Abstract: A method of preparing multiple doses of a pharmaceutical solution, such as ranibizumab, from a single-dose container, includes providing a sterile enclosed area with a plurality of unused sterile syringes, a decapper, and a plurality of sterile bags, opening a single-use container of a pharmaceutical solution in the enclosed area, withdrawing a first portion of the pharmaceutical solution using one of the sterile syringes, withdrawing a second portion of the pharmaceutical solution using a second of the sterile syringes, repeating the previous step for the remaining pharmaceutical solution using the remaining sterile syringes, and placing the sterile syringes containing portions of the pharmaceutical solution individually in the sterile bags.

Abstract: A pre-collections system identifies debtors when they contact a company for a new purchase. A customer service representative (or other automated process) takes payment for the prior debt in real time. The pre-collections system is tightly integrated with an order processing system. Order processing system channels (web site, IVR, CSR, etc.) are enabled to redirect the customer debtor into a corresponding pre-collections system channel. Customers are routed back seamlessly in real time to the point in the order processing system where they left off. The customer is re-instated immediately when their payment is cleared. The system keeps track of blacklisted customers. Logic determines whether to resubmit an item, reclaim a product or service or to immediately collect upon the debt.

Abstract: A new miniature rose plant which has abundant, red colored flowers and attractive foliage. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for year round production in commercial glass houses as a flowering pot plant. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new variety of Floribunda rose suitable for garden decoration, having flowers of caramel orange coloration.

Abstract: ‘PLBAR B1’ is a new apple tree that originated as a limb sport mutation of ‘Cripps Pink.’ The new variety is notable for its exceptional color and early maturity as compared to ‘Cripps Pink.’ Fruit of the new variety is mature and ready for harvest 14 to 18 days earlier than fruit of ‘Cripps Pink.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree, denominated ‘UF ONE’, has a low winter chilling requirement estimated at 150 chill units (cu). The tree is of medium size, has a moderate vigorous and semi-spreading growth habit. It has showy, pink flowers, and leaves with globose glands. Trees of ‘UF ONE’ are self-fertile and regularly bear heavy annual crops of early season fruit that are large for its ripening season. Fruit are uniformly firm and yellow with non-melting, clingstone flesh. Fruit are slightly oval, and uniform with substantially symmetrical shape, and have an attractive 40% bright red skin. The fruit of ‘UF ONE’ blooms about 3 days before and ripens about 8 days after ‘UFBeauty’ peach after the first week in May at Gainesville, Fla.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Ulmus parvifolia, ‘MON1’, characterized by its uniform upright plant habit developing to an oval form at maturity and its hardiness at least to U.S.D.A. Zone 4b.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Dianthus gratianopolitanus, ‘Bedazzled’, characterized by its blue-grey foliage, its tight, compact habit throughout year, its flowers that are light pink in color with a distinct burgundy eye that bloom sporadically throughout the year with 2 heavy flushes of bloom for 4 weeks in spring and 4 weeks in fall in Georgia.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens plant named ‘DANCEL846’, characterized by its dark pink and red-orange bicolored flowers, dark green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, compact-mounded growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: An audio/video production system is implemented on a PC-based platform, preferably utilizing various forms of removable magnetic, optical, or magneto-optical storage media. Specially modified cameras or other sources provide digitally data-compressed audio and video program materials in two formats, a first format having a higher data-compression ratio and intended for use in off-line systems to develop edit decision lists, and a second format having a lower data-compression ratio and intended for use in on-line editing and to produce the final representations of the programs. Off-line editing decisions may thus be developed on a PC using removable storage media, and final representations of the programs may be produced on-line in accordance with stationary-head or rotary-head digital-tape-based formats, such as DAT, 6-mm or 8-mm tapes. In an alternative embodiment, automatic and unattended editing, or extended program playback of more than 40 hours duration of digital video, is available.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the performance of an equalizer in a modem. Multiple techniques are disclosed which improve the modem performance. A first technique uses stored parameters for each burst from each remote site to demodulate a received data stream. A second technique compensates for the gain droop caused by storing parameters across each burst. A third technique minimizes errors caused by adapting the equalizer coefficients for each data burst by analyzing the SN ratio and error rate of the received burst. A fourth technique improves the convergence of the equalizer by using a two-part preamble, whereby both parts are transmitted using different modulation techniques. A fifth technique is provided which performs a soft reset of the modem without performing a complete reset of the modem. A sixth technique determines a modem adaptation factor based on the expected modulation type of an incoming burst transmission.

Abstract: Electrical connection jumper, in particular for terminal blocks of switchboards, comprising a conducting body extending in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of connector elements for electrical connection, which extend in the transverse direction from said conducting body, and an insulating body, integral with said conducting body, said insulating body comprising a longitudinally extending gripping part and pairs of lugs which extend therefrom in a substantially transverse direction and are able to contain partially said conducting body.

Abstract: A nose cover or nose protector, for adventurers, sports fans, and people who love outdoor activities, comprises a nose piece formed from sheets of paper, plastic, fabric, foam, laminated materials, pressure heat cut and seal materials, and/or die-cut materials to fit and cover the nose. Additional materials of adhesive pieces and soft metal sheets are used to fold and contour the nose cover onto the wearer's nose. A corresponding “hook and loop” strap or “hook” patch is used to connect the nose cover to the bridge of eyewear. This nose cover can also consist of heat packs, cold packs, and/or medicated packs to comfort the user. The nose cover can be used with or without eyewear, and with variety of optional accessories.

Abstract: A pad, such as a knee, elbow, or shoulder pad, is wearable over an articulatable joint involving an arm of a wearer or a leg of a wearer and is constructed so as to define two flexing lines extending between an upper edge of the pad and a lower edge of the pad, which flexing lines define a central region of the pad and two lateral regions of the pad, so as to define a flexing line spaced from the central region and extending through each of the lateral regions, and so as to define plural flexing lines spaced from the upper and lower edges and from one another and extending across the central region, between the lateral regions. The pad comprises plural layers, which are sewn so as to define the flexing lines, and at least some of those layers are fabric layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment with enhanced knee support.

Abstract: A tie form system includes a necktie that is elongated and has a first end and a second end. A housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. The front wall is angled toward the rear wall from the top wall to the bottom wall and the top wall has a greater width than the bottom wall. The first and second lateral walls taper toward each other from the top wall to the bottom wall and the top wall has a greater length than the bottom wall. A loop is coupled to the rear wall of the housing. The first end of the necktie is extended through loop and the necktie tied around the housing so that the necktie conforms to a shape of the housing.

Abstract: A protective sports glove that includes a protective knuckle system introduced to the outside of the glove in the finger and thumb portions that includes a flexible base portion that is sewn or otherwise affixed to the underlying inner layer and located over a wearer's knuckles. The flexible base portion includes at least one protruding portion extending upwardly and outwardly from the flexible base section opposite the inner layer. Coupled within or to the ends of each of the respective protruding portion is a knuckle cap portion. The knuckle cap portions are located in the gaps between the padded portions of the finger and thus provide protection to the knuckle of the wearer where the fingers or thumb are flexed and align when the finger or thumb are not flexed.

Abstract: Provided are a size adjuster and a headwear using the same having advantages of increasing exterior aesthetical features and automatically adjusting a circumference of a wearing portion of a headwear. The size adjuster may include: a first guide having one end connected to the wearing portion; a second guide having one end connected to the wearing portion corresponding to a position of the first guide; a case having an inner portion connected to the respective other ends of the first and second guides and where the first and second guides move through; and an elastic band extended or contracted by connecting to the first and second guides.

Abstract: Leg wear includes a front having leg opening forming portions, and a back connected to the front having leg opening forming portions continuing to the leg opening forming portions of the front. The leg wear further includes thigh portion parts connected to the leg opening forming portions of the front and back and formed into a cylindrical shape for inserting the thigh portions. The heights of the crests of the thigh portion parts are smaller than the curved depths of the leg opening forming portions, and the widths of the crests are made larger than those of the curved portions of the leg opening forming portions, so that the thigh portion parts having a cylindrical shape in the worn state are shaped to protrude forward relative to the front.

Abstract: A pre-assembled anti-creep waist-clothing stay device including a patch having front and back surfaces and sized for application to a crotch-adjacent inner-seam area of the waist-clothing and a stay strip affixed to the back surface of the patch, the stay strip being positioned and sized such that the patch extends beyond edges of the stay strip. In important embodiments, the patch includes a heat-activated adhesive such that, when the patch is applied to the waist-clothing with iron-on heat and pressure, the patch adheres at its back surface to the waist-clothing, thereby securing the stay strip in position to prevent the waist-clothing from riding up and bunching in the crotch area. In certain key embodiments, the anti-creep waist-clothing stay device is a stay strip having first and second sides each of which is coated with an adhesive. Such stay device is affixed within a seam-allowance in the crotch-adjacent area.

Abstract: A pair of swimming goggles includes a body having a strap coupling section formed on each of two sides thereof. Each strap coupling section includes front and rear faces, with upper and lower grooves formed in the front face. Each groove includes a slot in an outer end thereof and a through-hole in an inner end thereof. The slots and the through-holes extend from the front face through the rear face. A head strap includes two ends each extending in sequence through one of the slots, one of the grooves, one of the through-holes, the other through-hole, the other groove, and the other slot, with the head strap forming upper and lower clamping sections.

Abstract: A device is provided to protect the neck and the base of the skull of a person engaged in sports or other physical activities. The device comprises a first impact-resistant pliable substrate for protecting the back of the person's head, a second cushioning substrate lining the first substrate. The device encircles a substantial portion of the person's neck; with straps or other fastener devices provided to facilitate closure and anchoring of the device around the person's neck. While the device is typically worn with a helmet and attached thereto, the device also may be used alone, or in combination with a soft-style cap.

Abstract: A water conservation system is provided public and domestic lavatories. The system includes a distinctive flush mechanism of two features. One of these features entails a “treatment button” which, upon depression, will cause to emit a fluid compound into urinated wastewater decolorizing and sanitizing it and bringing it back to its original, colorless, odorless condition. Accordingly, potable water is not used for flushing. The urinated wastewater is “treated” and, so, remains through subsequent “treatments” until such time when solid waste is deposited necessitating a conventional flush utilizing the flush lever and usual water use. The savings in volume of water is realized upon considering the number of times the “treatment button” is executed and potable water is “not withdrawn.” The system is revolutionary in that it dispenses with a “necessary flush” each time the toilet is used. Moreover, this novel system addresses the recurring local, and national, drought emergency situations.

Abstract: A toilet seat tilting device includes a base, a seat tilting device that lifts or lowers a seat and a seat cover tilting device that lifts or lowers the seat cover. First and second pedals are used to operate link mechanisms. When the first pedal is pressed, the parts of the seat tilting device are rotated clockwise so that the seat is lifted. When the second pedal is pressed, the parts are rotated counterclockwise so that the seat is lowered. The seat cover is lowered when the second pedal is further pressed. The height of the tilting devices is adjustable and they are provided in left-handed and right-handed structures to be adapted various toilets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable drain filter comprising a central shaft having a first end region and second end region, and a plurality of snaring discs having a central opening to accommodate the shaft. The snaring discs having radially emanating fins that form a fin snaring disc, wherein each fin is defined by a flat upper wall and a pair of side wall surfaces that meet at a single point, the flat upper wall having a plurality of upwardly projecting protrusions placed at the junction of the upper wall and side walls, to further grip materials. The fin has a narrow first end region affixed to the hollow tube, and a wide second end region. The second end regions of adjacent fins are separated by a 0.25 inch gap. A barb snaring disc is placed sequentially after each fin snaring disc, thereby forming an alternating sequence of snaring discs, wherein the barb snaring discs have radially emanating bristle extensions with barbs to further grip materials.

Abstract: A toilet tank lever assembly may be mounted in various toilet tanks by selective positioning of a long lever arm relative a short lever arm. One such lever assembly includes a long lever arm which may be mounted at an infinite degree of adjustment relative a short lever arm as provided by a ball and socket interface between the lever arms. The ability to reverse the short lever arm essentially doubles the number of mounting possibilities. By selecting between a front insert and a side insert, a handle is readily positioned for either front or side tank mounting. Various handles may also be readily attached to the lever post to provide various aesthetic appearances.

Abstract: A reduced water consumption flush toilet for a motor vehicle includes a bowl assembly, a waste ball valve assembly and a water valve assembly. The bowl assembly defines a bowl and a discharge opening at a lower end of the bowl. The waste ball valve assembly is mounted to the flush toilet for selectively opening and closing the discharge opening of the bowl assembly. The water valve assembly delivers a source of flush water to the bowl. The water valve assembly includes a water valve operable in a water valve open condition and a water valve closed condition. The flush toilet further includes a common actuator for controlling both the waste ball valve assembly and the water valve assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sink access device which is utilized to facilitate a child or a diminutive person to wash their hands at a lavatory located in a public restroom. The sink access device includes a step support mount having a base and an upwardly extending arm. The step support mount is fixedly attached to a portion of a public restroom. A step is pivotally mounted to the upwardly extending arm of the step support mount. The step has a first position wherein the step is in a vertical position and a second position wherein the step is in a horizontal position providing a platform for a diminutive person to step onto. The step is positioned either at or behind a vertical plane defined by the front profile of a sink when the step is in the first position and the step breaks the plane when in the second position.

Abstract: A slat connector for use with a futon sofa bed may be used for connecting a slat to a rail of a frame of the futon sofa bed. The slat connector may include a body having an opening for receiving an end portion of a slat, and a protrusion extending in a generally normal direction from an outer surface of the body. The rail of the frame may include an opening for receiving the protrusion of the connector for connecting the slat to the rail.

Abstract: A patient bed includes a patient support, with a headboard, a footboard, and a plurality of side rails. One or more surfaces of the side rails or of the headboard or of the footboard includes a gap and a sealing cover for sealing the gap to facilitate cleaning and disinfection of the patient bed. For example, the cover may comprise a membrane that is applied to the surface, for example, by an adhesive. The adhesive may be releasable so that the membrane may be removed for replacement or to provide access to the gap for example, where the gap is formed between a control interface that is located in the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air bearing pallet comprising a network of tethers oriented and connected between the upper and bottom sheets of a plenum chamber, which cause a system of indentations to become formed in the bottom sheet when the plenum chamber is inflated. Perforations in the bottom sheet enable air to escape thereby generating an air film below the chamber within the predefined system of indentations. The size, shape, depth, bottom surface tension/stiffness, airflow through, quantity and location of the indentations can be varied in order to optimize lifting performance and efficiency and reduce system level losses over irregularities and gaps in the support surface.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has upper and lower tables surrounded by belts which counter-rotate as the table assembly moves between a patient and a supporting surface such as a bed. The table assembly includes integrated means for laterally retracting side plates of the upper table while adjusting incident angles of the side plates and vertically separating the upper table from the lower table. Guide slots in end plates fixed to a slide assembly retain positioning posts attached to ends of the side plates. The slots are inclined upwardly toward a centerline of the table assembly at different angles. A crank moves the side plates using a rotating disk attached to a central frame of the upper table and linkage arms with one end pivotally attached to a peripheral region of the disk and another end pivotally attached to one of the positioning posts.

Abstract: A hammock device for cradling infants comprising a foldable support base for placing on a ground surface; a first and second support brace pivotally attached to the base; a swinging bar pivotally connected to the first support brace via a first control box and to the second support brace via a second control box; a sheet-like hammock component wherein the first end is attached near the first end of the swinging bar and the second end is attached near the second end of the swinging bar such that an inner cavity is formed in which the infant may be placed; and a motor disposed in the first control box that causes the swinging bar to rotate in a first direction and a second direction.

Abstract: A portable and foldable bed is disclosed, in which a support strength of a rotation support leg is enhanced by installing a triangle support plate at an engaged portion between a rotation pole of a rotation support leg and a connection bar, and a fixing plate with a width twice the width of a bed frame is provided in a bed frame engagement unit of a fixing support leg, and a closer contact unit is provided between the fixing plate and the fixing support leg for thereby obtaining a stable engagement of the same, and a foldable spring is disposed between a lower horizontal bar of a center support par and an outer frame of a bed frame, so a folding operation can be easily performed during a folding operation of a bed.

Abstract: A bed base comprises a rectangular support having side members connected at corners by a corner connector assembly including a locator element in a leg of a plate member that interacts with a locator element in a side member. A cross-rail assembly includes an elongated bar member that fits in notches in upper edge sections of opposed side members and a pair of leg members near opposed ends the elongated bar member pass through the notches upon attaching the cross-rail assembly to the rectangular support.

Abstract: A treatment bed has two lifting motors connected in parallel mechanically in the height-adjustable lifter. In order to load the lifting motors evenly and avoid torsions in the lifter, a balancing circuit that measures the supply currents of the lifting motors is provided. If a difference is determined, then the respective current is briefly interrupted several times until the magnitudes of the currents approach one another.

Abstract: A restraint for holding a person atop a gurney or on a vehicle seat. A harness includes a pair of straps slidably mounted to a main frame. The straps are connected to an adjuster. A slide plate is mounted to the frame with the straps extending therethrough. A spring loaded device normally positions the plate to position the straps apart from the shoulders of a person positioned beneath the straps until the straps are pulled relative to an adjuster moving the plate and the straps adjacent the shoulders of the person.

Abstract: A multi-combinational spring mattress includes a frame portion for enclosing and defining a containing space, a bottom layer having a plurality of linear ditches longitudinally and latitudinally intersected at the top of the bottom layer, a plurality of lumps formed among the ditches, and the bottom layer being disposed at the bottom of the containing space, a plurality of spring layers, each having a plurality of individual spring cylinders and stacked onto the top of the bottom layer, a surface layer stacked onto the top of the spring layers, and a wrapping cover for completely wrapping the frame portion, the bottom layer, the spring layers and the surface layer in the wrapping cover, and the spring layers have elasticity coefficients, so that users can change the configuration of the spring mattress or replace any damaged or elastically fatigue spring layer easily.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance by changing a flow rate of water supplied to the steam generator to determine a change in calcification of the steam generator.

Abstract: A washing machine which prevents wrinkling of laundry in washing, rinsing, and dehydrating operations, and a method for controlling the same. The method includes determining whether a wrinkle preventing course is selected, performing a washing operation by supplying washing water to a water level designated according to an amount of the laundry disposed in the washing machine, when it is determined that the wrinkle preventing course is selected, and measuring a time of the washing operation, and additionally supplying the washing water at a designated time before the washing of the laundry is completed.