Abstract: An artificial disc for replacement of a spinal three-joint complex of a mammal includes a generally spinal disc-shaped upper plate having an anterior section and a posterior section and a generally spinal disc-shaped lower plate also having an anterior section and a posterior section. The anterior section of the upper plate is selectively separable from the posterior section of the upper plate and the anterior section of the lower plate is likewise selectively separable from the posterior section of the lower plate. A ball is interposed the lower face of the upper plate and the upper face of the lower plate and a plurality of posts, each projecting from one of the faces toward the other of the faces corresponds to a plurality of detents provided on the one of the faces opposite the face from which the corresponding post projects for engaging the posts.

Abstract: A new cultivar of daisy-type spray pot Chrysanthemum, ‘Power Rosé’, characterized by it's early, uniform and free flowering habit, its inflorescences with ray florets that are light burgundy in color with bright yellow disk florets that open from buds that are burgundy in color, its vigorous freely branched growth habit, its small leaved dark green foliage and its uniform, rounded and outward spreading plant habit.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Pelargonium named ‘KLEPP08212’ particularly characterized as an ivy pelargonium with bi-colored red and light-pink inflorescences, a medium growth habit and branching, an upright and light trailing plant habit, stable inflorescence color; and good tolerance to heat and rain, is disclosed.

Abstract: An Osteospermum variety named ‘KLEOE09175’ particularly distinguished by bicolor amethyst copper flowers, round petals, very tolerant to various weather conditions, a very early flowering time, and a semi-upright growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new Caladium plant named ‘UF331’ particularly distinguished by its lance leaves with large dark green veins and white to red-purple interveinal areas, and demonstrated potential to produce attractive and sun-tolerant plants in outdoor sunny landscapes, and produce attractive pot plants when tubers are forced in containers, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa sp. plant named ‘DANOA53’ characterized by having flowers that are mainly white, with pink veins, measuring about 2 to 3 cm in size, 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 cultivar of Sedum plant, ‘Nonob’, that is characterized by its glossy foliage that emerges deep red-purple in color becoming grey-green and heavily suffused with red-purple when mature, its flowers in early summer that are pink in color and emerge from flower buds that are gray-purple in color, and its dense, low-growing plant habit.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Sedum plant, ‘Nonog’ that is characterized by its foliage with wavy margins and emerges greenish maroon in color becoming subtly variegated with gray green centers that blend into red-purple margins, its flowers in early summer that are dark pink in color and emerge from flower buds that are pink in color, and its dense, low-growing plant habit.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Sedum plant named ‘Noned’ that is characterized by its iridescent reddish purple foliage, its pink flower buds opening to pink flowers in summer and its dense, very low-growing plant habit.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Sedum plant, ‘Nonet’ that is characterized by its foliage that emerges reddish purple in color becoming subtly variegated with dark green centers that blend into reddish purple margins, its flowers in early summer that are deep pink in color and emerge from flower buds that are red-purple in color, and its dense, low-growing plant habit.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Sedum plant, ‘Nonio’ that is characterized by its foliage that emerges green in color and suffused with red-purple towards the apex and margins and matures to green centers with red-purple margins, its flowers in early summer that are purple-pink in color and emerge from flower buds that are pink in color, and its dense, very low-growing plant habit.

Abstract: Couplers with ball-shaped heads are mounted on a pair of objects, and a split arm assembly is interposed along a line of juncture between the pair of couplers and clamped together about the heads thereof. However, before that time, a spring is interposed between the pair of elongated arm sections in the assembly to produce a differential in the reaction of the respective pairs of end portions in the arm sections to the clamping forces so that the assembly is formed into a bifurcated arm assembly at one of the heads. That one head is also compressible so that after the split arm assembly has been rotated in relation to the one head, or vice versa, to set the angle of the line of juncture with respect to one or both of the objects, further clamping of the assembly operates to interlock the assembly with the heads of the pair of couplers to rigidify the connection made by the assembly between the pair of heads.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing an aluminum-titanate-based sintered body comprising the step of firing, at 1250 to 1700° C., a formed product prepared from a raw material mixture containing 100 parts by weight of a mixture of TiO2 and Al2O3 in a weight ratio of TiO2:Al2O3=40:60 to 60:40, and 1 to 15 parts by weight of an alkali feldspar represented by the formula:(NaxK1-x)AlSi3O8 wherein 0?x?1. According to the process of the present invention, it is possible to obtain an aluminum-titanate-based sintered body in which inherent properties of an aluminum titanate, i.e., a low coefficient of thermal expansion and high corrosion resistance are maintained, the mechanical strength thereof is improved, and which can be stably used even under high temperature conditions.

Abstract: Brushless motor in a washing machine including a stator having a coil coupled to an upper frame, and a rotor having a lower frame entirely formed of a metal to cover an outer circumference and a bottom of the stator, a plurality of magnets fitted to an inside wall of the lower frame at fixed intervals opposite to the coil of the stator, and a support member formed as one unit with, and at a central portion of the lower frame coupled to a washing water shaft for transmission of a rotating force of the lower frame to the washing water shaft, thereby permitting smooth heat dissipation and drainage from the motor, and shortening a fabrication process and time period.

Abstract: An optical disc recording and reproducing apparatus can record data, which is provided in a packet having a fixed length, on an optical disc without waiting for a long time for a completion of a formatting operation. The optical disc is formatted by a formatting process performed as a background process so that another process is acceptable after a start of the formatting process. The formatting process is performed so as to fill at least a predetermined part of a recording area of said optical disc by packets having a fixed length.

Abstract: Information recording media 101 and 102 usable for either a first recording density D1 or a second recording density D2 each include a user data area 106 in which user data is to be recorded, a first defect management information area 108 in which first defect management information for managing a defect area in the user data area is to be recorded, and a second defect management information area 109 in which second defect management information having an identical content to that of the first defect management information is to be recorded. The first and second defect management information areas 108 and 109 are located such that angles ?1 and ?2 made by start blocks thereof fulfill the relationships of 150°??1?210° and 150°??2?210° (?1: in the case of the first recording density, and ?2: in the case of the second recording density).

Abstract: A method provides for operating a wireless communication system having packet data capabilities, and includes steps of: (a) sending a message from a mobile station to a network on a same physical channel that is used to transmit packet data, the message specifying individual ones of packet system information (PSI) messages that are required for reception by the mobile station; and (b) in response to receiving the message, transmitting only the specified individual ones of the PSI messages from the network to the mobile station over the same physical channel used to transmit the packet data.

Abstract: VPI/VCI of an ATM cell is translated into an internal ID by distribute VPI/VCI entries into sections in a table according to a portion of each VPI/VCI entry. A section to be searched according to the portion of a VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell is selected; and a search over the selected section is performed to find an entry corresponding to the VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell. An internal ID corresponding to the found entry is outputted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for a modular high repetition rate two discharge chamber ultraviolet gas discharge laser. In preferred embodiments, the laser is a production line machine with a master oscillator producing a very narrow band seed beam which is amplified in the second discharge chamber. Feedback timing control techniques are provided for controlling the relative timing of the discharges in the two chambers with an accuracy in the range of about 2 to 5 billionths of a second even in burst mode operation. This MOPA system is capable of output pulse energies approximately double the comparable single chamber laser system with greatly improved beam quality.

Abstract: A method and concomitant apparatus for compressing, multiplexing and, in optional embodiments, encrypting, transporting, decrypting, decompressing and presenting high quality video information in a manner that substantially preserves the fidelity of the video information in a system utilizing standard quality circuits to implement high quality compression, transport and decompression.

Abstract: The telephone line coupler circuit has a single transmit opto-coupler whose output includes a DC bias component connected to a gate of a line seize switch for connecting a DC line seize load across the ring and tip contacts of the telephone line. The line seize switch is saturated by the transmit opto-coupler bias output and the AC component of the transmit opto-coupler output is sent over the telephone lines. The receive opto-coupler is used both for receiving communications signal and for detecting the ring signal. The band pass filter connected to the output of the receive opto-coupler may be switched to pass a ring signal frequency band or a communications frequency band. The circuit operates using two opto-coupler devices while conventional circuits require four opto-coupler devices.

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: A rechargeable battery pack for portable electronic equipment is includes a battery coupled to a charge/discharge circuit and includes a a first substrate for mounting parts positioned on a high-current path and a second substrate for mounting peripheral circuits for controlling a charge/discharge of the battery. Accordingly, heat sensitive parts on low current paths may be thermally isolated from heat generating parts on high current paths.

Abstract: A photocurable resin composition suitable for photo-fabrication. The resin composition capable of being promptly cured by photo-irradiation, thereby reducing fabricating time and providing cured products having excellent mechanical strength and minimized shrinkage during curing to ensure high dimensional accuracy. The composition includes (A) an oxetane compound, (B) an epoxy compound, and (C) a cationic photo-initiator.

Abstract: A laser treatment device and process with controlled cooling. The device contains a cooling element with high heat conduction properties, which is transparent to the laser beam. A surface of the cooling element is held in contact with the tissue being treated while at least one other surface of the cooling element is cooled by the evaporation of a cryogenic fluid. The cooling is coordinated with the application of the laser beam so as to control the temperatures of all affected layers of tissues. In a preferred embodiment useful for removal of wrinkles and spider veins, the cooling element is a sapphire plate. A cryogenic spray cools the top surface of the plate and the bottom surface of the plate is in contact with the skin. In preferred embodiments the wavelength of the laser beam is chosen so that absorption in targeted tissue is low enough so that substantial absorption occurs throughout the targeted tissue. In a preferred embodiment for treating large spider veins with diameters in the range of 1.

Abstract: A command conversion interface between an image machine with a plurality of hard keys and an image requestor is disclosed. When the command conversion interface detects and determines the activation of a specific hard key of the image machine, digital image information from the image machine is provided for the image requestor through the command conversion interface to execute a designated task, which has not been built in the image machine. In the command conversion interface, the designated task is interpreted by a destination command script, and the destination command script is processed by a compiler along with the digital image information, then transmitted to the image requestor to execute the task. The relationship between the specific hard key and the designated task refers to a new correlation table of the command conversion interface.

Abstract: Protective eyewear for protecting a wearer's eyes during a sporting event. The protective eyewear comprises a frame and a metal protective section. The frame includes a top support, a pair of armatures, and a grooved opening traversing the top support and each armature. The metal protective section includes a perimeter and an extension attached to the perimeter and shape to be removably engaged to the grooved opening in the frame. Additionally, the metal protective section includes a plurality of substantially aligned elongated bars horizontally segmenting the metal protective section. A plurality of cross members is vertically positioned to connect the elongated bars of the metal protective section and protect the eyes of the wearer.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the inventive subject matter is a knee pad for assisting an infant in crawling. The knee pad comprises of a central portion having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, a means for holding the central portion on at least one knee of the infant, a character face incorporated into the convex outer surface of the central portion, and a sensor attached to at least one side of the means for holding the central portion. The sensor gets activated by a movement which simulates a sound that corresponds with the character face to assist in early recognition of particular sounds of animals. The means for holding the central portion in the knee of the infant can be a plurality of straps. At least one fastening means on the strap secures the means for holding the central portion at backside of the knee of the infant.

Abstract: A disposable infant bib including a thin one-piece body formed of a waterproof outer layer and a biodegradable paper inner layer fixedly attached thereto via an adhesive layer therebetween. A pair of horizontally-aligned spaced apart oval apertures, each having a continuous reinforced edge, is centrally disposed in the body to removably receive an infant's arms therethrough. A band is attached to a body upper side. Hook and loop fastener first and second attachment bodies disposed on each end of the band releasably attach together to completely secure the band around an entire infant's neck and sits high upon the infant's neck and the body has a length which stretches from an upper end of an infant's neck to proximal to the infant's knees thereby preventing spillage onto an infant's clothes.

Abstract: A concealable shoulder-supported harness system for a belt fastened around the torso of a wearer, includes a support portion adapted for operative engagement with the upper torso of the wearer above the belt, wherein the support portion is further adapted for concealment within an outer garment having a portion of the garment extending substantially through the interior side of the belt, and a fastening portion extending from a lower end of the support portion through an aperture in the outer garment located proximate to the belt, wherein the fastening portion further includes an attachment mechanism for securing attachment to the belt. The present invention is further directed to a clothing attire utilizing the same.

Abstract: A shirt is described that uses a double layer of fabric, strategically located across its front to protect the torso of the wearer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for retaining camouflage material from the natural surrounding of a user. A device includes a retaining mechanism and at least two coupling mechanisms for attaching the device to the clothing, or person, of the user. Alternatively, the device includes elastomeric banding to attach a device to the user. The device includes a backing plate to provide tension across the retaining mechanism. The user immobilizes the camouflage material by inserting the camouflage material between the retaining mechanism and the clothing, apparel or person of the user.

Abstract: A quick release garment such as a vest including a quick release system for easy removal by a wearer in an emergency situation wherein activation of the quick release system releases the vest from one side only disconnecting one shoulder strap, at least one belt end portion and at least one cummerbund end portion, if a cummerbund is present. Components of the vest remain attached together so that the wearer may easily retrieve the garment, once removed, and easily reposition and reconnect the garment for movement to another location. The present garment can also be configured such that the quick release system releases only one shoulder strap, a shoulder strap and one or both belt end portions, a shoulder strap and one or both cummerbund end portions, and other combinations.

Abstract: A long-sleeved, pullover-type upper body garment has a continuous slit, which runs up the side of the garment from the bottom of garment body to an arm pit, and downward along the underside of a sleeve, and terminates at a point intermediately along the length of the sleeve. The segment of the slit that is in the body of the garment is temporarily closeable using mating hook-and-loop fastener members that are attached to the body of the garment on opposite sides of the slit. The segment of the slit in the upper portion of the sleeve remains at all times “open”, thereby allowing access to the middle and/or upper end of the wearer's arm for attachment of IV tubing or other medical lines. The circumference of the lower end (e.g., forearm portion) of the sleeve is neither separable nor openable, thereby requiring that a wearer insert his/her hand through the lower portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A helmet for use by an operator or rider of a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle or snowmobile, includes a ventilation system with an air intake subsystem, an air diffusion subsystem, and an air exhaust subsystem. The air intake subsystem includes a plurality of air intake vents located in the outer shell of the helmet, as well as a plurality of air intake holes located within the foam liner of the helmet. The air diffusion subsystem includes a plenum located between an upper portion and a lower portion of the foam liner, which can act as a pressure chamber to forcefully direct air onto the user's head. The air exhaust subsystem includes one or more exhaust ports that create a vacuum near the back of the helmet to draw large volumes of airflow through the helmet as it travels forward.

Abstract: An item of protective gear for a body, including a section of shell material and a section of a relatively softer flexural material joined in a unitary structure, wherein the flexural material is a joint compliantly allowing for the shell material to conform to the body, or is an edge extension on the shell material for cushioning or comfort; and the item is configured to protect a specific area of a body.

Abstract: One embodiment of a device for transporting odor-containing air from a region including an interior airspace of a toilet bowl to a drain line that connects a water seal-type drain of the toilet bowl to a septic system comprises: an exhaust tube having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the region, the water seal-type drain having a drain ceiling at least partly below the normal standing water level of the toilet bowl, wherein the outlet is substantially between the surface of the water seal and the portion of the drain ceiling furthest below the normal standing water level of the toilet bowl. Another embodiment of such a device comprises: an air pump assembly having an air intake and an air exhaust, wherein the air intake is in fluid communication with the region, an exhaust tube assembly including an inlet, and a connecting channel, wherein the connecting channel is in fluid communication with the air exhaust and the inlet.

Abstract: A linkage for moving a hinged member from a first position to a second position. The hinged member may be a toilet seat, the lid of a toilet seat, or any other hinged member. The linkage is provided with first and second pedals where the first pedal moves the seat from the first (or lowered) position to a second (or raised) position. The second pedal moves the seat from the second position to the first position. The linkage is preferably provided with a biasing member to assist the seat in moving from the first position to the second position and acts as a dampening mechanism when the seat is moved from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging bodily wastes has a receptacle for holding a person's bodily waste products, including an upwardly facing opening for receiving the waste products. A forward load-bearing member extends from the receptacle to provide a support for at least one foot of a person discharging waste products into the receptacle. A rear load-bearing member arranged to engage the lower torso of the person above the buttocks when the person has at least one foot in the forward load-bearing member. The rear load-bearing member and the forward load bearing member are spaced apart a distance that is sufficient to hold a person therebetween with the person's buttocks suspended over the opening of the receptacle and the person's center of gravity behind the one foot supported in the forward load bearing member.