Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of strawberry plant named ‘DrisStrawFourteen’. The new cultivar is primarily characterized by a medium density plant with medium vigor, medium-sized fruit having a large hollow center, and a partially everbearing habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Geum plant named ‘TOTALLY TANGERINE’ that is characterized by clumping habit, dark green leaves, and delicate sterile orange-peach flowers borne in profusion and blooming from early spring to late fall. In combination these traits set ‘TOTALLY TANGERINE’ apart from all other existing varieties of Geum known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Zaprilian’, characterized by its compact, upright, somewhat outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; vigorous growth habit; light purple-colored flowers; and good container and garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Zonal Geranium plant named ‘Pacshorg’, characterized by its compact, upright and rounded plant habit; freely branching habit; vigorous growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; long flowering period; semi-double bright orange-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Zonal Geranium plant named ‘OGLGER4090’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; medium green-colored leaves; light red purple-colored flowers; and good garden performance and high temperature tolerance.

Abstract: A new Solenostemon plant named ‘Mos Rosbast’ particularly distinguished by the bold slightly mottled red hues in the center of the foliage, with greyed-purple borders and yellow-green margins, with an upright, well branched and uniform plant habit.

Abstract: A new Solenostemon plant named ‘Mos Amagren’ particularly distinguished by the light yellow, yellow-green and red-purple colored foliage with an upright, well branched and uniform plant habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Miscanthus plant named ‘MBS 7002’, characterized by its rigorous growth rate, plant height of about 2.7 meters, green-colored leaves, high biomass yield and high tiller density.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Bouteloua grass plant named ‘Blonde Ambition’, which is primarily characterized by flower heads that emerge with a distinctive chartreuse color and age to a blonde color as the spikelets mature and a tall plant habit at maturity, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Argyranthemum plant named ‘Bonmadrosepi’, characterized by its single-type, deep lavender-pink colored ray florets, medium green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, compact-mounded growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa sp. plant named ‘DANOA49’ characterized by having dark pink (closest to red-purple, RHS N74A) colored flowers, measuring about 2 to 3 cm in size; mounded growth habit; medium floriferous flowering habit with a long blooming season; and suitable for patios and outdoors plant beddings.

Abstract: A new Lobelia plant named ‘Lobstrahob’ particularly distinguished by the large light violet-blue flowers, medium green foliage, vigorous and well branched habit, early flowering and improved heat tolerance.

Abstract: A broom with a broom head has flared out bristles projecting therefrom so as to form a leading edge for reaching into confined spaces. The broom head has an opening therethrough to define an integral handle to better control the leading edge and the broomstick is angled away from the leading edge to facilitate entry into confined spaces.

Abstract: A system is described to allow musicians to collaborate over a network such as the Internet.

Abstract: The wet treatment liquid feed nozzle of the invention comprises an introducing path 10 having an introducing port 7, a discharging path 12 having a discharging port 15, a crossing section 14 formed by causing the introducing path 10 and the discharging path 12 to cross at the other ends thereof, a nozzle assembly 50 having an opening section 6 opening to an object to be treated 1, provided at the crossing section 14, and pressure control means 13, for controlling the difference between the pressure of the wet treatment liquid in contact with the object to be treated 1 and the atmospheric pressure provided at least on the discharging path 12 side so that the wet treatment liquid having been in contact with the object to be treated 1 via the opening section 6 does not flow to outside the discharging path 12.

Abstract: A biosensor for use in determining a concentration of a component in an aqueous liquid sample is provided including: an electrochemical cell having a first electrically resistive substrate having a thin layer of electrically conductive material, a second electrically resistive substrate having a thin layer of electrically conductive material, the substrates being disposed with the electrically conductive materials facing each other and being separated by a sheet including an aperture, the wall of which aperture defines a cell wall and a sample introduction aperture whereby the aqueous liquid sample may be introduced into the cell; and a measuring circuit.

Abstract: A device for holding garment hangers is described which has two parts: one preferably inflexible hook part made of plastics material or metal shaped to be carried by a rail and a flexible loop or strap or series of loops, adapted to receive many garment hangers. The two parts are connected flexibly and the loop may be adjusted to alter its separation from a rail. The device allows more garments to be hung from a single rail than previously was possible and is particularly useful in the transport and storage of garments in shops, warehouses and factories. Two devices may be interlocked across a handler's shoulders.

Abstract: A display unit of which inspection process to inspect a connector for faulty connection can be automated. The display unit comprises a display section, a display driver IC among a plurality of types of display driver ICs capable of driving and controlling the display section, and an MPU sending a command and display data to the display driver IC. The display driver IC comprises an ID setting circuit and a command decoder decoding the command from the MPU. The MPU reads an ID information so as to control the display driver IC among a plurality of types of display driver ICs according to the corresponding control contents in the storage section among the plurality of types of control contents for a plurality of types of display driver ICs.

Abstract: An aspheric reduction objective has a catadioptric partial objective (L1), an intermediate image (IMI) and a refractive partial objective (L2). The catadioptric partial objective has an assembly centered to the optical axis and this assembly includes two mutually facing concave mirrors (M1, M2). The cutouts in the mirrors (B1, B2) lead to an aperture obscuration which can be held to be very small by utilizing lenses close to the mirrors and having a high negative refractive power and aspheric lens surfaces (27, 33). The position of the entry and exit pupils can be corrected with aspherical lens surfaces (12, 48, 53) in the field lens groups. The number of spherical lenses in the refractive partial objective can be reduced with aspherical lens surfaces (66, 78) arranged symmetrically to the diaphragm plane. Neighboring aspheric lens surfaces (172, 173) form additional correction possibilities.

Abstract: An input image signal is coded by an encoder to be outputted as a basic code string, and the basic code string is delayed by a code-string delay circuit for a predetermined period of time to be outputted as an additional code string. The basic code string is synthesized with the additional code string by a code-string synthesizer to be outputted as an output code string. Thus, there is provided an image data coding system which can quickly restore data even if the data is lost due to error and in which the increased code amount is less than the cycle refresh and the error correction.

Abstract: Pulleys 29a, 29b are provided on both ends of the driven roller 28 as separate components from the driven roller 28, and on both edges in the width direction of the transfer belt 24, ribs 24a, 24b that can be engaged with the outer sides in the axial direction of the pulleys 29a, 29b are provided. If the transfer belt 24 becomes inclined to the left side during movement, the rib 24a on the right edge of the transfer belt 24 will be restricted by the outer side in the axial direction of the pulley 29a provided on the right side end of the driven roller 28, thereby correcting meandering to the left at the position of the driven roller 28.

Abstract: A method for measuring/reporting a channel quality in a broadband wireless access communication system. The method for reporting channel qualities of active BS and neighbor BSs measured by an MSS to the active BS when the MSS exists in a specific area covered by the active BS and neighbor BSs in a communication system includes the steps of: a) receiving channel quality report information indicative of channel periods of the channel qualities from the active BS, and receiving channel quality measurement information associated with individual channel qualities of the neighbor BSs and the active BS from the active BS; b) measuring SINRs of the neighbor BSs and the active BS according to the channel quality measurement information; and c) reporting the measured SINRs of the neighbor BSs and the active BS to the active BS.

Abstract: A mobile device (1) for electronic commerce. The device includes a mobile housing (2) and a microprocessor-based unit (6) coupled to a memory storage device (5) in the housing. The device has a power supply (3) that is coupled to the microprocessor unit while supplying power to all of the components. The device has one or more input controls (4) coupled to the microprocessor unit. The device also includes a wireless receiver (or transceiver) (7) and additional wireless transceiver (8) coupled to the microprocessor based unit, to the memory storage and to one or more antennas (9). The wireless receiver is adapted to receive information comprising text graphics and sound from a wireless network. The wireless transceiver is adapted to send and receive text, graphics and sound from a wireless network. The device also has a display (11) and speaker (10) coupled to the housing and coupled to the microprocessor-based unit.

Abstract: It has been discovered that improved yields of engineered tissue following implantation, and engineered tissue having enhanced mechanical strength and flexibility or pliability, can be obtained by implantation, preferably subcutaneously, of a fibrous polymeric matrix for a period of time sufficient to obtain ingrowth of fibrous tissue and/or blood vessels, which is the removed for subsequent implantation at the site where the implant is desired. The matrix is optionally seeded prior to the first implantation, after ingrowth of the fibrous tissue, or at the time of reimplantation. The time required for fibrous ingrowth typically ranges from days to weeks. The method is particularly useful in making valves and tubular structures, especially heart valves and blood vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal disc endoprosthesis. The endoprosthesis has a resilient body formed of one or more materials which may vary in stiffness from a relatively stiff exterior annular gasket portion to a relatively supple central nucleus portion. Concaval-convex elements at least partly surround that nucleus portion so as to retain the nucleus portion and gasket between adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient's spine. Assemblies of endoprosthetic discs, endoprosthetic vertebral bodies, and endoprosthetic longitudinal ligaments may be constructed. To implant this endoprosthesis assembly, information is obtained regarding the size, shape, and nature of a patient's damaged spine. Thereafter, one or more prosthetic vertebral bodies and disc units are constructed in conformity with that information. Finally, the completed and conformed vertebral body and disc assembly is implanted in the patient's spine.

Abstract: Predictive modeling of consumer financial behavior, including determination of likely responses to particular marketing efforts, is provided by application of consumer transaction data to predictive models associated with merchant segments. The merchant segments are derived from the consumer transaction data based on co-occurrences of merchants in sequences of transactions. Merchant vectors represent specific merchants, and are aligned in a vector space as a function of the degree to which the merchants co-occur more or less frequently than expected. Supervised segmentation is applied to merchant vectors to form the merchant segments. Merchant segment predictive models provide predictions of spending in each merchant segment for any particular consumer, based on previous spending by the consumer. Consumer profiles describe summary statistics of each consumer's spending in the merchant segments, and across merchant segments.

Abstract: A method of sharing a file object among a plurality of competing processes, the file object having a content that at least one competing process may need to adjust so that the file is suitable for the operating environment of the competing process. To help make an adjustment, the file object includes a state attribute that indicates whether or not the file is committed and whether the file is in an inconsistent state. If the file contents are suitable for the specific process and the file object is not committed, the file can be committed by the specific process. If the file contents are not suitable for the specific process and the file object is not committed, the file is locked, set to inconsistent, adjusted, committed by the specific process and then unlocked. This process improves concurrency of the competing processes and reduces message overhead.

Abstract: A system for programming a computer provides a set of software-based virtual machines each for instructing a computer to carry out a selected operation. Each virtual machine is represented by a virtual front panel displayed on a screen and each virtual front panel graphically displays operator controllable values of input and output parameters utilized by the virtual machine it represents. The system is adapted to synthesize a new virtual machine for instructing the computer to perform a sequence of operations wherein each operation is carried out by the computer according to the instructions of an operator selected one of the existing virtual machines. The system also creates a new virtual front panel for displaying input and output parameters associated with the new virtual machine. The system permits the operator to program the computer by directing synthesis of a hierarchy of virtual machines.

Abstract: A variety of applications of the integration of lenses and lens arrays into other materials such as packaging and clothing so as to enhance the appearance of objects such as merchandise and people are disclosed.

Abstract: An animal escape device has a central plate, an upper plate and a pair of side plates. The central plate depends downwardly at an angle and has a lower edge positionable in a swimming pool beneath the surface of the water, an upper edge, and parallel side edges. The upper plate is positionable on a deck of the pool and has an interior edge coupled to the upper edge of the central plate and has an exterior edge and side edges. Each of the side plates has a top edge coupled to an associated one of the side edges of the central plate. Each side plate has a bottom edge positionable entirely within the pool and a top edge partially within the water. The side plates form obtuse angles with respect to the central plate.

Abstract: A self-contained swimming pool for containment of water and generation of water currents therein for exercise, therapy and or rehabilitation of a user comprising a rigid frame 1 exteriorly located in relation to an inner water containment area 2. A set of water return channels 3 in communication with the inner water containment area 2. A propulsion system 4 in communication with the set of water return channels 3 and the inner water containment area 2. A hydraulic system 5 for driving the propulsion system 4 using a hydraulic fluid 6 to produce a current 7 in the inner water containment area 2 allowing positioning of a user 12 in the current 7 for exercise, therapy and or rehabilitation therein and wherein the hydraulic system 5 is self-contained and mounted external of the rigid frame 1.

Abstract: A water closet has a wash basin positioned above a toilet which is secured to a floor. A guide is adapted to direct movement of the wash basin in a generally vertical direction.

Abstract: The device has a housing (5) which can be fastened on the sanitary article (2) and in which is mounted a pushbutton (7) for actuating the drainage valve (A). A pulling element (16) connects the pushbutton (7) to a closure body (33) which is mounted in a displaceable manner in a housing (22) of the drainage valve (A). A changeover device (26) is mounted on the housing (22) of the drainage valve (A) and can be changed over under tension in each case for opening and closing the drainage valve (A). By virtue of the changeover device (26) being arranged on the housing (22) of the drainage valve (A), the actuating part which contains the pushbutton (7) can be designed in a more space-saving and compact manner.

Abstract: An interchangeable bed ruffle assembly may include a bed platform capable of intercalating between the top mattress and the box-spring base of a bed. The bed platform has first fasteners attached to a top surface and juxtaposed along a perimeter and across an entire width of the bed platform respectively. An adjustable bed ruffle may be removably attached to the bed platform and be capable of being seated about an outer perimeter of the top mattress and the box-spring base. The bed ruffle preferably has a second fasteners attached to its inner surface. The plurality of second fasteners may be removably connected to select ones of the first fasteners respectively such that the bed ruffle hangs downwardly from the perimeter of the bed platform. In this way, the bed ruffle is freely disconnected from the bed platform while the bed platform remains at a stationary position.

Abstract: An operable stabilization device for a rescue stretcher and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention is especially but not exclusively used in an aircraft rescue of an injured person that is carried in a rescue stretcher suspended from a helicopter by a cord. The stabilization device is configured to adjust direction of a downward airflow from a main rotor of the helicopter to control rotation of the rescue stretcher, and includes a manually operable stabilization sail configured to accept the airflow, an airflow passageway configured to allow and direct the airflow through the stabilization sail and an airflow regulator configured to restrict the amount of airflow being accepted by the airflow passageway.

Abstract: A swivel lift grab bar includes an angled support member, a bottom leg and a top leg. Top and bottom pivot brackets are attached to a vertical surface. An end of the bottom leg is pivotally engaged with the bottom pivot bracket and an end of the top leg is pivotally engaged with the top pivot bracket. A double knee support is preferably attached to the bottom leg. The vertical surface may be replaced with a moveable support pole, a rigid support pole, a support post or a wall mounted support post. A second embodiment of the swivel lift grab bar includes an angled lift member and a bottom leg. The angled lift member includes a lift channel, a lift bar, a lead screw and a drive motor. A set of controls are located on the lift bar to operate at least one motor.

Abstract: Access means are provided for accessing a fixed offshore structure (70) such as a wind turbine, larger vessel or the like form a smaller 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 vessel away from the fixed structure. In one embodiment, inflatable members (14) 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 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.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and materials for making a brush or pad for removing materials, particles, or chemicals from a substrate. The brush or pad includes a rotatable base for supporting a porous pad material. The base include an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of channels in the base for interlocking the porous pad material with the base. A porous pad material covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the base and is used for removing material from various substrates. The porous pad material fills one or more of the channels in the base and interlocks the porous pad material with the base. Preferably the channels fluidly connect said inner surface with the outer surface of the base and aid in the alignment of porous pad nodes and the distribution of fluid within the porous pad.

Abstract: A cleaning implement is specifically designed to be held with one hand during cleaning operations. The implement has an upper control section and a lower cleaning section which are detachable from each other. The lower section is primarily a cleaning element in the form of a sponge member or similar compressible pad or component. A cleaning control arm and a moisture squeeze arm extend from the upper control section. When the implement is to be used in its cleaning mode, the control arm is held in one hand by the user to clean soiled surfaces. Moisture accumulating in the cleaning element is squeezed out simply by rotating the squeeze arm away from the control arm, such that the cleaning element is squeezed or compressed between base plates supporting each of the arms. For continued use in the cleaning mode, the squeeze arm is simply released and allowed to return to its position adjacent to the control arm.

Abstract: A cleaning implement that includes a connector for connecting a handle to a base block. The connector prevents the handle from rotating relative to the base block and, thus, the connector prevents the handle from unscrewing or otherwise loosening or disconnecting from the base block. The base block can include a headpiece supported between oppositely arranged shoulders, a generally cylindrical flange projecting from the headpiece, and a generally cylindrical opening extending through the cylindrical flange. A slot may be formed in an inner surface of the cylindrical flange. A ferrule that can have a generally dovetail-shaped projection provided on its outer surface can be secured to an end of the handle. The projection and the slot can form a joint when the handle is connected to the base block. This joint substantially prevents the handle from rotating relative to the base block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection, treatment or collection of a quantity of solid animal excrement from a surface, particularly a grassy surface. The method includes the steps of autonomously or semi-autonomously detecting the presence of the excrement on the surface, moving a collection/treatment device into position over the detected excrement, and, thereupon, subjecting the detected excrement to one or more of deodorization, disinfection, enhancement of deterioration, dispersal and/or collection of the detected excrement. The apparatus of the present invention operates without the immediate or continued intervention of a human. Preferably, the device us robotic in nature, is readily portable, and preferably includes a rechargeable power source.

Abstract: A vacuum device for collecting pet waste includes a housing coupled to a vacuum source. The housing is a clam-shell configuration and is configured to receive a disposable liner bag. When closed, the housing holds the liner bag securely therein. A method of using the device provides for placing the liner bag within the housing, feeding a portion of the liner through an inlet tube to the housing, such that the inlet of the housing is insulated from contact with the waste being picked up.