Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Sedum plant named ‘Twinkling Star’, characterized by its upright and compact plant habit; freely basally branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; attractive yellow green-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Sedum plant named ‘Moonlight Serenade’, characterized by its upright and compact plant habit; freely basally branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; attractive white-colored flowers with greyed purple-colored apices; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting machine readable marks on one side of a wafer without requiring transmission of radiant energy from another side of the wafer and through the wafer. The wafer has articles which may include die, chip scale packages, circuit patterns and the like. The marking occurs in a wafer marking system and within a designated region relative to an article position. The articles have a pattern on a first side. The method includes the steps of imaging a first side of the wafer, imaging a second side of the wafer, establishing correspondence between a portion of first side image and a portion of a second side image, and superimposing image data from the first and second sides to determine at least the position of a mark relative to an article.

Abstract: An integral printed self-mailer sheet product has a generally planar core formed by first and second core strips of different materials permanently joined together side-by-side by a cover strip. A plurality of variable data fields are printed on the core including at least the name and address of an individual person in a character format and a unique numeric code assigned to the individual person in a machine readable format. Scoring extends through the sheet product in the second core strip to define at least one and typically plural printed element(s) removable from a remainder of the sheet product, each including at least one of the printed variable data fields. The first core strip has a width in a direction perpendicular to the joint greater than and preferably at least twice the width of the second core strip in the same direction so as to completely wrap around the second core strip.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an output circuit that is able to adjust the output voltage slew rate and avoid short-circuit current, comprising: a control circuit for receiving an input data and generating a first set of control signals based on the input data; an output control device consisting of a first field effect transistor (FET) connected in series with a second field effect transistor (FET) and the point of connection is the output end for generating an output signal; a first capacitor having one end connected to a first working voltage and generates a first control voltage by charging/discharging on another end to control the gate of the first field effect transistor; a first switch for controlling charging/discharging of the first capacitor device based on the first set of control signals; a first current source for providing charging current for the first capacitor device; a second capacitor having one end connected to a second working voltage and generates a second control voltage by charging/d

Abstract: In a TFT LCD device comprising a substrate, at least one thin film transistor formed on the substrate, having a source electrode and a drain electrode, an insulating layer formed over the whole surface of the substrate on which the thin film transistor is formed, having at least one contact hole exposing a portion of the drain electrode, and reflective layer pixel electrode corresponding to the thin film transistor, formed on the insulating layer to be connected with the drain electrode through the contact hole, the pixel electrode is formed of a multi-layered conductive layer. The drain electrode is composed of multiple layers, and the most upper layer of the multiple layers is one selected from a Cr layer and a MoW layer. Preferably, the multi-layered conductive layer is composed of two-layered conductive layer having a lower layer of the same material as that of the most upper layer and an upper layer of Al-containing metal.

Abstract: An optical disc apparatus for recording, reproducing or erasing an information signal by converging a light flux onto a recording layer through a transparent substrate. The apparatus includes one or a plurality of optical heads having a plurality of objective lenses whose aberrations have respectively been corrected for a plurality of disc substrates of different thicknesses, a cartridge for enclosing the optical disc, a discrimination hole which is formed on the cartridge, and a sensor for detecting the opening/closing state of the discrimination hole and for generating a discrimination signal. In accordance with the result of the discrimination as to the thickness of the loaded optical disc, the objective lens, in which the occurrence of the aberration is smallest, is used, so that the information signal can preferably be recorded, reproduced or erased onto/from the optical discs having different substrate thicknesses.

Abstract: A method (200, 300, 400) according to the invention is a method for determining a condidate cell for an active set, where the quality factor of each cell in the active set is determined (202), a quality factor of a test cell is determined (203), and the test cell is accepted (205) as a candidate cell for the active set if an acceptance criterion is fulfilled.

Abstract: Receiver module and receiver formed from several cascaded module. The module comprises inputs (E1, E2, E3, E4) and outputs (S1, S2, S3, S4) connected to a selection means (44) circuit, to a switching means (45) circuit, and to a decoding means (46, 58, 60) circuit. Such modules can be cascaded by simply connecting the corresponding inputs and outputs. The final module delivers the transmitted information. Application to differential phase modulation and orthogonal modulation spread spectrum digital transmission.

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. A decoding apparatus including a filtering unit configured to filter an image by selecting a filter mask extending either horizontally or vertically.

Abstract: An optical connector assembly (2) has two optical connectors (3) and a combiner (5). Each optical connector has a connector body (30) with an angled latching arm (4) formed on the connector body. The latching arm has a fixed end (41) on the connector body and a free distal end. A groove (430) is defined on the distal end. The combiner has a combiner body (6) holding the optical connectors and a cantilevered trigger arm (7). The trigger arm has a fixed end on the combiner body and a free distal end. A rod (72) is formed on the distal end of the trigger arm, and is received in the grooves of the optical connectors.

Abstract: An image forming system is disclosed which can prevent toner stain adhered onto an image bearing member at the time of switching from one developing unit to another from adhering to an image area on an intermediate transfer member and which can thereby prevent the deterioration of image quality. Latent images formed on a photoreceptor drum are developed by developing units in a revolver developing unit, toner images thus formed are primarily transferred in an overlapped state onto an intermediate transfer belt in a primary transfer section, and the thus primarily transferred toner images are together transferred secondarily onto a transfer paper. In this image forming system, a revolving operation of the revolver developing unit is controlled so that an area on the photoreceptor drum with which a developer contained in a Bk developing unit comes into contact upon 22.

Abstract: A method for plasma treatment of anisotropically etched openings to improve a crack initiation and propagation resistance including providing a semiconductor wafer having a process surface including anisotropically etched openings extending at least partially through a dielectric insulating layer; plasma treating in at least one plasma treatment the process surface including the anisotropically etched openings to improve an adhesion of a subsequently deposited refractory metal adhesion/barrier layer thereover; and, blanket depositing at least one refractory metal adhesion/barrier layer to line the anisotropically etched openings.

Abstract: A system and method providing a wireless broadband connection between base stations and customer sites. The system includes indoor units, within the base stations and customer sites, that communicate across cables to outdoor units. The indoor units link to routers, switches and other devices and services. The outdoor units transmit and receive wireless data and send it to the indoor units. The indoor units control the functioning of the outdoor units by transmitting digital messages along the interface cables. The outdoor units report various detector values to the indoor units, which allows the indoor units to tune and adjust several functions within the outdoor units. Several embodiments for automatically calibrating the receive path gain in the base stations to compensate for the base station cable between the indoor unit and outdoor unit are described. In addition, an An improved transmit power control technique which is not affected by modulation type, is also described.

Abstract: A six-speed powertrain of an automatic transmission includes a first single pinion planetary gear set having a first sun gear, two a first planet carriers carrier, a first planetary gear, and a first ring gear. A second single pinion planetary gear set has a second sun gear, a second planetary gear, and a second ring gear. A double pinion planetary gear set has a third sun gear, a pair of third planetary gears, and a third ring gear. One planetary gear of the pair of third planetary gears and the second planetary gear are commonly connected by a common planet carrier such that the second and third planetary gears may independently rotate.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for masking and subsequent removal of oil, grease, rust and other stains from a variety of rough solid surfaces, including, but not limited to stone, concrete, asphalt, stucco brick, and ceramic. The methods include coating the stains with an opaque or translucent thin film of a composition that makes the stain practically indistinguishable against the background, exposing the coated stain to the elements, such as, sunlight, air, moisture, resulting in spontaneous transformation, degradation and subsequent removal of the stains from the solid surfaces. The compositions include a photocatalyst by itself or the photocatalyst combined with at least one of, a sensitizer, a dopant, a mediator, a co-reagent, a pigment and a binder. The role of a photocatalyst is to produce highly reactive species or radicals and initiate the degradation of a stain upon exposure to elements, such as, sunlight, air and ambient humidity. Artificial light sources can be used instead of sunlight.

Abstract: An audio/video reproducing apparatus is connectable to a communications network for selectively reproducing items of audio/video material from a recording medium in response to a request received via the communications network. The audio/video reproducing apparatus may comprise a control processor operable in use to receive data representing the request for the audio/video material item via the communications network. A reproducing processor is operable in response to signals identifying the audio/video material items from the control processor to reproduce the audio/video material items. The data identifying the audio/video material items includes meta data indicative of the audio/video material items. The meta data may be one of UMID, tape ID and time codes, and a Unique Material Identifier the material items.

Abstract: A server is disclosed for filtering e-mail messages. The server receives requests to retrieve e-mail messages on behalf of a client and then retrieves e-mail messages from a mail server on behalf of the client. The server then filters the e-mail messages based on one or more rules and transfers the filtered e-mail messages to the client. In addition, the server continues to filter the e-mail messages after the client has disconnected from the server. In one embodiment of the invention the e-mail message recipient is sent a notification by the server indicating that messages have been filtered. The recipient is then able to scan the filtered messages and insure that the messages have been filtered correctly. In another embodiment, a third party scans the e-mail messages on behalf of the e-mail user to make this determination. Also disclosed is an e-mail filter comprising an application programming interface and a plurality of dynamically loaded rule modules adapted to interface with the API.

Abstract: An ACARS messaging system according to the invention is deployed when a TCP/IP subnetwork is available to the aircraft. ACARS messages are encoded into ASN.1 notation and translated to become compliant with the TCP/IP suite of protocols. A wireless subnetwork provides the initial access point to establish the TCP/IP datalink for the ACARS message traffic. The system allows transmission of ACARS messages using low cost and high bandwidth TCP/IP networks in lieu of the private networks that carry conventional ACARS messages.

Abstract: A digital data file encryption system and method where digital data encrypted to a high level and an encryption key are received and stored in a computer. The stored, encrypted digital data is decrypted on the basis of the encryption key and stored in a buffer of a predetermined size. Output digital data from the buffer is reencrypted to a low level of encryption and downloaded to a digital data playing device or a data storage medium. Therefore, a digital audio or video data file is prevented from being diverted in unencrypted form from a computer communication network when it is transmitted to a personal computer through the computer communication network and, in turn, downloaded to the digital data playing device. Further, the digital data playing device is prevented from rising in cost due to the use of simple encryption for data downloaded to the playing device.

Abstract: This invention relates to glyphosate-resistant transgenic plants and methods of making the same. In a preferred embodiment, a DNA fragment which comprises an EPSPS 5? regulatory sequence and a glyphosate-resistant EPSPS coding sequence is introduced into regenerable plant cells. The encoded EPSPS has a chloroplast transit peptide. The DNA fragment does not contain a non-EPSPS enhancer. Cells are selected for stable transformation, and the selected cells can be used to regenerate glyphosate-resistant transgenic plants. The DNA fragment used for transformation preferably comprises a modified plant genomic sequence, such as SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO: 6. In one embodiment, two DNA fragments of this invention are stably transformed into a plant to confer glyphosate-resistance.

Abstract: A leg guard for a baseball catcher includes asymmetrical knee and shin portions. The knee and shin portions include a rigid plate attached to pad. The knee portion has medial extensions of both the plate and pad to provide additional protection to the medial side of the knee when the catcher is in the crouch position. Similarly, the rigid plate of the shin portion also has a generally rectangular shape, with the medial side longer than the lateral side for additional protection of the medial side of the leg. The knee portion is generally curved. This shape stabilizes and protects the knee in transitioning from the crouch position to the blocking position and from the blocking position back to the crouch position or to an upright throwing stance.

Abstract: A camouflage suit for reducing the discoverability of persons in the visible and infrared spectrum, as for example the thermal infrared spectrum, exhibits a breath-active fabric exhibiting an open fabric structure based on a textile backing. The backing here exhibits a low-emitting surface. This can be achieved by at least partly sheathing or coating the textile backing with an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A sterile glove includes a hand and finger portion and a cuff having an inside surface and an outside surface. The cuff is adapted to be folded over at a fold when the glove is packaged in a sterile package and the fold forms an opening for inserting a hand into the glove. A stretching mechanism is coupled substantially near or on the fold and is adapted to increase a size of the opening while donning the glove. At least a portion of the stretching mechanism is detachable. The stretching mechanism has an unstretched state and a stretched state, and the stretching mechanism is in the unstretched state when the glove is packaged.

Abstract: A protective glove (10) is provided for use by a firefighter or other emergency worker. The glove (10) includes an outer shell (22), at least one liner (24, 28, 30) located inside of the outer shell (22), and a dead air space (34) located inside of the outer shell (22).

Abstract: A medical glove is provided for protection against the transmission of infectious agents. The glove comprises a glove body sized to tightly enclose a wearer's hand. The glove body has a palm portion and adjoining finger portions. A webbing adjoins two of the finger portions. The webbing is sized to receive a stethoscope head between the finger portions when the finger portions are separated. The glove is formed of an acoustically transmissive elastomeric material that is substantially non-porous and sufficiently thin to allow tactile sensitivity and dexterity.

Abstract: Pants comprising an upper portion formed of a first material such as denim and a lower portion formed of a second material such as leather and connected to the upper portion along at least one seam. An inseam panel is sewn along at least one lengthwise edge of the pants spanning both the upper portion and the lower portion. At least one vent assembly may be installed in each lower portion of the pants, each vent assembly comprising a means for selectively closing the vent assembly, a cover panel formed so as to selectively cover the closure means, and an interior panel formed beneath the closure means and configured to allow air to pass therethrough upon opening of the closure means. A permanent or selectively removable lining may be installed within the lower portion of the pants, and protective armor may be installed on the pants.

Abstract: The protective helmet includes a rigid outer shell where the shell includes an undulating cross-sectional profile. A layer of impact-energy-absorbing material is positioned adjacent to the shell. The undulating profile of the shell can be any type of load spreading undulating profile, such as that of a sinusoidal or triangular wave configuration. The undulating load-spreading profile can be on the inner surface of the shell, on the outer surface of the shell or the entire cross-section of the shell may be undulating. The unique undulating profile makes the shell more rigid and spreads the impact load across the surface of the shell to thereby spread the deformation of the padding layer to prevent the shell from bottoming out of the impact-energy-absorbing material during an impact. As a result, a safer and more effective protective helmet is provided.

Abstract: A system capable of generating foam in a sanitary appliance includes a dosing device previously filled with a foaming substance, the dosing device metering a dosage of the substance, an agitation mechanism to agitate the substance to create foam, a receptacle to retain the substance for communication with the agitation mechanism, a fluid supply to allow fluid transport of the substance to the receptacle, and a trigger for activating the fluid supply. A dosing device of this system is further provided, including a container filled with a foaming substance, a positioner to position and house the container, the positioner further including a pin capable of creating a bottom aperture of the container, a fluid supply, wherein the outlet of the fluid supply is directed at the aperture on the bottom end of the container. A container is also provided that can be used in the dosing device.

Abstract: A dispenser for releasing a treatment composition into the bowl of a toilet, and a fragrance into the surrounding room, comprises a solid block of a treatment composition in a housing. A block of gel material impregnated with the fragrance fills an opening in a front wall of the housing and is exposed to the housing interior.

Abstract: A toilet actuation apparatus. An illustrative embodiment of the apparatus includes a lever support, at least one pedal lever pivotally carried by the lever support, at least one pedal carried by the at least one pedal lever on a first side of the lever support, at least one actuation lever pivotally carried by the at least one pedal lever on a second side of the lever support, at least one toothed actuation rack carried by the at least one actuation lever and at least one toothed actuation pinion engaging the at least one toothed actuation rack.

Abstract: A flexible sink strainer having a cupped body completely comprised of a flexible material including a plurality of apertures to allow fluid to pass therethrough, wherein the body is capable of attaining first and second configurations, the first configuration being suitable for capturing material entrained within fluid as it passes through the apertures and the second configuration being suitable for removing material captured on the body as fluid passes through the apertures, is disclosed.

Abstract: A fine-bubble generator is capable of supplying a fluid mixed with a large quantity of fine bubbles into a fluid without causing an unnecessary liquid flow and turbulent flow in the objective fluid. The fine-bubble generator is constructed by arranging two fine-bubble generating sections in a rectangular parallelepiped casing with spouts of the fine-bubble generating sections facing each other.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet for providing a pulsating water stream comprises a jet body, and a water inlet to allow a stream of water into the body. A water outlet allows the stream to exit the body and a movable ball within the body causes said stream of water to pulsate as it exits the body.

Abstract: A motorized toilet bowl cleaning device includes a main body having a frame that attaches to a rim of a toilet bowl; a container coupled to the main body capable of holding a cleaning solution; a dispenser coupled to the container to spray the cleaning solution; an electric motor coupled to the main body; at least one brushing arm attached to the main body, a power source for powering the electric motor; and at least one moving wheel driven by a motor such that when the main body is attached to the rim, the wheel is in engaging contact with a surface of the rim. The dispenser is positioned and angled in a manner to spray the cleaning solution onto an inside wall of the toilet bowl.

Abstract: The bunk bed with integral staircase includes upper and lower bunks with a set of steps or stairs assembled integrally therewith as a single unit. The staircase includes a chest of drawers therein to provide storage. The staircase structure is configured to allow certain components to be interchanged from one side to the other, permitting the staircase to be assembled to either end of the bunk bed structure as desired. The drawers of the chest extend laterally from the side of the staircase, and may be removed, turned around, and reinstalled in the opposite side of the staircase as desired, according to which end of the bunks the staircase is attached. The bed structure, and particularly the lower bunk, may include additional features, such as additional storage drawers therebeneath, and/or the lower bunk may have a greater width than the upper bunk.

Abstract: A multipurpose sleeping bag has an opening in the center that can be drawn around one's neck in an over garment mode, or closed in a sleeping bag mode. A draw cord is employed to compress a foot portion and, optionally, a foot draft tube, into a knot-like configuration for the sleeping bag mode. For operations other than the sleeping bag mode, the foot portion is left open to form a skirt-like configuration. Another embodiment configures a multipurpose hypothermia sleeping bag, which includes flap panels positioned on the top side thereof to provide an opening for IV or catheter administration to a hypothermia patient. Each flap panel can also accept a heating device. Chest and back pockets, respectively above and below the head opening, accept heating devices to provide warmth while using the sleeping bag in an over garment mode of operation.

Abstract: A device to prevent a person lying on a bed from falling off the bed, while allowing the person freedom to change sleeping positions and to enter and exit a bed without assistance. This device consists of a washable fabric cover with four cylinder sleeves on each longitudinal side of cover. An elongated support member is inserted into one of the cylinder sleeves on each side of cover. The elongated support member and cover are removably held in place along each longitudinal side of a mattress by brackets. The brackets are anchored between a box springs and a frame of a bed.

Abstract: A pillow cover includes a pillow casing and a neck support provided thereon. A neck support includes an elongated retention pocket and a neck supporting element received in the retention pocket therewithin. The user is able to use his or her own pillow to incorporate with the pillow cover such that when the user sleeps in a bed by using his or her own pillow for head support in a comfortable way, the neck support of the pillow cover provides a substantial neck support to keep the neck of the user in alignment with the spine while sleeping.

Abstract: A surgical arm rest or leg rest for supporting a patient's limb has concave tray or trough supported on a post member that extends downward. An elongated rod member situated below the tray with clamp member adjustably supports the post of the tray. A clamp member permits the rotation angle and tilt angle of the support post to be adjusted. An L-shaped support arm has a vertical arm portion adapted to be received into a support clamp mounted on the surgical table, and a horizontal arm that holds a sleeve member which supports the rod member. A locking lever on the sleeve member locks the rod member in place in the sleeve member.

Abstract: A pillow system comprises a curved main pillow having a pillow body having a midsection and a pair of ends. The pillow body is curved and is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user. A padded attachment member may be removably attachable to the pillow body, and may have a flexible midportion that permits the attachment member to be folded in half. The pillow may include a belt having two portions that may be coupled to each other to secure the pillow body around a user.

Abstract: A stowable baby changing system including a housing having a mount connectable to a first automobile seat, a sheet extendable from the housing over and above a seating surface of a second automobile seat, a locking mechanism for fixing the sheet in an extended position, and one or more attachments on a distal end of the sheet to secure the sheet over the seating surface, wherein the sheet is suspended above the seating surface in the extended position providing a clearance between the sheet and the seating surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire resistant barrier and open flame resistant mattresses, mattress foundations, and upholstered articles having the fire resistant barrier therein for protection. The open flame resistance of the mattresses, mattress foundations, and upholstered articles is determined under a full-scale fire test of a composite article.

Abstract: A mattress includes a core portion having independently inflatable head, seat and foot zones, each of which includes at least an A bladder and a B bladder. Pressure within all the core portion A bladders is adjustable separately from pressure within all the core portion B bladders. Pressure within the A bladders of a given zone are adjustable separately from pressure within the B bladders of the given zone. Pressure within the A bladders of a given zone are separately adjustable from pressure within the A bladders of zones other than the given zone, and pressure within the B bladders of a given zone are separately adjustable from pressure within the B bladders of zones other than the given zone.

Abstract: A suspended matrix support structure has a perimeter frame which supports a flexible matrix formed with intersecting flexible members, the ends of which are supported by the perimeter frame. Edges of the flexible members are held within channels which form a frame about the flexible matrix. In one embodiment, the perimeter frame is constructed of foam with contoured features which support the frame of the flexible matrix. The flexible members of the flexible matrix extend across the expanse within the perimeter frame to provide a flexible support structure which can be used as a mattress, mattress foundation or both in combination.

Abstract: A device for applying stain treatment formulation to a garment or article of clothing while it is being worn is disclosed. The device includes a reservoir with an applicator tip for containing the formulation and dispensing the formulation to a stain, spot or mark on the garment. The device also includes a shell connected to the reservoir for housing an absorbent member dispensing mechanism. After the stain removal formulation is applied, the absorbent member is pressed and/or rubbed on the stain to lift and remove the stain and to absorb or wick excess formulation thereby reducing the time needed for the resulting wet spot to dry. Effective stain removing formulations for on-the-go use are also provided.

Abstract: An elongated toothbrush head defining a longitudinal axis includes a first brush member having a first brush support surface and a second brush member which is a pivot arm mounted for pivotal movement on the first brush member. The pivot arm has a second brush support surface including a first portion and a second portion which are joined together and include free ends which are spaced apart. The first portion and the second portion of the second brush support surface are capable of pivoting relative to the first brush support surface about an axis which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the head and laterally across the pivot arm. One or more teeth cleaning elements project from the first portion and the second portion and are inclined at an angle to the second brush support surface.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a body, and a brush member connected to the body, the brush member including three brushes which are arranged at an angle relative to one another so as to provide two side brushes and one intermediate brush extending between the side brushes and to form an elongated passage between the brushes, adapted to receive teeth so that the brushes can contact the teeth from an inner side, from an outer side, and from a biting surface.

Abstract: A floor mat having a base that includes a plurality of alternating fibrous strips and impervious strips and surrounded by a frame. The base is substantially continuous across its entire width and length, having no openings from its upper surface through to its lower surface. The impervious strips include a plurality of spaced apart rows of spaced apart bosses.

Abstract: Windshield wiper device (400) for a motor vehicle with at least one wiper bearing (42) and a fastening element (44) that is connected to a vehicle body, wherein a decoupling element (43) for decoupling noise is arranged between the at least one wiper bearing (42) and the fastening element (44), wherein the decoupling element (43) and/or the wiper bearing (42) is detachably connected to the fastening element (44).