/ring effect. Thus, one mask is select for a pixel to be filtered. Moreover, candidate pixels to be averaged with the pixel to be filtered is selected from the pixels of the selected mask to better maintain the details of the image, and a weight is applied to improve the calculation speed of the averaging operation. More particularly, the masks according to the present invention have longer tabs toward adjacent blocks at boundaries of the given block to remove the block and ring effect. In the method, a pixel of an image is filtered according to a filtering methodology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to remove a block effect and a ring effect appearing in a compression-coded image is disclosed. The present invention is especially applicable to an image compression-coded at a low bit rate. In particular, the present invention includes a variety of masks for the removal of the block/ring effect. Thus, one mask is select for a pixel to be filtered. Moreover, candidate pixels to be averaged with the pixel to be filtered is selected from the pixels of the selected mask to better maintain the details of the image, and a weight is applied to improve the calculation speed of the averaging operation. More particularly, the masks according to the present invention have longer tabs toward adjacent blocks at boundaries of the given block to remove the block and ring effect. The filtering unit is configured to select at least one candidate pixel to be associated with an averaging operation, and compare a difference between the pixel to be filtered and the candidate pixel with a threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to remove a block effect and a ring effect appearing in a compression-coded image is disclosed. The present invention is especially applicable to an image compression-coded at a low bit rate. In particular, the present invention includes a variety of masks for the removal of the block/ring effect. Thus, one mask is select for a pixel to be filtered. Moreover, candidate pixels to be averaged with the pixel to be filtered is selected from the pixels of the selected mask to better maintain the details of the image, and a weight is applied to improve the calculation speed of the averaging operation. More particularly, the masks according to the present invention have longer tabs toward adjacent blocks at boundaries of the given block to remove the block and ring effect. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a filtering unit configured to filter a pixel of an image.

Abstract: The invention is in a torque responsive actuation device, preferably for a belt drive system as is commonly utilized with snowmobile and like type vehicles. A bearing carrier of the invention is connected to a lower half of a split pulley, with the upper pulley half mounting a helix or cam cone that extends towards the carrier undersurface and includes a plurality of cam tracks formed therein that are each to receive a cam follower for travel therealong. Movement of the bearing carrier towards the top face of the pulley upper half is thereby translated to lower the pulley half to spread the pulley upper and lower halves apart, opening a V slot therebetween wherein a drive belt is maintained. A cylindrical shaft is journaled through the bearing carrier and fitted through the pulley that includes a coil spring disposed therearound for providing spring biasing to urge the bearing carrier away from the pulley upper half, biasing the pulley halves together.

Abstract: A group of new piperazine and piperidine compounds having interesting advantageous pharmacological properties and have the formula (a) wherein A represents a heterocyclic group having 5-7 ring atoms wherein 1-3 heteroatoms selected from the group O, N and S are present, R1 is hydrogen or fluoro, R2 is C1-4-alkyl, C1-4-alkoxy or an oxo group, and p is 0, 1 or 2, Z represents carbon or nitrogen, and the dotted line represents a single bond when Z is nitrogen, and represents a single or double bond when Z is carbon, R3 and R4 independently are hydrogen or C1-4-alkyl, n has the value 1 or 2, R5 is 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl or 4-pyridyl substituted at the meta-position with respect to the methylene bridge with a group Y, and optionally substituted with (R6)q, Y is a phenyl, furanyl or thienyl group, which groups may be substituted with 1-3 substituents from the group hydroxy, halogen, CF3, C1-4-alkoxy, C1-4-alkyl, cyano aminocarbonyl, mono- or di-C1-4-alkylaminocarbonyl, R6 is halogen, hydroxy, C1-4-alkoxy or C1

Abstract: A bullet-resistant back extender includes an armor carrier having an inner pocket with a bullet-resistant ballistic panel disposed within the inner pocket and an upper portion of the armor carrier having a fastener to attach the bullet-resistant back extender to a fastener in a bullet-resistant vest.

Abstract: A protective over-garment is disclosed that can be manufactured entirely by making cuts in a single sheet of plastic or other flexible material. In preferred embodiments it is disposable. The sheet has a neck hole in the center and covers the user's shoulders, upper arms, back, and chest. A cut radiating from the hole allows insertion of the user's head. The rim of the hole is held against the wearer's neck by tying together two strips of material formed by cuts that partially separate them from the sheet. Similar strips can hold the first cut and/or the sides of the garment closed. In preferred embodiments the sheet can be rectangular, hourglass, or double-hourglass in shape, and/or the sheet can be folded to fit in a standard home hair coloring kit. Cuts can be perforated, and the garments can be manufactured as a continuous length of sheets joined at perforated intersections.

Abstract: A wrap and cover-up device can be conveniently stored and transported in a handbag while not in use and quickly accessed for use over a person's clothing or exposed skin to provide warmth and/or coverage when the need arises, all while remaining undamaged and substantially wrinkle free. The wrap and cover-up device includes an elongated piece of fabric capable of being compacted for storage and extended for use while remaining substantially wrinkle free, sized and configured when extended to fit laterally around at least a portion of a torso of a person. Also included is a container for receiving and maintaining the piece of fabric in the compacted state, whereby the piece of fabric in the compacted state fits within the container and the container with the compacted piece of fabric therein fits into the handbag.

Abstract: A garment which resists sliding of protective pads during use includes a fabric with high-friction areas. The high-friction areas include numerous gripping members made of a second material with high-friction and adapted to exert a frictional force on, for example, a protective pad.

Abstract: Three-dimensional neckties have an outer layer with decorative ensembles attached to the outer layer, the decorative ensembles including additional decorative fabric pieces and other articles or trim pieces, and border stitching or embroidery stitching. The decorative fabric pieces of the decorative ensemble are attached to the outer layer only at certain points or areas so that at least a portion of the additional pieces are loosely positioned over the outer layer to accentuate the three-dimensional appearance of the necktie. In some embodiments, the decorative fabric pieces are attached to the outer layer by border stitching around an entire perimeter of the decorative fabric pieces, leaving the remainder loosely positioned over the outer layer. Trim pieces may include lace, string, hardware or other non-fabric items which are attached to the outer layer and which can be positioned over the decorative fabric pieces on the outer layer.

Abstract: A clothing system includes a set of first pants having a corresponding set of first cuffs and includes a second of second pants having a corresponding set of second cuffs. The sets of pants have different size ranges, but each set has the same outside circumference on the legs of the pants for that set. Each of cuffs in a set has the same inside circumference that will fit the outside circumference for the legs of the corresponding set of pants. Fasteners on the inside circumferences of the cuffs are used to attach and hold the cuffs to fasteners on the outside circumference of the pant legs.

Abstract: A wind rectifying member positioned between two ventilation covers on the top of a helmet is adjustably supported by fitting members of support structures mounted within each ventilation cover. The fitting members adjust the forward and rearward positioning of the rectifying member and its angle of tilt relative to the wind direction. The fitting members extend through openings in facing side walls of the ventilation covers and into indentations in the ends of the rectifying member.

Abstract: Described herein is apparel that protects a wearer from an undesirable agent. The apparel employs a transition portal to assist doffing and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination during doffing. The transition portal attaches to the apparel proximate to one end of an aperture, which provides an exit for the protective apparel. When doffing, the transition portal extends away from the person, who exits the aperture. The transition portal is then pulled over the body along with any attached portions of the protective apparel. This turns the transition portal—and attached parts of the apparel—inside-out. After doffing, most portions of protective apparel are either a) inside-out, or b) contained within the inside-out transition portal and/or apparel. As a result, undesirable agents—that were initially on the outside of the apparel—are now inside the inside-out transition portal and apparel.

Abstract: A sleep sofa includes a main frame, a seat unit, a back unit and a supporting linkage assembly that can move the back unit along an arc to the front of the seat unit when the sleep sofa is converted to a bed state, the supporting linkage simultaneously lifting the rear side of the seat unit, which is mounted in the main frame to slope downwardly from horizontal at about a 5° angle, up to horizontal. Once positioned in front of the seat unit, the back unit can be pushed downwardly so as to rotate into a locked parallel orientation with the seat unit. The seat cushion of the seat unit and the back cushion of the back unit form the bedding surface. Pushing a back release tube will unlock the back unit to allow it to be returned to a sitting positioning above the seat unit (tilted rearwardly to define an angle of about 115° with the seat unit). During its arc movement over the seat unit, the back unit will rotate around pivots on the side backs thereof.

Abstract: A body transfer system, includes a housing having a substantially planar top portion configured to support a body and having a substantially planar bottom portion; a bottom translation mechanism disposed at the bottom portion and configured to translate the system across a first surface upon which a body rests; and a top translation mechanism disposed at the top portion and configured to burrow the system between the first surface and the body as the bottom translation mechanism translates the first surface. A method of transferring a body is also included.

Abstract: A baby soothing device includes a holding structure, a supporting frame, a sliding shaft, and a driving device. The holding structure is used for holding a baby. The supporting frame is used for supporting the holding structure on a surface. The sliding shaft has an end connected to the holding structure. The driving device is disposed between the sliding shaft and the supporting frame. The driving device is used for driving the sliding shaft to move upward and downward relative to the supporting frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resting support (10) for supporting portions of a resting person (1) in a forwards leaning seated position, and to a method of using such a support.

Abstract: A spring mattress is described, including a plurality of strings interconnected side by side. Each string includes a plurality of continuous casings and, enclosed therein, coil springs. Moreover, between at least some of the springs in at least one of the strings a slot is arranged which opens towards the upper or lower side of the mattress. It is preferred for the springs between which the slot is arranged to be separated with an intermediate separation distance, which separation distance exceeds about 10% of the diameter of the largest turn of the adjoining springs. In addition, it is preferred for the casing portions to be arranged at the ends of the spring to be moved towards each other, through the spring, and connected to each other by at least one connecting device.

Abstract: A mattress includes reduced-firmness materials along a central region thereof in order to mitigate the occurrence of a central ridge following repeated use of the mattress as a sleeping surface. An associated box spring may also, or instead, present a central region with reduced firmness. An adjustable member may be employed to controllably compensate for the development of a central ridge.

Abstract: Provided is a method of minimizing an unbalanced load of laundry within a clothes laundering machine before a high-speed spinning phase. The method includes rotating a drum of the clothes laundering machine at a suitable rotational speed to initially retain at least a portion of the laundry within the drum against an inner surface of the drum; and determining that an unbalanced distribution of the laundry exists within the drum. In response to determining that the unbalanced distribution of laundry exists within the drum, initiating a laundry distribution phase to redistribute the laundry within the drum to reduce at least one of the unbalance mass to a level that is less than or equal to a maximum allowable mass value, and the elevation torque to a level that is less than or equal to a maximum allowable elevation torque.

Abstract: A decoration solar panel bridge supplying power sources, for commercial and residential applications, incorporates at least one solar panel in a decoration bridge comprising members of frame, cross brace and board. The wide boards including solar panels cover straight beams and cross braces as a partial or full surface of the bridge. The slice boards cover the top arc beams or alternative round beams as partial surfaces of the bridge. Each solar panel output power and dimension can be designed for desired power consumption and needed. The alternative frame members can be used to construct different shapes of the bridge and can replace the curve shape frame members. The decoration bridge includes optional members: safety fence members, supporting members and handrail members. Solar powered lights can be installed at the top of safety poles and solar powered light stands can replace the vertical spindle of handrails.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric toothbrush for use with wireless devices. A pressure sensor coupled to a wireless transmitting device determines whether the electric toothbrush is being utilized correctly. When the toothbrush is utilized correctly, the wireless transmitter sends a signal to a receiving device which displays an appropriate output. When the toothbrush is not utilized correctly, the transmitter ceases transmitting a signal and the output from the receiver ceases to be displayed.