Abstract: An adapter to be attached to a memory card for changing an external shape such that it can be inserted into a memory card insertion section of specific type equipment is provided. The adapter includes: an adapter body for defining a space housing the memory card; a write protect mechanism including a write enable/disable setting member which is slidable with respect to the adapter body; and a terminal portion located in the adapter body, which is formed so as to be electrically connected to a terminal portion of the memory card when the memory card is housed in the adapter body, and in which the write protect mechanism sets whether to enable or disable writing of data into the memory card in accordance with the position of the write enable/disable setting member.

Abstract: A device, a system and a procedure to reduce the signalling load in a cellular mobile telephone system that supports packet switched services. One of a set of mobile stations included in a cellular mobile telephone system is switched between a first mode in a first state, here called Ready State, respective to a second state, here called Standby State, depending on a time parameter which indicates a time when the mobile station shall remain in the first state, to switch to the second state afterward. The value of the time parameter is set currently depending on the current speed of the mobile station through the cell network of the mobile telephone system.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel compounds and compositions for the safe and effective treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and related conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions of the subject invention comprise esterified cisapride derivatives. These compositions possess potent activity in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease and substantially reduce adverse effects associated with the administration of cisapride. These adverse effects include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and elevations of blood pressure and heart rate.

Abstract: A search engine manages the indexing of web page contents and accepts user selection criteria to find and report hits that meet the search criteria. The inventive search engine has an associated crawler function wherein display images of the web pages are rendered and stored as snapshots, preferably when the pages are indexed. The search engine reports search results by composing an html page with links to the corresponding page hits and containing snapshot reduced size graphic images showing the web pages as they appeared when fetched and stored as snapshots.

Abstract: A drawing management device for managing the drawing of an entire facility, such as a water supply facility, as digital information. This device includes a unit for storing drawings with priorities obtained by separating the entire facility drawing into sub-facility drawings located at plural levels, a selective display designating unit for displaying a desired sub-facility drawing obtained by selecting the number of levels considering the priority from the storing unit, and a display unit for displaying the desired sub-facility drawing in response to the signal from the selective display designating unit. By suitably selecting a desired level considering the priority, only a necessary and sufficient facility drawing can be displayed swiftly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide molecules for regulating gene expression in plants. In particular, the invention relates to promoters that are useful for regulating gene expression of heterologous polynucleotide molecules in plants. The invention also relates to expression constructs and transgenic plants containing the heterologous polynucleotide molecules.

Abstract: A kneepad includes connectors (32 and 34) at its lower side edges (30 and 31) below the position of articulation of the joint. The connectors are biased toward a plurality of ribs (40) integrally formed in the external side surface of the outer hard shell (22) for trapping the side seams of the pant leg against the ribs and holding the kneepad firmly in place.

Abstract: A headwear assembly, comprising a crown, a bill attached to said crown, and extending outwardly therefrom. The bill comprises an upper bill portion comprising a first periphery and a first closure means disposed along that first periphery, a lower bill portion comprising a second periphery and a second closure means disposed along that second periphery, wherein the first periphery can be releaseably attached to the second periphery by releaseably attaching the first closure means to the second closure means to define an enclosed space between the upper bill portion and the lower bill portion.

Abstract: Provided is pants having a body-shaping function including; an elastic fabric included in the pants, and having a boundary that is partially fixed on the pants to elastically support hips of a wearer; and a hip-up band fixed on the elastic fabric to push the hips up so as to make contours of the hips more voluminous or compression bands on lower side portions of the elastic fabric in order to compress thighs of the wearer so as to make the thighs look thin, or a pair of pads having predetermined thicknesses and disposed on the elastic fabric to make the hips of the wearer look more attractive. Therefore, since the elastic fabric is integrally fixed in the pants for shaping the hips, the conventional girdle is not required. In addition, since the girdle in the pants only compresses the hips, it does not affect blood circulation around the belly, and is easily wearable. Also, the contours of the hips look more attractive due to the pads.

Abstract: Shorts comprising a rear face and a front face (10, 12) having a fly (18). The shorts further include a waistband (20) integral with the front and rear faces, the waistband extending between first and second ends (20a, 20b) placed on either side of the fly. A tab (22) extends the first end (20a) as far as a free end (23) and is placed so as to cover the second end (20b) of the waistband. The tab has a self-gripping strip (24) placed facing a complementary self-gripping strip integral with the second end (20b) of the waistband. A lace (29) connects the tab (22) to the second end (20b) of the waistband and passes through two respective holes (30, 32) made in the second end (20b) of the waistband so as to be able to be tied on the inside of the waistband.

Abstract: This invention relates to functional socks which provide appropriate and variable compression on the various parts of foot. The functional compressive socks of this invention comprise the parts including shin, calf, instep, toe, heel, and sole. The said socks are characterized by the fact that all those said parts are subject to appropriate compression by part, and in addition, the said parts of shin, calf, instep, and sole are knitted with high elasticity yarn as the elastic threads and the core yarn single covered with polyurethane based long staple or long staple copolymer fiber as the inner threads, while the said parts of toe and heel are knitted with the core yarn single covered with polyurethane based long staple or long staple copolymer fiber as the inner threads, in appropriate ratio set respectively by the characteristics of the part.

Abstract: A reversible belt with a slide buckle. One end of the reversible belt is thick enough to prevent the slide buckle from sliding there off so as to be retained thereon without looping the one end of the reversible belt. The other end of the reversible belt is thin enough to allow the slide buckle to slide there off so as to be replaceable on the reversible belt without compromising the structural integrity of the reversible belt, thereby allowing the slide buckle to be slide there off, the reversible belt reversed, and the slide buckle slide back thereon so as to allow the reversible belt to be reversible without looping of the one end of the reversible belt and without compromising the structural integrity of the reversible belt.

Abstract: Headgear of the type having an outer layer and a relatively flexible inner layer includes a belt which extends around the inner layer within the outer layer, and a tensioning device which can tension the belt causing the belt to urge the inner layer inward away from the outer layer and against the helmet wearer's head. Preferably, the tensioning device includes a chinstrap assembly releasably fastened to the front of the helmet.

Abstract: A hard hat which includes an outer shell constructed entirely of clear acrylic that is additionally provided with a means to internally illuminate the clear acrylic outer shell.

Abstract: A protective cover for drains and other holes is provided which prevents spills and unwanted liquids from flowing therein. The protective cover includes a durable backing layer and a pliable, tacky sealing layer adjacent a portion of the durable backing layer which conforms and adheres to a surface surrounding the drain to reduce or eliminate the flow of liquids into the drain. The pliable, tacky sealing layer can have a periphery inside the periphery of the durable backing layer.

Abstract: A spa cover lifter for use with a spa cover. According to various embodiments, the spa cover comprises a first section and a second section pivotably connected to the first section at a hinge interface. The spa cover lifter comprises a drive system, a first cable connected to the drive system, and a post assembly. The post assembly is extendable from a retracted position to an extended position. Also, the first cable is routed by the post assembly. In various embodiments, the spa cover lifter is configured to connect to the spa cover.

Abstract: An improved spa nozzle that is capable of entraining high air flow rates from the surrounding environment, said nozzle of the type having a water input conduit of diameter D, a flow output conduit having entry and diameter of DID, a transition conduit having a diameter of ID and a length of PL, and an air entrainment conduit, and wherein the following ratios are defined to describe the relative geometry of the nozzle: ?=PL/(DID?ID), ?=DID/ID and ?=D/ID, the improvement comprising: the water input, transition and output conduits being configured such that ? is in the range of 1.3-5 and ? is>1.9.

Abstract: A preformed structural support for ceramic tile for use in constructing a horizontal support surface, such as a seat or a foot rest in a shower or the like installation environment is provided. The preformed structural support includes a base of a corrosion-resistant material that can be trimmed to conform to the irregularities of the structural walls to which it is to be installed against. The base includes tile receiving sides that are textured and are ready for the application of tile using a suitable adhesive, such as a thinset compound. The preformed structural support is installed without the use of penetrating fasteners, thereby preserving the integrity of the waterproofing of the shower.

Abstract: A spa chair pedicure basin sanitation liner that allows a user to enjoy the water agitation benefits of a water based pedicure foot massage while preventing infection from reused basin water. The liner includes a bottom portion and a plurality of sidewalls attached to the bottom portion. The bottom portion and the plurality of sidewalls define an inner volume, which is capable of containing a liquid, such as water, filled up to a particular liquid level. Disposed within the inner volume, is gas piping that defines a gas-carrying conduit. The gas piping includes a plurality of openings through which gas can pass into the inner volume.

Abstract: A patient transfer mechanism includes a horizontal frame positionable along the side of a bed; a support plate substantially coextensive with and fixedly mounted to the frame; and a movable transfer plate nominally resting on the support plate and being capable of being extended and retracted therealong while resting also partly on the bed; the transfer plate being covered throughout its movement by an adjustable length of fabric extending therearound, the length of fabric being adjusted proportional to and in synchronism with movement of the transfer plate in such manner that a variable upper planar extent of the length of fabric is fixedly positioned relative to an upper planar surface of the transfer plate, the transfer plate and the fabric being configured to transfer a patient from or to the bed. A gurney mounting such a patient transfer mechanism also is described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a folding mechanism for a playard, which comprises first and second joints substantially cylindrical in shape. The joints have arcuate plates and stops that cooperative with each other to effect the rotation between the joints, so that the changing table can be moved between an operation position and a storage position. This invention may avoid accidental collapse of the changing table, and enable the users to conveniently fold/unfold the changing table single handed.

Abstract: Cradle for a passenger cabin of an aircraft, suitable for a child of less than 2 years old capable of sitting upright, comprising a rigid and formable structure formed by a rectangular frame and two uprights, designed to be fixed to one wall of the cabin, and a cover with mattress attached to the rectangular frame. The cover comprises in one of its longitudinal sides two windows separated by a strip of fabric and closed by a retractable tulle flap in such a way that the child can sit upright in the cradle with his or her legs passing out of the cradle through the windows and on either side of the fabric strip when the flap has been retracted.

Abstract: A portable child bed in the nature of a cot. The cot includes a frame having a network of interconnected legs such that the frame is collapsible and expandable between open and closed configurations. The frame includes a stop to halt the expansion of the frame at a certain position. Flexible bedding depends from the frame in the nature of a hammock, with the flexible bedding being anchored at six positions about the frame. The frame of interconnected legs includes legs that are shaped to be out-of-the-way of the depending flexible bedding such that a child rests on the flexible bedding, not on the frame. Flexible straps run on an underside of the bedding and run to and between hubs of the frame.

Abstract: A breathable mattress including a plurality of layers, where one of the mattress layers is further comprised of a plurality of sections and the sections are comprised of different types of materials, which have varying firmnesses and feel, and where each of the layers is comprised of material that is perforated or of an open-cell structure to allow for air circulation. The mattress is supported by an air filtration foundation capable of creating an air flow within the mattress.

Abstract: A system addressing the problem of storing and supporting outdoor items used while camping without transporting any additional equipment. The system provides a plurality of camp tools that are integral to a shovel, so as to provide the intended function without interfering with the normal usage of the shovel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and fabric items during a wash process, and a method for setting the liquid level in the automatic washer based on the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and the fabric items.

Abstract: A commercial laundry system is disclosed. The commercial laundry system includes a plurality of laundry machines that independently perform washing and/or drying, a plurality of receiving devices provided at the respective laundry machines for receiving a signal, and a single payment device for transmitting a signal for use permission to the receiving device of any one of the laundry machines and separately controlling authorities to use the laundry machines.

Abstract: A user interface of a cleaning appliance and the method of operation for a cleaning appliance having a single dose treating chemistry dispenser and a bulk dispensing system.

Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine and a washing machine, in which the energy efficiency of a washing machine can be optimized without incurring additional costs are provided. The method includes heating wash water contained in a washing tub; and supplying steam into the washing tub, wherein a time frame during which the heating the wash water is performed at least partially overlaps with a time frame during which the supplying steam is performed. The washing machine includes a cabinet; a washing tub disposed in the cabinet; a wash water heating unit; and a steam supply unit, wherein a time frame during which the wash water heating unit heats the wash water in the washing tub at least partially overlaps with a time frame during which the steam supply unit supplies steam into the washing tub.

Abstract: An article for distress-washing fabric comprising a hollow float and at least one distressing feature projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the float, wherein the article is substantially wear resistant and does not produce residue as a result of impact with fabric, internal surfaces of a washing machine and additional articles for distress-washing fabric. A method for distress-washing fabric utilizing an article described herein.

Abstract: A cleated article of footwear includes a chassis assembly having a sole plate having a plurality of bosses extending from a lower surface thereof. A heel counter extends upwardly from a heel portion of the sole plate. An outer assembly is secured to the chassis assembly and includes a sole portion and an upper secured to the sole portion. A plurality of cleats extends downwardly from a lower surface of the sole portion. Each of a plurality of apertures extends downwardly into a corresponding cleat and receives a boss.

Abstract: Access means are provided for accessing a fixed offshore structure such as a wind turbine (70), larger vessel or the like form a smaller transfer vessel (50), or for providing for transfer between vessels One or more guide wires (12) are connected from the vessel (50) to the fixed structure (70) or second vessel and placed in tension such as by directing the transfer vessel away from the fixed structure. In one embodiment, inflatable, members are suspendable from the guide wires and inflation of the inflatable members causes them to extend along the guide wires to form an access surface (56) across which personnel may walk to access the fixed structure or second vessel from the first vessel Mounting means are also provided which accommodate relative rotational, translational and pitching movement of the apparatus and vessel, caused by wave motion. In another embodiment, a bridge member is retained on a runway of the first vessel and deployed using said guide wires (12).

Abstract: A tension member is provided for structures, in particular a cable stay for a cable-stayed bridge, in which one or more tension elements, such as steel rods, steel wires, or stranded steel wires, run inside a tubular sheath. The tension elements fill only a portion of the cross-section of the tubular sheath, so that a remaining unoccupied area is left. In order to prevent the tension elements from moving in the transverse direction with respect to the tension member, there is arranged in the remaining unoccupied area of the tubular sheath a filler body that extends over a limited longitudinal section of the tension member and includes a deformable sheath, which tightly encloses a hollow space that is delimited on all sides and can be filled with a filler medium.

Abstract: A ramp assembly generally includes a ramp platform having a top substantially planar tread surface and an extension section extending outwardly from an end of the ramp platform. The extension section has proximal and distal sloping portions that converge at a juncture forming an obtuse angle therebetween.

Abstract: A gangway comprises at least one component formed from a continuous piece of metal. The at least one component formed from the continuous piece of metal may be a support structure or an underbody, a platform, a ramp, a step, or other support surface. A method for manufacturing such a gangway comprises forming the at least one component from the continuous piece of metal.

Abstract: A method for transferring fluids and personnel between a work vessel and an offshore marine platform includes the placement of an elongated self-supporting frame between the work vessel and the marine platform. A walkway is provided on the frame. Pipe racks are provided on the frame, one pipe rack on each side of the frame so that a pair of pipe racks are on opposing sides of the frame. Hand rails are mounted in between the walkway and each pipe rack. A fluid holding pan extends under the walkway and the flowlines. In this fashion, fluid that falls from either a pipe rack or a walkway to the pan can travel through a common drain or collection area.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is provided for a preferably planar surface, in particular a window pane, and has a wiping device and a plunger which keeps the wiping device in contact with the surface and also, by way of an open side, bears against the surface and seals it around the edge. A suction device generates a negative pressure in the plunger. The plunger is provided with driving rollers, which are actuated by motor, for moving the plunger together with the wiping device. The suction device has at least two fans which are each provided with their own outlet opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for positioning components (3) of a scraper moved through laid pipelines along the inner pipeline wall, the components (3) being located on radially expandable support elements (2) in such a way that with the same spacing between the components and pipe wall for different pipe diameters there is a uniform coverage of the pipe circumference by the components (3). For this purpose in each case at least two support elements (2) succeeding one another in the pipeline circumferential direction are pivotably interconnected by at least one connecting member (4) articulated thereto, so that the support elements (2) are equidistantly spaced in each expansion position.

Abstract: A caulk working tool for working caulk against first and second surfaces defining an intersection comprising a shaft member and a scraper body. The shaft member is substantially rigid, and scraper body is substantially resilient. The scraper body is molded over the shaft member and comprises a scraper surface defining a point and first and second sides. The scraper body deforms when the first and second sides are held in contact with the first and second surfaces. The caulk working tool is displaced relative to the first and second surfaces while the first and second sides are in contact with the first and second surfaces to cause the scraper surface to work the caulk against the first and second surfaces and form a desired profile in the caulk.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptor of a wiper blade with an improved structure for allowing the wiper blade to be easily coupled to wiper arms with a variety of shapes and sizes upon exchange of the wiper blade. There is provided an adaptor coupled to a bracket of a wiper blade for coupling the wiper blade to a wiper arm, which includes a base body formed with a coupling groove portion to be coupled to the bracket, and a pair of base sidewalls coupled integrally with each other by the base body. Further, the base body includes a first elastic support extending from the coupling groove portion in one direction and a second elastic support spaced apart from the first support by a certain distance, and each of the pair of base sidewalls is formed with a through hole therein.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a steering unit is provided. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body having a suction motor and a dust separating and collecting unit, a suction port assembly rotatably connected to a lower portion of the cleaner body, a handle mounted to the cleaner body, and a steering unit to elastically support the cleaner body so that the center of gravity of the cleaner body shifts to the direction where the cleaner body is rotated, according to the rotation of the cleaner body to the left or right.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaning system includes a portable vacuum unit for cleaning debris. The vacuum unit is powered by a self-contained first battery and may be carried with a strap in backpack-fashion. The system also includes a cart defining a receptacle for receiving the vacuum unit. The vacuum unit may be used when supported by the cart or when carried by an operator. A second battery is supported by the cart and electrically connectable to the vacuum unit for charging the first battery when the vacuum unit is supported by the cart. Further, when disposed in the cart, the vacuum unit is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees allowing for ease of movement of the cart.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed that includes a dust-separating apparatus, a shutter unit, and a dust receptacle. The dust-separating apparatus can be fixed to a cleaner body and includes a dust outlet. The shutter unit is formed on the dust-separating apparatus to selectively open and close the dust outlet. The dust receptacle is detachably attached to a lower portion of the dust-separating apparatus. The dust receptacle opens the shutter unit when attached to the dust-separating apparatus and closes the shutter unit when detached from the dust-separating apparatus.

Abstract: A motor-driven endless absorbent belt on an apparatus may be used for scrubbing or polishing surfaces, or removing liquid from surfaces. The belt is located about a cleaning head demountable from a housing for replacement of the belt, a roller mounted to the head and cooperating with a roller mounted to the housing to squeeze liquid and contaminants from the belt into a first reservoir in the housing. A driven roller mounted on the removable cleaning head preferably encloses a rotary motor, the belt being pinched between the driven roller and the housing-mounted roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved squeegee assembly. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a uniquely shaped squeegee configuration that has been found to remove liquids from a floor in an efficient manner. One particular embodiment utilizes a W-shaped squeegee. Other embodiments are directed to a squeegee fixation device. Yet other embodiments are directed toward a squeegee orientation device. Some embodiments are also directed toward a lifting mechanism and the connection between the squeegee assembly and the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: The portable household appliance comprises: a motor unit (3) arranged to operate at least at lower operating speeds (M) or at higher speeds (MD, MX) and vice versa; first power supply means (9) arranged to constantly supply said motor unit (3); control means for increasing said lower speeds (M) in a first time interval (T1) up to said higher speeds (MD, MX) or to reduce said higher speeds (MD, MX) in a second time interval (T2) up to said lower speeds (M); auxiliary means (10) for the temporary power supply of said motor unit (3) which can be actuated during said first time interval (T1).

Abstract: A castor includes a suspension unit, a castor body, a wheel unit, and a brake unit. The suspension unit includes an upright fixing bolt and a locking member. The wheel unit includes two rollers. The brake unit includes a positioning block, a sliding block, a biasing member, a drive member, and a braking pin. Thus, when the drive member of the brake unit is pressed, each of the rollers of the wheel unit is braked by and locked onto the castor body, and the castor body is locked onto the fixing bolt simultaneously, thereby locking the castor exactly and stably.

Abstract: A vehicle rear door unsequenced articulating mechanism including one or more articulating hinge assemblies having one or more hinge arms pivotally mounted to a vehicle C-pillar at one end thereof via a C-pillar hinge mount and pivotally mounted to a vehicle rear door at another end thereof via a door hinge mount. The hinge arm may include a generally U-shaped profile between the ends thereof for permitting unsequenced articulation of the rear door up to 180° from a rear door closed position. The door hinge mount may include a door check engageable with a stop on the hinge arm, for limiting pivotal movement of the vehicle rear door to a first intermediate open position from the rear door closed position, upon pivotal movement of the door check relative to the hinge arm.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of a fiber bundle comprising textile fibers, especially for combing, which is supplied by means of a supply device to a fiber-sorting device, especially a combing device, for removal of the combed fiber material at least one take-off device with a sliver-forming element is present, downstream of which is a drafting system. To increase productivity and obtain an improved combed sliver, downstream of the supply device there are at least two rotatably mounted rollers rotating rapidly without interruption, which are provided with the clamping devices for the fiber bundle, and between the sliver-forming element and the drafting system at least one conveyor element for a formed combed sliver is present.