Abstract: The new variety ‘Suziblue’ is provided. The new and distinct variety ripens around the first week of May in southern Georgia. The fruit of the new variety ‘Suziblue’ are generally large, firm, and have good flavor. The new variety ‘Suziblue’ is vigorous with an estimated chilling requirement of about 400 hours at or below approximately 45° F. The asexually reproduced variety is reliably propagated vegetatively.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Ilex vomitoria, ‘Gremicr’, characterized by its small evergreen leaves, its dwarf and compact growth habit, its slow growth rate, its ability to be readily propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings and its cold hardiness to U.S.D.A. Zone 7.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea plant named ‘Fantasia’, characterized by pink and green bicolored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, broad-upright growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid male asparagus plant (Asparagus officinalis) denoted ‘NJ953’ has many desirable traits including vigorous plant growth, high yield, attractive spear morphology, good resistance to rust (Puccinia asparagi) and good field tolerance to asparagus root rot (Fusarium oxysporum) and asparagus crown rot (Fusarium mondiforme). These desirable traits have been shown to be transmissible to its progenies. The invention relates to plants and plant parts of ‘NJ953’ plant. The invention further relates to hybrid asparagus seeds and plants produced by crossing the asparagus ‘NJ953’ plant with another asparagus plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Phlox plant named ‘Ditomfra’, characterized by its compact and upright plant habit; freely branching and flowering habit; strong stems; large dark pink-colored flowers; and tolerance to Downy Mildew.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Zonal Geranium plant named ‘Duesadared’, characterized by its upright to outwardly spreading plant habit; freely basal branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; semi-double dark red-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Campanula, ‘Pinkins’, characterized by its flowers that are deep lilac pink in color with lighter colored centers, its refined foliage that is rich green in color with reddish purple highlights under intense light conditions, its moderate and less invasive growth habit than is typical for this type of Campanula, and its cold hardiness in U.S.D.A. Zone 3.

Abstract: An insulated removeable pond cover for settling ponds. The pond cover comprises a plurality of sealed panel units containing insulation. The panel units are linked together by means of a system of cables which pass through grommets in the panel units.

Abstract: An input device includes a pressure-sensitive or capacitive planar input unit with an indicator sheet which has input sections being secured to the surface of the planar input unit. A tactile feedback generator is provided at the back side of the planar input unit. The tactile feedback generator includes dome-shaped inversion plates that are separately provided at locations corresponding to the input sections and provide feedback to the operator. When an input section is pressed, an operation signal in accordance with what is indicated at the pressed input section is generated.

Abstract: In the CDMA Radio Multiplex Transmission, transfer function of line is inferred by using common pilot signal and synchronous detection is performed accordingly. The transmitting end transmits by periodically inserting pilot symbols into one channel only of multiplexed channels. The receiving end infers line condition (transfer function) from the received pilot symbols and, on the basis of the information thus obtained, performs synchronous detection of each channel multiplexed.

Abstract: In an acoustic echocanceller (6), an estimate of an echo signal is determined by an adaptive filter (10) and is subtracted from the input signal by a subtracter (14). The spectrum estimator (12) determines the frequency spectrum of the estimate of the echo signal, and the filter (16) filters the output signal of the subtracter (14) with a filter having a transfer function dependent on the spectrum determined by the estimator (12). The use of this combination results in a substantial improvement of the suppression of the echo signal.

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 an embodiment, the filtering unit is configured to select a filtering mask based on a position of a pixel to be filtered. The filtering mask includes the pixel to be filtered and at least one candidate pixel.

Abstract: A contrast-based image fusion system and method of processing multiple images to form a processed or fused image including regions selected from one or more images. Images are divided into image regions. Portions of the images are filtered if necessary. A contrast map is generated for each image via a convolution kernel resulting in a contrast map with contrast values for each image region. Contrast values are compared and image regions are selected based on a selection criteria or process such as greater or maximum contrast. The selected image regions form the fused image. If necessary, the luminance of one or more portions of the fused image is adjusted. One sensor is selected as a reference sensor, and an average intensity of each region of the reference sensor image is determined across the reference sensor image. The intensity of one or more regions in the final image is adjusted by combining the determined average luminance values and intensity values of the final image.

Abstract: A hemodialysis and vascular access system comprises a subcutaneous composite PTFE silastic arteriovenous fistula having an indwelling silastic venous end which is inserted percutaneously into a vein and a PTFE arterial end which is anastomosed to an artery. Access to a blood stream within the system is gained by direct puncture of needle(s) into a needle receiving site having a tubular passage within a metal or plastic frame and a silicone upper surface through which needle(s) are inserted. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, percutaneous access to a blood stream may be gained by placing needles directly into the system (i.e. into the PTFE arterial end). The invention also proposes an additional embodiment having an arterialized indwelling venous catheter where blood flows from an artery through a tube and a port into an arterial reservoir and is returned to a vein via a port and a venous outlet tube distinct and distant from the area where the blood from the artery enters the arterial reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing an enhanced automatic drive-thru experience to the customers in a vehicle by allowing use of natural hand gestures to interact with digital content. The invention is named Virtual Touch Ordering System (VTOS). In the VTOS, the virtual touch interaction is defined to be a contact free interaction, in which a user is able to select graphical objects within the digital contents on a display system and is able to control the processes connected to the graphical objects, by natural hand gestures without touching any physical devices, such as a keyboard or a touch screen. Using the virtual touch interaction of the VTOS, the user is able to complete transactions or ordering, without leaving the car and without any physical contact with the display.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for passively tracking and selectively sharing user experiences with communication devices, including computers, web-enabled telephones, and PDAs. User rating or comments on their experiences can be captured. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

Abstract: An electronic note taking application is described in which a user may make check box selections on web pages such that certain portions of the web pages are cumulatively collected in a clipboard. As the user navigates through various web pages on a website, the user can make highlighted and checkmark selections in the web pages, which are cumulatively collected for later use and reporting. At the end of a session, the entire selection of selected materials from all web pages during the session can be displayed to the user as a single cohesive document.

Abstract: A forelimb brace device suitable for use by snowboarders, skiers, in-line skaters and others protects against hyperextension and other injuries, by maintaining a selected orientation of the fingers, hand, wrist and forearm within a substantially rigid shell assembly having a palmar arch grip element and tensioning elements for maintaining a selected tension of the palmer element across the users' hand and forearm. The forelimb is maintained in a flexed position, while an extension stop prevents hyperextension of the phalanges, and a thumb portion prevents abduction or opposition injuries to the thumb.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for a person includes a harness and jacket worn by the person. The harness includes a dorsal ring and the jacket includes a dorsal opening aligned with the dorsal ring. A safety line can be attached to the dorsal ring without interfering with the operation of the jacket. The jacket is repeatably moveable between positions covering and uncovering the harness so that the jacket can be replaced with another one without removing the harness.

Abstract: A garment comprising first and second lower leg portions each having a distal and a proximal end, each lower leg portion including an anchor disposed proximate the distal end thereof, a first keeper fixed to the first lower leg portion proximate the proximal end thereof, a second keeper fixed to the second lower leg portion, proximate the proximal end thereof, an elongate lumbar support assembly having a first end and a second end, a first mating member disposed at the first end of the elongate lumbar support assembly and adapted to releaseably mate with the first keeper, and a second mating member disposed at the second end of the elongate lumbar support assembly and adapted to releaseably mate with the second keeper.

Abstract: A multilayer necktie consisting of a first portion of fabric defined by three sections joined together without continuity solution to define: a so-called blade of the necktie, standing, when used, in sight of the user; the part around the user's neck; another blade, standing, when the necktie is knotted according to preferable manner, behind the first section and one destined to be partly showing, since it is as wide as, or preferably wider than, the first section. A second portion of fabric is superimposed on this first portion of fabric, which is joined or joinable to the first portion by means of relevant attachments. The resulting necktie is characterized in that, once knotted around the user's neck so as to show, at least partly, three blades, it features a knot in which at least two portions of fabric can be seen.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a jock support short including a short member and an integrally-formed jock support member. The integral jock support member includes a pocket portion attached to a front portion of the short, which is configured to house a protective groin cup. At least two elongate members extend along opposing sides of the pocket portion and may intersect or meet at a crotch portion of the short such that the pocket and/or protective cup remains secured over a user's groin region during athletic or other physical activity.

Abstract: Clothing includes a body part, a waistband part circumferentially provided at an upper end of the body part and having opposite end portions, and a rubber band encapsulated in the waistband part. Locking units are provided on a surface of the end portion and a back face of the end portion, opposite ends of the rubber band which can be exposed from a side end of the end portion and from a hole portion formed in the back face of the end portion are coupled by a coupling unit so that a length of the rubber band can be adjusted, the opening/closing portions integral with the opposite end portions can be separated leftward and rightward, and the units are invisible from the front when the opening/closing portions are closed. Therefore, clothing with a waist size, which can be adjusted by a wearer, and with good appearance can be provided.

Abstract: A protective helmet having a shock-resistant helmet shell having a cut out for establishing a visor opening and a visor panel arranged on the outer side of the helmet shell pivotably around a pivot joint is provided with a vison panel arranged pivotably on the inner side of the helmet shell. The vision panel has at least one lateral end mounted displaceably in a guide which forma a curved section whose virtual pivot point lies outside the lateral end at a distance behind the lateral end of the vision panel so that the path of movement of the vision panel matches to the inner contour of the helmet shell. This makes possible to guide the vision panel inside the helmet shell at a substantially uniform distance from the inner side of the helmet shell, with the result that a minimum space requirement for the vision panel is required on the inner side of the helmet shell.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an impact protection device including a base member, a cushioning layer secured to a peripheral edge of the base member and an impact shield operatively attached to an outer surface of the base member. The impact shield may be deflectable and/or moveable relative to the base member, and may be attached to the base member at a plurality of discrete locations.

Abstract: A seat pad for a cyclist garment, including a first side, an opposing second side, perforations formed through the seat pad so as to traverse from the first side to the second side and allowing passage of fluid therethrough, and at least one channel defined in the first side connecting together at least two of the perforations and being configured to direct fluid flow when the garment is worn.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved bathroom fixture for flushing bodily waste materials. This fixture includes a secondary drain that communicates liquid that is backing up during a potential overflow situation into a conventional drainage sewer without any modification to that sewer.

Abstract: A bed lifting system for lifting a bed comprises a bed lifting mechanism and a switch remotely located from the bed lifting mechanism. The switch is adapted to enable selective and remote actuation of the bed lifting mechanism. The mechanism can be provided in kit form through the use of frame connectors which can also improve the interconnection and interoperability of frame members of the mechanism. The mechanism may also comprise adjustable lands to accommodate varying bed types.

Abstract: A collapsible structure is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The collapsible structure includes a plurality of collapsible scissor assemblies. Each scissor assembly includes a first frame member pivotally coupled to a second frame member at a first pivot point. Frame members of adjacent scissor assemblies are coupled to a first connector assembly or a second connector assembly. A support assembly is coupled to a first scissor assembly and includes a member pivotally coupled at a first end to the first connector assembly or the first frame member and slidably coupled at an opposing second end to the second frame member.

Abstract: A mattress wrap set is disclosed, providing an easy way to cover a mattress with a sheet, and remove the sheet from the mattress. The mattress wrap set includes a wrap sheet to cover the sides of a mattress and having a top edge that is inelastic. The top edge includes four right-angled corners and is adapted to cover a periphery of the top of the mattress. The mattress wrap set further includes a top sheet to cover at least most of the top of the mattress, and a plurality of fasteners, with one fastener located at each right-angled corner to removably connect the top sheet to the wrap 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, at least one of the coupling elements (24) located on the support-column side has provided on it at least one sensor (102) for sensing the position of a first coupling element (22) connected to the bed (18) in relation to the column-side coupling element (24), the sensor (102) taking effect when the bed is located on the trolley and the latter assumes in relation to the support column a specific position for transferring the bed onto the latter.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes receivers for supporting a patient-support deck. The patient-support deck is configured to engage the receivers to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A mattress for a hospital bed is provided. The mattress includes an encasing enclosing a compressible mattress portion and a rigid mattress portion. The compressible mattress portion has an integral construction extending from a head end of the bed to a foot end of the bed. The rigid mattress portion contracts from a first elongated position to a second retracted position, and the rigid portion contracting the compressible mattress portion therewith. The rigid mattress portion may be provided at any side or end section of the mattress. Accordingly, the width or length of the mattress can be modified.

Abstract: The present invention is a wound elevation device for alleviating or diminishing pressure on a wound, blemish, decubitus ulcer (also known as pressure ulcer or pressure sore) or surgical site by elevating the affected area above a surface and surrounding the wound without directly contacting or covering the wound, for allowing increased air and blood flow to the wound. An interior filling of the present invention is composed of a Visco/Memory foam, natural buckwheat hulls, whole buckwheat seeds, millet hulls, or a combination thereof, or other suitable material known in the art. The interior filling is enclosed in a unitary, elongated, flexible hollow member, and an additional removable and/or reusable cover composed of anti-bacterial/anti-microbial fabric encloses the hollow member for additional protection. Fastening means allow the user to reconfigure the shape of the device to provide the required support for each use.

Abstract: A changing pad includes a resilient support that has a generally flat base with a bottom surface. A peripheral wall extends upwardly of the base to form a region wherein an infant may be placed. A strap assembly includes a first and second strap portions, each of which having one end secured to the resilient support proximately to the first and second bottom side edges, respectively. Cooperative fastening elements releasably connect to other ends of the two strap portions. The locations of the connections of the strap portions to the bottom edges may be set back an inset distance to allow use with fitted coverings.

Abstract: A system of modular, detachable cushions having surfaces containing hook and/or loop fasteners that fasten to mating loop, open weave or hook surfaces to define adjustable, conformal contoured support surfaces at user contact surfaces and appliances producing fatigue and/or abrasion (e.g. automotive seats, chairs, compartment walls, desks, footwear, helmets, tools etc.). The cushions can include air, elastomer, fabric, fiber, foam, liquid, gel, and/or rubber cushioning materials or combinations thereof arranged in envelopes, pads, cavities or tiered assemblies. The cushions include surfaces fitted with one or more layers of cushioning materials or envelopes of cushioning material and one or more regions of fastener materials that mate with interconnecting fasteners at the contact surface or appliance.

Abstract: A bed mattress is provided for employing a plurality of cushion elements to be arranged in different portions of the mattress divided corresponding to the user's body parts and have appropriate elasticity for the corresponding part of the user's body, which comprises a mattress frame with an enclosing wall of elastic material for providing a mounting space therein; a plurality of cushion elements disposed in the mounting space and forming a mattress body together with the mattress frame; a side pad covering the periphery of the mattress body; and upper and lower cover pads with outer edges fastened respectively to the top and bottom edges of the side pad to enclose the upper and lower surfaces of the mattress body.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a washing machine having a basket rotatably mounted within a tub includes a motor having a first pulley. A washing apparatus is mounted within the basket. A rotatable shaft has first and second ends, the first end being directly coupled to the washing apparatus. A second pulley is mounted on the second end of the shaft. A drive belt connects the first pulley to the second pulley. An inverter is operatively coupled to the motor. A controller is operatively coupled to the inverter and the motor. The controller is configured to control the motor based on a predetermined agitation profile.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine includes a wash basin having a plurality of apertures and an annular liquid reservoir formed at an upper portion of the basin. A plurality of flow channels are arranged around the exterior surface of the wash basin. The plurality of flow channels includes upward flow channels, configured for directing wash liquid extracted from the wash basin into the reservoir under centrifugal force generated in a spin cycle. The plurality of flow channels also includes downward flow channels configured for directing wash liquid from the reservoir to a central drain following the spin cycle. The arrangement avoids the need for an outer wash tub, and at the same time provides stabilization to the wash basin during high speed spins. In another aspect, the wash basin may include wash action ramps provided on a bottom surface of the wash basin and at an upper sidewall of the wash basin.

Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided for cleaning teeth with a mechanical vibratory element and a head having a plurality of different types of cleaning areas which provide for an enhanced cleaning effect upon vibration of said head by said mechanical vibratory element. The cleaning areas have different physical characteristics so that in addition to providing a varied cleaning effect from the cleaning areas themselves there is enhanced treatment as a result of the movement of the cleaning areas imparted by the mechanical vibratory device.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush in which the brushing head moves in an elliptical motion such that, on the brushing stroke, the bristles are proximate the teeth, and in the recovery portion of the cycle the bristles are pulled away from the teeth. A position sensitive switch automatically switches from a forward to a reverse operation of the electric motor, depending on the positioning of the toothbrush in a user's hand, allowing the user to brush both the upper and lower teeth using a stroke carrying the bristles from the gum line to the ends of the teeth, as is recommended by dental professionals, without having to move the toothbrush from hand to hand or manually move the switch from the forward to the reverse positions. A bridge pad engages the face of the teeth, maintaining a proper distance between the teeth and bristles during the elliptical rotation of the brush head.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having one or more toothbrushes connected or connectible to the end of a handle, the one or more toothbrushes providing a desirable fit about the teeth and/or gums and/or providing a desirable brushing action. An oral hygiene device hereof may provide for mechanically providing the brushing movements of the professionally recommended manual tooth-brushing method known as the “Bass” or “Modified Bass” technique to thus reduce or eliminate the element of human error associated with the brushing of a user's teeth and gums.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having two side-by-side toothbrushes connected or connectable to the end of a handle, the one or more toothbrushes providing a desirable fit about the teeth and/or gums and/or providing a desirable brushing action. An oral hygiene device hereof may provide for mechanically providing the brushing movements of the professionally recommended manual tooth-brushing method known as the “Bass” or “Modified Bass” technique to thus reduce or eliminate the element of human error associated with the brushing of a user's teeth and gums.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having one or more toothbrushes connected or connectible to the end of a handle, the one or more toothbrushes providing a desirable fit about the teeth and/or gums and/or providing a desirable brushing action. An oral hygiene device hereof may provide for mechanically providing the brushing movements of the professionally recommended manual tooth-brushing method known as the “Bass” or “Modified Bass” technique to thus reduce or eliminate the element of human error associated with the brushing of a user's teeth and gums.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush attachment includes a longitudinal body extending in a first direction substantially away from an attachment location for attaching the longitudinal body to an electric toothbrush drive unit and a brush connected to an end of the longitudinal body, the brush having bristles extending in a second direction substantially inopposite to the first direction. The longitudinal body transitions into a proximal end having a brush mount portion via a transition region between the longitudinal body and the proximal end. The transition region is formed as an angle of approximately 90° between the longitudinal body and the proximal end. The proximal end further includes a brush mount portion that is adapted to hold a brush.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved rotary drain cleaning machine having an improved support structure that prevents walking of the machine when in use. The machine is supported upon two rear mounted wheels and a forward pedestal.

Abstract: A toothbrush head comprising a mid section, a tip section resiliently flexibly connected to the tip end of the mid section, and at least two side sections each resiliently flexibly connected to the mid- or tip- section at respective points on widthways opposite sides of the mid- or tip- section.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning a surface is disclosed. The cleaning tool comprises a cleaning frame including a rigid body defining a perimeter surrounding an interior opening and at least one spacer arranged within the interior opening. The cleaning frame secures over a backing.

Abstract: An improved trowel for facilitating the production of air pockets in a layer of mortar mix applied to a substrate for receiving marble-flooring pieces thereon. The trowel comprises a handle and an elongated blade joined together by a shank. The shape of the blade gradually narrows to a distal end that includes a plurality of tips separated by one or more V-shaped notch or notches. In various versions of the invention, the number of tips may vary and the tips may be flat or pointed. The V-shaped notch or notches may vary in depth.