Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘DrisStrawSeventeen’. The new variety is primarily characterized by an upright and globose plant habit, very strong vigor, and very large-sized berries, is disclosed.

Abstract: An advanced generation interspecific hybrid of Cornus kousa and C. florida that is distinguished by its exceptionally high vigor, attractive foliage, very floriferous display of white floral bracts, high level of winter hardiness, tolerance of drought and shade, and high resistance to the incitants of Powdery Mildew and Dogwood Anthracnose.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Barberry plant named ‘Redtorch’, characterized by its narrow and upright plant habit; leaves that are dark purple in color and in the autumn become bright red in color; and tolerance to Powdery Mildew.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla named ‘PERFECTION’ that is characterized by its free-flowering and reblooming habit, and its well-developed mop-head type inflorescences comprised of double sterile flowers that are dark pink in color.

Abstract: A new and distinct Euphorbia plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by a compact, upright, slightly outwardly spreading plant habit; free branching and free flowering habit; small, dark green foliage; and small, pure white flower bracts.

Abstract: A new Phlox paniculata plant particularly distinguished by violet inflorescences and a vigorous growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Regal Geranium plant named ‘Oglger5041’, characterized by its compact, upright to outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and large dark and light pink bi-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Brachycome plant named ‘Magenta Magic’, characterized by its compact, low spreading and mounding plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored stems and leaves; freely flowering habit; large inflorescences positioned above the foliar plane; bright purple-colored ray florets; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by medium sized, lobed, slightly ruffled leaves with a distinctive white veil, red gold to amber to khaki leaf color, and a small, mounding habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct Aloe cultivar named ‘Pickled Pink’ is disclosed, characterized a very papillose texture to leaves, jewel-like appearance to leaves with bright coral leaf margins and papillae; overlaid with glaucous blue green patina. Plants are very floriferous and exhibit an upright morphology. The new variety is an Aloe, typically produced as a garden or container plant.

Abstract: There is provided a hand-holdable vacuum cleaner, comprising: an electric motor; an electrical on-off switch for operating said motor; a fan connected to an output shaft of said motor; an airflow pathway comprising an inlet for dirty air, an outlet for clean air, and a collection chamber located in fluid communication between said inlet and said outlet; means for separating out debris entrained with dirty air entering via said inlet and depositing the debris in said collection chamber; and means for adjusting an angle of said inlet relative to a main axis of said vacuum cleaner; wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises a rigid, elongate nose having said inlet at one end thereof, said nose being pivotable relative to said main axis through an angle of at least 135 degrees.

Abstract: A combustion engine method and system provides increased fuel efficiency and reduces polluting exhaust emissions by burning fuel in a two-stage combustion system. Fuel is combusted in a piston engine in a first stage producing piston engine exhaust gases. Fuel contained in the piston engine exhaust gases is combusted in a second stage turbine engine. Turbine engine exhaust gases are used to supercharge the piston engine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for utilizing any arbitrary mixture ratio of multiple fuel gases having differing combustion characteristics, such as natural gas and hydrogen gas, within an internal combustion engine. The gaseous fuel composition ratio is first sensed, such as by thermal conductivity, infrared signature, sound propagation speed, or equivalent mixture differentiation mechanisms and combinations thereof which are utilized as input(s) to a “multiple map” engine control module which modulates selected operating parameters of the engine, such as fuel injection and ignition timing, in response to the proportions of fuel gases available so that the engine operates correctly and at high efficiency irrespective of the gas mixture ratio being utilized. As a result, an engine configured according to the teachings of the present invention may be fueled from at least two different fuel sources without admixing constraints.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.

Abstract: A novel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) architecture using subranging successive approximation approach is disclosed. The ADC architecture is capable of achieving high sampling rate, low power consumption and low complexity. It is also able to advance the chip production yield and area utilization ratio. The new proposed ADC is formed by combining a flash converter having high sampling rate and low resolution with a successive approximation converter having low power consumption and low sampling rate.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display including a plurality of parallel display electrodes wired over an electrode substrate, terminals for the display electrodes led out to the end portion of the electrode substrate and connected to TCPs, the terminals having pitches smaller than those of the display electrodes, and leadout wirings for connecting the display electrodes and the terminals. The leadout wirings each consist of a portion extending from a respective display electrode as it is, a portion extended from the respective terminals as it is, and almost parallel, inclined linear wiring that connects the two extended portions. The length of the two extended portions and the width of the inclined linear wiring are adjusted so that the wiring resistances of the individual leadout wirings are substantially equal.

Abstract: A laser receiver detects a thin beam of laser light and distinguishes between the beam of laser light and an omni-directional pulse of light from a strobe by the use of an additional photo-detector. The device takes into account the possibility that the additional photo-detector could be illuminated simultaneously with the main photo-detectors at the end of the main photo-detectors closest to the additional photo-detector.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the orientation of an image of a picture within a scanned image, including the steps of locating in the scanned image the contour of the image of the picture, determining a plurality of bounding boxes confining the contour of the image of the picture, selecting one of the plurality of bounding boxes that is substantially aligned with the contour of the image of the picture, and calculating an angle of rotation of the picture based on the selected bounding box.

Abstract: Two or more independent and offset fluid transporting fractals allow the scaling and intermingling of two or more fluids separately and simultaneously prior to contacting the fluids with one another. The device provides rapid and homogeneous mixing and/or reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for enhanced phone-based collaboration (EPC), which enables users to quickly and easily enhance an ongoing phone call with a variety of interpersonal real-time two-way communications (IRTC).

Abstract: An nth root transformation is used for generating near Gaussian metrics from non-Gaussian metrics for input into a conventional turbo decoder that is based on the assumption that the input sequence to the decoder has a Gaussian distribution. The nth root transformation transforms channel non-Gaussian statistics to near Gaussian statistics for use with conventional turbo decoding for improved noncoherent communications over a non-Gaussian channel, such as a fading channel. For a differential coherent PSK waveform, where the channel statistics of a demodulator are non-Gaussian, for example, in the presence of fading, the nth root transformation is used to transform the non-Gaussian statistics to near Gaussian statistics for generating near Gaussian metrics, for improved PSK communications.

Abstract: In a linear guide device including: a rail having on either side surface thereof a track recess with a track surface formed thereon; a rail cover covering a rail upper surface of the rail; a saddle-like slider moving linearly on the rail; and a rolling member circulating through a connection path provided in the slider and adapted to roll on the track surface of the rail, the rail cover is equipped with a side edge portion having an engagement portion, an upper track surface serving as an engagement surface is provided in a lower portion of an upper side surface of the rail, the engagement surface being a slope gradually diminishing in the rail width direction downwardly from the upper side surface, and an engagement portion of the rail cover is engaged with the engagement surface, whereby it is possible to achieve an increase in the speed of the rail grinding work for allowing engagement of the rail cover covering the rail upper surface of the liner guide device.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments herein include methods and apparatus for processing vegetables having a root crown including applying opposing forces to the vegetables to separate the roots or portions thereof at or near the root crown from the vegetable, and packaging the vegetables in a container.

Abstract: A method of depositing a ceramic film, particularly a silicon carbide film, on a substrate is disclosed in which the residual stress, residual stress gradient, and resistivity are controlled. Also disclosed are substrates having a deposited film with these controlled properties and devices, particularly MEMS and NEMS devices, having substrates with films having these properties.

Abstract: Groove-type paper scoring apparatus according to the invention comprises a platform providing a planar rectangular work surface. On the platform are a series of transversely spaced shallow score channels extending longitudinally from one end of the platform to the other. Shallow boundary walls extend along the side edges and the distal end of the platform. The distal end wall of the platform is provided with spaced vertical notches each mating with an associated one of the series of score channels. A scale or ruler extends along each of the walls.

Abstract: ?- and ?-amino acid hydroxyethylamino sulfonamide compounds are effective as retroviral protease inhibitors, and in particular as inhibitors of HIV protease.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein R represents aryl or heteroaryl, X is oxygen, a carbonyl group, an oxime derivative of a carbonyl group or an ?,?-unsaturated carbonyl group, and the substituents R1 to R6 have the meanings given in the specification, for use as medicaments, to novel compounds of formula (I), to methods of synthesis of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of formula (I), to the use of a compounds of formula (I) for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of neoplastic and autoimmune diseases, and to methods of treatment of neoplastic and autoimmune diseases using such compounds of formula (I) or of pharmaceutical compositions containing same

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention uses radar altimeter measurements and stored terrain altitude profiles to provide pre-filtered observations to a Kalman filter for estimating barometric offset at the airport runway, and barometric scale factor for offsets above the runway. These offsets are used with the smoothed baro-inertial output from an inertial reference system to provide 3 dimensional constant rate of descent approach procedures to replace non-precision approach procedures based on constant barometric altitude step approaches. The horizontal positions used as reference for the stored terrain altitude profiles are obtained from a prior art navigation apparatus. The integrity of all measurements is assured by using long term averages of the Kalman filter residuals to detect failures. In addition, the estimated baro offset at the runway is compared for consistency with the baro offset obtained by the pilot from the airport by radio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring state information between a server computer system and a client computer system. In one embodiment of the method, an http client requests a file, such as an HTML document, on an http server, and the http server transmits the file to the http client. In addition, the http server transmits a state object, which describes certain state information, to the http client. The http client stores the state object, and will typically send the state object back to the http server when making later requests for files on the http server. In a typical embodiment, the state object includes a domain attribute which specifies a domain or network address, and the state object is transmitted from the http client to a server only when the http client makes an http request to the server and the server is within the domain. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a processor and memory and a computer readable medium which stores program instructions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for receiving a timestamp from a caller via a telephone connection; receiving a device identifier from the caller, in which the device identifier identifies a device; determining a cryptographic key based on the device identifier; determining an indication of a time based on the timestamp and the cryptographic key; providing the indication of the time to the caller; determining an account; and charging a fee to the account.

Abstract: A torso, around which clothes can be wound, includes a curved incision on the backface. Preferably, an elastic member is provided at least on the periphery of the incision. The torso may also include a first opening on the backface, an elastic member formed to cover the first opening, and a curved incision on the elastic member, where the incision is exposed from the first opening. Preferably, the incision is formed along the longitudinal direction of the first opening. Furthermore, the first opening may include at least two projections formed on its periphery, and the elastic member may include at least two holes formed at positions opposing the projections, respectively. A fixing member may be provided for fixing the elastic member, and the fixing member includes a second opening having the same shape and size as those of the first opening and formed at a position opposing the incision.

Abstract: A lightweight combat helmet has a rigid helmet shell with first and second flexible and fluid impermeable receptacles nested within the helmet shell. The first receptacle is filled with structures and substances that alter a trajectory of an incoming projectile. When filled, the second receptacle conforms to a wearer's head.

Abstract: A helmet restraint system for restraining the forward and downward movement of a helmet having an unfavorable center of gravity. A buckle strap having a first end and a second end is configured to be movably disposed in a wearer's garment. The buckle strap is preloaded between its first end, which is attached to the adjustment mechanism, and its second end, which is attached to an emergency release, and is extended in a loop coming out from first and second openings respectively in the collar of the garment for connection with a snap hook on the helmet.

Abstract: A shoulder protector comprising a generally “U” shaped device of a resilient material that fits over the shoulder comprising: a base; and a pair of flanges extending orthogonally from the base that define a channel for reception of the scapula area of the body. According to various preferred embodiments, the shoulder protector of the present invention includes; 1) a hygienic layer on the side of the device that addresses the body; 2) an adherent layer that engages an overworn jersey on that surface of the device that lies away from the body of the user; enlarged shoulder pad areas that extend over and below the shoulder of a user; and removable rigid or semi-rigid shoulder pads that can be removably attached to the shoulder protector of the present invention.

Abstract: A self-cleansing portable urine collection device and method of collecting urine in a self-cleansing portable urine collection device is provided. The collection device includes a housing which houses a urine collection receptacle configured to collect urine from a user. A cleansing container which retains a cleansing solution is configured to supply the cleansing solution to the receptacle. The device further includes a reservoir coupled to the receptacle and configured to receive the urine and the cleansing solution collected by the receptacle. A pump coupled to the receptacle and the reservoir is configured to transport the urine and the cleansing solution from the receptacle to the reservoir.

Abstract: The shower heated by solar energy comprises a platform (2), to a base (2a) of which is connected a piping (3) containing a water supply. A tubular body (4) is connected superiorly to the platform (2), bearing a shower head (5) at a top thereof. The platform (2) internally exhibits a plurality of conduits (7) for retaining water, which plurality of conduits (7) is exposed to solar rays.

Abstract: A faucet spout structure comprises a spout housed between upper and lower housings of a water supply seat and assembled onto an outlet mount equipped with handles and a deck. The spout has a first connecting tube with an abutment surface and a stepwise coupling section extending at one end, to which a sealing ring and a coupling cavity of a second connecting tube are sequentially joined and firmly located by a buckling collar. The second connecting tube has the other end equipped with an external-threaded locking section and a stepwise conjoining section to fix to an assembling section of an outlet duct mounted to the outlet mount. The first connecting tube also has a fixing section defined by a water outlet to which a nozzle is secured and fixed to the conjoining end area of the upper and lower housings, achieving flexible assembly and maintenance of the spout thereby.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a patient single surface system, PS3, which is a next generation system solution for patient accommodation, diagnosis, treatment, transfer and transport. PS3 provides a single surface for the patient to remain on from the trauma site through diagnosis, treatment and convalescence. Needs addressed by the PS3 system include improved patient treatment through reduction in time to treatment, reduced or eliminated unnecessary patient movement and injury, as well as improved comfort throughout treatment and convalescence. In addition, the PS3 system solves significant economic considerations.

Abstract: A bed sheet is made of: a material body with inner and outer surfaces configured to substantially cover a mattress. The sheet is provided with at least one pair of co-located pockets provided on the material body. The pockets are substantially rectangular and are placed one on top of the other. The outermost pocket has a height less than that of the inner pockets. The top edges of each pocket are open and slope in opposite direction to facilitate selective placement of objects in one pocket or the other.