Abstract: A new and distinct apricot variety of Prunus armeniaca named ‘DANIEL’, particularly characterized by self-pollinating and self-fertile medium-sized tree with vigorous growth habit; good fruit productivity; early ripening with harvest of mature fruit in early May in Yizre'el Valley, Israel; medium-sized, freestone mature fruit, with deep orange skin color; and aromatic mature fruit which is of good eating quality(sweet-sour flavor, firm texture and moderate juice production).

Abstract: ‘DaisySL’ is a mid-season maturing diploid mandarin that combines medium-large sized fruit of excellent quality and production with very low seed content even in mixed plantings. It would likely be successful in the mid-season marketing window that currently has very few low-seeded, high quality cultivars.

Abstract: Cercis ‘Ruby Falls’ is a new and distinct variety of redbud that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. 1. Weeping growth habit. 2. Ease of asexual propagation using chip-budding. 3. Emerging foliage with deep purple color, transitioning to burgundy and eventually green during the growing season. 4. Bright purple flowers produced in abundance during the spring.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Buddleja plant named ‘Podaras #12’, characterized by its compact and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely flowering habit; sterile violet blue-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Xerochrysum plant named ‘Bondrelaipi’, characterized by its double-type, pink and white bicolored inflorescences, dark green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, compact-mounded growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Schlumbergera truncata plant named ‘PKMSC02’ particularly characterized by large upright to vertical flowers; flowers which have petals which are greyed-orange (RHS 169A) and a red-purple throat (RHS 71D); large quantity of flowers per plant; moderately vigorous and freely branching habit; and ovoid to lanceolatoid buds, which are greyed-orange (RHS 169A) in color.

Abstract: ‘Goodwell’ is a hybrid forage bermudagrass. It has larger stems and wider leaves, and produces a more dense sod compared to “hay type” varieties. The stem size and leaf width is much greater compared to “grazing type” varieties while the sod density is somewhat less compared to the grazing type varieties.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Echinacea plant named ‘Gemini Pink’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy habit; freely flowering habit; fragrant inflorescences with numerous red purple-colored ray florets; strong flowering stems that hold the inflorescences upright; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by leaves colored brick red in spring and fall and amber and tan in summer, bicolor red purple and light pink flowers, and excellent tolerance to heat and humidity.

Abstract: A new and distinct Heucherella plant substantially as shown and described, characterized by yellow spring leaves with a strong red pattern along veins, summer leaves yellow green to lime with red to dark brown in over half the leaf center, distinctively lobed, palmately divided leaves, and a medium plant size.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an inexpensive, reusable, and compact picture leveling template where the design of the device 10 would allow the user 12 to arrange picture frames 14, shadow boxes 70, shelving 77, signage, or any objects with 2 or 3 dimensions that could be mounted on a wall 16 in a preferred arrangement in limitless aesthetic combinations on a vertical surface of any size or slope along with curved wall surfaces. The template 10 has multiple leveling guides 24, 28, 32 to assist the user 12 in leveling and spacing picture frames 14 horizontally and vertically on any vertical surface 16. The present invention 10 may be a three-part, inexpensive compact kit comprised of a planar pliable material 18 with multiple leveling lines 34, 36 inscribed thereon, a non-shear adhesive 38, and bubble levels 40 for use with a non-shear adhesive.

Abstract: A system and method that use a fluid gauge proximity sensor. A source of modulated unidirectional or alternating fluid flow travels along at least one path having a nozzle and a flow or pressure sensor. The fluid exists at a gap between the nozzle and a target. The sensor outputs an amplitude modulated signal that varies according to a size of the gap. The amplitude modulated signal is processed either digitally or in analog devices, which can include being filtered (e.g., band pass, band limited, high pass, etc. filter) to include the modulated frequency and sufficient bandwidth on either side of that frequency and/or being demodulated using a demodulator operating at the acoustical driver modulation frequency. Using this system and method can result in only ambient acoustical energy in a desired frequency range of the device actually having the opportunity to interfere with the device operation. This can lower the devices overall sensitivity to external acoustical noise and sensor offset.

Abstract: A dual aperture optical scanner which produces horizontal, vertical, and diagonal scan patterns. The optical scanner includes a housing having a substantially vertical surface containing a first aperture and a substantially horizontal surface containing a second aperture. A laser diode produces a laser beam. A spinner produces first, second, and third groups of scanning beams. A plurality of pattern mirrors reflects the first group of scanning beams in a substantially horizontal direction through the first aperture, the second group of scanning beams in a substantially downward diagonal direction through the first aperture, and the third group of scanning beams in a substantially vertical direction through the second aperture.

Abstract: Near-azeotropic ternary compositions of hydrofluorocarbons with n-butane or isobutane selected from: A) 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a) 65-94% by weight pentafluoroethane (R125) 2-25% by weight n-butane (R600) and/or isobutane (R-600a) 1-10% by weight B) 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a) 65-94% by weight 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R227ea) 5-25% by weight n-butane (R600) and/or isobutane (R-600a) 1-10% by weight Said compositions have zero ODP, very low GWP and good solvent power for mineral lubricants. They are utilizable as drop-in substituents of R-12 in domestic refrigeration.

Abstract: A semiconductor package with a heat dissipating structure is provided. The heat dissipating structure includes a flat portion, and a plurality of support portions formed at edge corners of the flat portion for supporting the flat portion above a chip mounted on a substrate. The support portions are mounted at predetermined area on the substrate without interfering with arrangement of the chip and bonding wires that electrically connect the chip to the substrate. The support portions are arranged to form a space embraced by adjacent supports and the flat portion, so as to allow the bonding wires to pass through the space to reach area on the substrate outside coverage of the heat dissipating structure; besides, passive components or other electronic components can be mounted on the substrate at area within or outside the coverage of the heat dissipating structure, thereby improving flexibility in component arrangement in the semiconductor package.

Abstract: A seal for acceptance in an annular gland in a piston comprises an annular primary sealing element, an annular secondary sealing element disposed radially inwardly of the primary sealing element, and a pair of axially spaced back up rings disposed in axially spaced relation on opposite sides of the primary sealing element and having radially inner portions, respectively, engaged with the primary sealing element so as to lock the backup rings in the gland of the piston.

Abstract: In a mechanism for fixing a probe card, the probe card and a support frame are joined to each other about the axis of each of the probe card and the support frame by a plurality of first fastening members. Also, the outer circumferential edge portion of the support frame is fixed by a plurality of second fastening members to a holder fixed to a probe unit. The probe card is held by the mechanism such that the central region of the probe card is restricted by the first fastening members and the outer circumferential portion of the probe card is not restricted so as to be rendered free. It follows that the probe card is expanded toward the outer circumferential edge portion by thermal expansion under a high-temperature. However, the probe card is prevented from being deformed in the shape of a dome.

Abstract: An input video image having an arbitrary resolution is converted to another video image having a predetermined resolution of a display device to display the video image with the converted resolution. The frequencies of the synchronizing signals of the input video signal are measured, and then a resolution of an input video signal is determined from the measured frequencies of the synchronizing signals. The video image represented by the input video signal is expanded or contracted, so as to make the resolution of the input video signal coincident with a resolution of the display device. A resulting video image with the converted resolution is displayed on the display device.

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 multi-chip module (MCM) provides power circuitry on a computer motherboard in a package of reduced size without sacrificing performance. The MCM co-packages essential power circuit components on a ball grid array (BGA) substrate. Two power MOSFETs disposed on the BGA substrate are connected in a half-bridge arrangement between an input voltage and ground. A MOSFET gate driver is electrically connected to respective gate inputs of the two power MOSFETs for alternately switching the power MOSFETs to generate an alternating output voltage at a common output node between the power MOSFETs. At least one Schottky diode is disposed on the BGA substrate and connected between the common output node and ground to minimize losses during deadtime conduction periods. The input capacitor of the circuit is contained within the MCM housing and is located close to the MOSFETs, reducing stray inductance in the circuit. The MCM package is thin and has dimensions of about 1 cm by 1 cm or less.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory such as a dynamic RAM having memory mats each divided into a plurality of units or sub-memory mats. Each sub-memory mat comprises: a memory array having sub-word lines and sub-bit lines intersecting orthogonally and dynamic memory cells located in lattice fashion at the intersection points between the intersecting sub-word and sub-bit lines; a sub-word line driver including unit sub-word line driving circuits corresponding to the sub-word lines; a sense amplifier including unit amplifier circuits and column selection switches corresponding to the sub-bit lines; and sub-common I/O lines to which designated sub-bit lines are connected selectively via the column selection switches. The sub-memory mats are arranged in lattice fashion.

Abstract: A method of coding a moving picture reduces blocking artifacts. The method includes defining pixel sets S0, S1, S2 around a block boundary, selectively determining a deblocking mode as a default mode or a DC offset mode depending on the degree of blocking artifacts. If the default mode is selected, frequency information is obtained around the block boundary per pixel using a 4-point DCT kernel, for example, a magnitude of a discontinuous component belonging to the block boundary is replaced with a minimum magnitude of discontinuous components belonging to the surroundings of the block boundary in the frequency domain and the replacing step is applied to the spatial domain. If the DC offset mode is selected and a determination is made to perform DC offset mode, the blocking artifacts in a smooth region are removed in the DC offset mode.

Abstract: A fast startup procedure for a modem system utilizes known characteristics of a previously established communication channel to reduce the initialization period associated with subsequent connections over the same channel. In response to the establishment of a call, the modem devices determine whether the fast connect protocol is supported. If so, then the called modem transmits a modified answer tone to the calling modem. The calling modem analyzes the signal received in response to the modified answer tone to determine whether characteristics of the current channel are similar to stored characteristics associated with a previous connection over the same channel. If a channel “match” is found, then the modem devices carry out a fast initialization routine that eliminates, abbreviates, or modifies a number of procedures or protocols that are carried out in conventional modem startup processes.

Abstract: An artery, vein, aneurysm, vascular malformation or arterial fistula is occluded through endovascular occlusion by the endovascular insertion of a platinum wire and/or tip into the vascular cavity. The vascular cavity is packed with the tip to obstruct blood flow or access of blood in the cavity such that the blood clots in the cavity and an occlusion if formed. The tip may be elongate and flexible so that it packs the cavity by being folded upon itself a multiple number of times, or may pack the cavity by virtue of a filamentary or fuzzy structure of the tip. The tip is then separated from the wire mechanically or by electrolytic separation of the tip from the wire. The wire and the microcatheter are thereafter removed leaving the tip embedded in the thrombus formed within the vascular cavity. Movement of wire in the microcatheter is more easily tracked by providing a radioopaque proximal marker on the microcatheter and a corresponding indicator marker on the wire.

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, which 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. Supervised segmentation is applied to merchant vectors to form 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. Consumer profiles include consumer vectors derived as summary vectors of selected merchants patronized by the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention implements parallel processing in a Database Management System. The present invention provides the ability to locate transaction and recovery information at one location and eliminates the need for read locks and two-phased commits. The present invention provides the ability to dynamically partition row sources for parallel processing. Parallelism is based on the ability to parallelize a row source, the partitioning requirements of consecutive row sources and the entire row source tree, and any specification in the SQL statement. A Query Coordinator assumes control of the processing of a entire query and can execute serial row sources. Additional threads of control, Query Server, execute a parallel operators. Parallel operators are called data flow operators (DFOs). A DFO is represented as structured query language (SQL) statements and can be executed concurrently by multiple processes, or query slaves.

Abstract: A device, network access apparatus executes any program such as a servlet, applet, script, or web browser. When a user logs in or when the user executes a program or in response to a user login, the system date/time may be determined. A URI corresponding to the system date/time may be retrieved from at least one data record of a database. The retrieved URI may then be accessed/resolved. In addition, the determination of the system date/time may be configured in response to any kind of login such as a network or web based login for the purpose of retrieving a URI as a starting page.

Abstract: The submarine escape suit has a hood (14) covering the head of a wearer during ascent from a submarine. In order to allow the wearer to expose his/her face, the hood (14) is provided with a portion (21) overlying the face of a wearer that is releasable from the remainder of the hood (14). The releasable portion (21) may be re-attachable.

Abstract: The neck warmer includes a collar fabricated from warm, soft material and having free ends provided with hook and loop fasteners to allow the collar to be fastened closely around a wearer's neck. The collar has a slight V-shape at its front. Ornamental pieces can be optionally attached to the front of the collar to create a desired fashionable effect.

Abstract: A device for breast self-examination worn over the fingers of a user's hand, comprising an operative portion with an outside shell, an inside liner, and a lubricant contained therebetween, and a barrier adhering the outside shell to the inside liner and acting to seal the lubricant within. The operative portion is sized to substantially restrict access to just the pads of the distal and middle regions of the four fingers, preventing the non-recommended use of the thumb and palm during the inspection process, due to their limited sensitivity. The operative portion is designed to allow the recommended substantial lateral displacement of the inside layer relative to the outside shell that remains in substantially immobile contact with an area of skin. The novel design substantially prevents incorrect use thereby increasing the detection effectiveness.

Abstract: A sanitary ear covering includes at least a first body and alternately a second body formed from deformably resilient material. Each of the first and second bodies may have a circular shape when disposed at an equilibrium position. Each of the first and second bodies may be adapted to conform to the user ear and thereby remain at a substantially stable position during operating conditions. Each of the first and second bodies preferably include an ear-receiving section defining a cup-shaped cavity therein, an outer rim directly coupled to an outer perimeter of the cup-shaped cavity, an ear plug mated to the ear-receiving section and projecting orthogonally inward therefrom, and a strap removably connected to a bottom hemisphere of the outer rim.

Abstract: A disposable, substantially non-absorbent undergarment has a crotch region in combination with, and onto which a sanitary napkin or panty liner member is attached. Upraised side ridges bounding the crotch region of the panty both eliminate leakage, without adding to bulk of the undergarment, and present a defined area where at least one panty liner unit of the panty liner member is attached.

Abstract: A chin guard has a shell with a cup suitable for fitting upon a human chin and a resilient layer received within in the cup of the shell. The resilient layer has a periphery overlying the outer peripheral edge of the shell. The resilient layer has a support layer in surface-to-surface contact with a surface of the shell. A plurality of padded sections are integrally formed with the support layer. The plurality of padded sections include a rectangular portion extending centrally across the support layer on a side opposite the cup and a plurality of fingers extending outwardly of the rectangular portion.

Abstract: A toilet has a seat. Two spaced members each have an upper end with an aperture. A pivot block has a bore. An axle has end sections and a central section. The end sections are received within the apertures. The central section is received within the bore. A housing is attached to the toilet and a coil spring around the axle. The coil spring has first and second ends. The first end is secured within the housing. The second end is in contact with the seat. The coil spring is adapted to urge the toilet seat from a lowered position to a raised position. A locking assembly includes upper and lower fingers. Each finger has a shoulder and a ramp. The upper finger extends downwardly from the toilet seat. The lower finger extends upwardly from the toilet seat. The lower finger is movable between a locking and an unlocking orientation.

Abstract: A urinal discharge pipe assembly comprising a discharge pipe having a passageway therethrough from an inlet in communication with a urinal discharge outlet and an outlet in communication with a urine disposal system, a foam dispensing device having a foam outlet open into the passageway for discharge of an allotment of foam into the passageway between the inlet and the outlet adequate to form a temporary foam plug across the passageway blocking the passageway.

Abstract: A pumped shower drain system (10) comprises a shower base (12), a waste water unit (14) provided on the shower base (12) and having a waste water inlet (28) and a waste water outlet (30), and a reciprocating water pump (20) for pumping water from the waste water unit (14) to a drain (22). The reciprocating water pump (20) includes: a pump housing (40) having a pump inlet (48) in liquid communication with the waste water outlet (30) of the waste water unit (14), and a pump outlet (50) in liquid communication with the drain (22); first and second inlet valve seals (56, 58) in spaced relationship; and first and second outlet valve seals (84, 86) in spaced relationship. Each set of inlet and outlet valve seals comprise different kinds of valve seals from each other, and are independently closable to close the pump inlet or outlet. Preferably, the inlet valve seals and/or the outlet valve seals have different modes of operation.

Abstract: Foldable and portable playard assemblies with a storage compartment and methods of use thereof are disclosed. An example playard includes a lower frame having a collapsed position and an erected position and an upper frame having a collapsed position and an erected position. The example playard further includes a handle coupled to the lower frame, wherein movement of the handle from a generally horizontal position to a generally upright position causes the lower frame to move between the collapsed position and the erected position.

Abstract: A pivoting leg assembly for an article of folding furniture having a frame and which can be rotated between a storage position and a use position includes: a leg support bar adapted for slidable movement with respect to the frame, such that the leg support bar can move forward and rearward in a plane substantially parallel to the frame; and a leg pivotally connected to the leg support bar, such that it can be pivoted from a first position to a second position in which it extends downward and away from the frame, thus providing support to the frame in the use position.

Abstract: A bed frame comprising T shaped side rails provide support for a box spring and mattress. A leg assembly is affixed to the bed frame and is affixed to the side rail and to the cross rails for better strength of connection. The use of T-shaped side rails provides more resistance to twisting and bowing and thereby more resistant to damage a leg or other structural component of the bed frame from moving the bed frame across the floor. The use of the T-shape cross section side rails enables the overall bed frame to support more weight with less deflection than the convention L-shaped side rails. There are also headboard and footboard brackets that take advantage of the greater height of the vertical flange of the side rail to have affixation means, such as rivets, that are further spaced apart to provide a more rigid connection between the brackets and the side rails.

Abstract: A mattress-supporting base includes three mattress support portions, multiple crossbars and a baseboard. Each of the mattress support portions has a first end and a second end. The first end of each mattress support portion connects to the first ends of the other two mattress support portions, and the second end of each mattress support portion connects to the second ends of the other two mattress support portions. The first two mattress support portions have four sections that are pivotally connected by three hinges. The third and center mattress support portion has two sections that are pivotally connected. The components of the mattress-supporting base fit into a packing box having an inner width that is neither wider than about ten times the width of the mattress support portions plus about eight times the thickness of the baseboard, nor longer than about one half the length of the assembled mattress-supporting base.