Abstract: A jig is provided for setting and gluing pairs of specimens along their joining faces to cure into a lap joint. The jig includes a platform with a setting surface flanked by first and second upright walls, first and second plates and fasteners. The platform positions the pairs of specimens for lap joint arrangement.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘NECTAVANPI’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high-eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of hibiscus plant named ‘DUP-QUD’, characterized by glossy, dark green leaves, semi-upright habit appropriate for container production and culture, freely flowering habit, and double flower characterized by a reduced pink eye, surrounded by a pink zone which radiates along the petal veins through a lavender zone into a bright salmon zone. The salmon zone blends into a coral margin. With exposure to sun, the salmon zone fades to coral.

Abstract: A new variety of carnation plant named ‘CFPC Mahalo,’ having a compact form of plant with well presented pink flowers.

Abstract: A new Verbena plant named ‘Plufrena’ particularly distinguished by the bold red-purple colored flowers with lighter centers, medium green foliage, medium sized creeping and trailing plant habit with good branching and is early to flower.

Abstract: A new and distinct Coreopsis plant named ‘Garnet’ characterized by daisy-type flowers that grow to 4.5 cm in diameter, flowers that are deep rose with a darker center, grass green foliage on short stems, flowering for the whole summer, a dense, compact, mounding habit, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Coreopsis plant named ‘Pineapple Pie’ characterized by small daisy-type flowers that grow to 3 cm in diameter, flowers that are golden yellow with deep red eyes, grass green foliage on short stems, flowering for the whole summer, and a dense, mounding habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct Coreopsis plant named ‘Fruit Punch’ characterized by daisy-type flowers that grow to 5 cm in diameter, flowers that are white with a large, deep purple to red eye, grass green foliage on short stems, flowering for the whole summer, a dense, compact, mounding habit, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Dicentra plant, ‘Fire Island’, characterized by its numerous flowers that are pink in color, its very early flowering season, its multiple and short branches, its very resistance to diseases and high growing temperatures, and its vigorous growth habit during propagation, and its lack of seed production.

Abstract: A new and distinct Kniphofia plant characterized by its very long, repeat blooming, compact habit with multiple crowns, narrow, grassy leaves, creamy red orange flowers, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Lavandula plant named ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ that is characterized by early and repeat flowering, dense plant habit, short peduncle length, and fragrant flower spikes with medium length sterile bracts that are mid-pink in color. In combination these traits set ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ apart from all other existing varieties of Lavandula known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Salvia plant of unknown parentage is provided that was discovered in a nursery setting while growing among other Salvia plants. Over a long blooming season attractive bi-colored blossoms are formed that are red with a white eye. The growth habit is upright and bushy. The foliage is large and bright green in coloration. Following pruning, the plant displays a tendency to vigorously regrow. The plant is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck.

Abstract: The instant invention discloses a receptacle where the surface of the face along its width is flat in one plane and along its length has a constant radius. The shape of the face of the receptacle allows for the proper seating of an inserted plug. The receptacle is adapter to be located in a wall plate having a vertical axis of positive first differential and zero second differential, comprised of a combination of splines drawn between points of varying distance from a datum plane and zero second differential when the rate of height increase of individual splines is constant. The receptacle can be placed next to a switch, the front face of which follows the shape of the wall plate.

Abstract: A method and system for converting a first transaction account device to a second transaction account device wherein a card number associated with, or defined as, a first transaction account (e.g., stored value account) is re-associated with, or re-defined as, a second transaction account (e.g., credit card account).

Abstract: Device intended to maintain a paper sheet close to the vertical in order to facilitate the viewing thereof, characterized in that it is comprised of first holding means (1) and second holding means (2) which cooperate with the first holding means (1) so as to confer progressively to the sheet, as it is introduced between the first and the second holding means, an initial curvature which rigidifies the sheet.

Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting device includes a hetero-configuration having an active layer, a first clad layer, and a second clad layer, the active layer being interposed between the clad layers. The active layer emits light when charge carriers are injected. The first and second clad layers keep the injected charge carriers in the active layer. The hetero-configuration is interposed between a first and a second electrode. The semiconductor light emitting device further includes a dense defect-injected layer. This layer is provided between the first electrode and the hetero-configuration. The dense defect-injected layer is made of material more fragile than the hetero-configuration. The dense defect-injected layer prevents defects injected into the hetero-configuration.

Abstract: A high-speed differential signaling logic gate includes a 1st input transistor, 2nd input transistor, complimentary transistor, current source, a 1st load, and a 2nd load. The 1st input transistor is operably coupled to receive a 1st input logic signal, which may be one phase of a first differential input signal. The 2nd input transistor is coupled in parallel with the 1st input transistor and is further coupled to receive a 2nd input logic signal, which may be one phase of a 2nd differential input signal. The complimentary transistor is operably coupled to the sources of the 1st and 2nd input transistors and to receive a complimentary input signal, which mimics the other phase of the 1st differential logic signal and the 2nd differential logic signal. The current source sinks a fixed current from the 1st and 2nd input transistors and the complimentary transistor. The 1st load is operably coupled to the drains of the 1st and 2nd input transistors to provide a 1st phase of a differential logic output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photic image processing method which includes steps of (1) processing a photic image unit to generate a photic image signal having a plurality of basic image signals, (2) performing a first regulating compensation to each of the basic image signals of the photic image to generate a first compensated basic image signals in order to equilibrate the basic image signals of the photic image signal, (3) multiplexing the first compensated basic image signals in a period of time to generate a multiplexed photic image signal having the compensated basic image signals in series in the period of time, wherein the period is equal to a time of processing a photic image unit, and (4) performing a second regulating compensation for the multiplexed photic image signal to generate a second compensated multiplexed photic image signal. The photic image processing method disclosed in this disclosure is capable of producing a photic image having high resolution and quality.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory module (1) includes a circuit substrate (2), a first (100), a second (200), a third (300) and a fourth (400) rank of memory chips (3), a first register (10) and a second register (20). The first register (10) and the second register (20) each comprise a first input (11, 21) for receiving a respective chip select signal (CS0, CS2), a second input (12, 22) for receiving a respective other chip select signal (CS1, CS3) at least one third input (13, 23) for receiving command/address signals (CA), and at least one third output (16, 26).

Abstract: A method of operating a network is beneficially conducted on a municipality or neighborhood level. The method in disclosed embodiments comprises installing a digital communications network within a limited selected geographical region. The network is formed from a high speed backbone and a plurality of nodes branching outward from the high speed backbone. A plurality of communicating stations are connected to the network and users at each communicating station subscribe to communicate over the network. Due to the unique scope of the network, the users are related primarily by virtue of their residence in a common geographical region. The network may be installed within a public utility right of way and may be used to monitor utility usage and to bill utility users. The network is thus independent of public telephone infrastructure. The network is preferably partitioned and communications are direct from station to station without broadcasting.

Abstract: A tape cassette is used in a printing device with a drive shaft. The tape cassette includes a cassette casing which houses a printing tape and defines a feed path through which the tape moves in a feeding direction. The cassette casing includes a head recess adapted to receive a print head of the printing device. The cassette casing forms a generally rectangular shape that is bounded by four corners, but also includes a recess for receiving the drive shaft adjacent a first corner of the four corner of the cassette casing downstream of, and spaced from, the head recess in the feed direction. The cassette casing defines a first positioning hole adjacent the drive shaft and a second positioning hole spaced from the drive shaft, the first and second positioning holes each communicating with a corresponding pin of the printing device to ensure a proper positioning of the cassette casing within the printing device.

Abstract: A card sheet including a top material having punched lines, the front side of the top material being printable. A carrier material of at least one polymer layer is directly applied as by extruding to the back side of the top material. The polymer has a stress-at-break in the range of 10 to 30 MPa and an elongation at break in the range of 10 to 120%. From the card sheet individual cards may be broken out to form high quality calling (business) cards, photograph cards, post cards or the like.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences coding for the chondroitinase ABC gene and isolated chondroitinase ABE protein produced in a host cell transformed with a nucleic acid vector directing the expression of a nucleotide sequence coding for chondroitinase ABE protein described. Chondroitinase ABC prepared by chemical synthesis also described. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies which are specifically reactive with chondroitinase ABC protein are disclosed. The isolated chondroitinase ABC can be used in methods of treating intervertebral disc replacement, promoting neurite regeneration, and detecting galactosaminoglycans.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including two parallel, longitudinally extending hand rails, a longitudinally extending base unit, legs that connect the hand rails to the base unit, the base unit including a rail assembly and a rail support frame, and four roller pads mounted on the rail assembly so as to be individually movable along the rails.

Abstract: A polymeric latex prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization of a monomeric mixture comprising styrene and butadiene in the presence of a seed polymer prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization of styrene and a salt of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid.

Abstract: A system and method of standardizing modular probe housings so that the standardized probe housings may be incorporated into probes adapted to work with at least one of a multiplicity of manufacturers' oximeters. The probe housings are adapted to matingly engage at least a disposable bandage apparatus and a reusable finger attachment device. A pulse oximeter system comprises a finger attachment device having first and second probe couplers, the first and second probe couplers are configured to be matingly engageable with probe housings of a pulse oximeter probe.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for previewing documents on a computer system, the method comprising the steps of:—displaying a main document (102) which contains a hyperlink (104); and—in response to an indication (106) of the hyperlink being received by the computer system, displaying a preview document (108) which document being that referred to by the hyperlink whilst retaining the display of the main document, so that the document referred to by the hyperlink may be previewed.

Abstract: A security method for an attached computer module in a computer system. The security method reads a security identification number in an attached computer module and compares it to a security identification number in a console, which houses the attached computer module. Based upon a relationship between these numbers, a security status is selected. The security status determines the security level of operating the computer system.

Abstract: A headwear apparatus comprising a base ring assembly, a support assembly and a bill. The base ring assembly has an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface includes a hook and loop fastener positioned therealong, and, an adjustment configuration positioned at the back region of the base ring assembly to facilitate an altering of the circumference thereof. The support assembly has a first cross strap and a second cross strap. The two cross straps intersect above the base ring assembly. The cross straps and the base ring define a hemispherical frame, and in turn, a cavity, appropriately sized to receive the head of a wearer therewithin, with a plurality of generally wedge shaped openings therebetween. The bill extends outwardly from the front region of the base ring.

Abstract: The invention entitled Knee Pocket System is a pocket design that includes; a pocket made of durable material, stitches, a locking device and a uniquely fitted comfort pad. The said invention is attached to a garment, a garment consisting of two pant legs of equal length surpassing the knees and reaching the ankles in most cases; in this case a pant garment. Identical shaped pocket designs are stitched to the exterior knee area of each pant leg. A locking device opens and closes the top edge of the pocket design allowing a uniquely fitted comfort pad to be implanted or removed at will. The said invention provides comfort and protection for the knees while walking in the park, while playing in the playground or while kneeling part time or full time at work.

Abstract: A special device for use as an auxiliary accessory to keep ones hands warm and safe from the elements. The device has many variations in size, color and materials anticipated with only minor physical changes for manufacturing. In a cold or a moderating environment with wide temperature variations and exposure to cold, a person often needs a means to protect ones hands from the severe cold temperature. This device provides an economical, efficient and durable way to protect ones hands in the exposed environment. The device is comprised essentially of a piece of “fur-like” cloth (natural or artificial) that is attached by a means (sewn, glued, or the like) to itself in a special configuration and then “inserted and stuffed” within itself to provide a new, special configuration for retaining heat and protecting ones hands. The result is a cost efficient and durable hand warming product.

Abstract: The invention is for a bodysuit for clothing of a human to assist in comfortable wearing of an orthotic brace. Trouserette sections, an elliptical sanitary voiding aperture, and a loincloth with a pelvic girdle flap elongated end releasably joined to a body sleeve provide the wearer with comfort, modesty, and convenience in sanitary voiding. Stretch cotton/spandex knit cloth, externally overlocked seaming, coverstitched stitches, flat zigzag stitchery, and hook and loop tape fasteners enhance quality and comfort in various embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a shirt collar in a desired position and orientation, magnetically, against a shirt front. The apparatus includes a collar stay insertable into a conventional collar stay pocket or attachable to an inside surface of a collar, and a magnet magnetically attachable or couplable to the collar stay through the shirt front, and the pocket, if applicable, for holding the shirt collar in the selected position and orientation. The collar stay and the magnet can be optionally interlockable and/or include detents for preventing undesired relative movements thereof, which can include particularly, relative longitudinal movements, but which can also include twisting and sideward movements. For collars which do not include any collar stay pocket, or where a collar stay pocket is not desired to be used, the collar stay can include an adhesive on an outer surface thereof adapted for adhesive attachment to the inside surface of a collar.

Abstract: Waterproof moisture-permeable fabric for clothing which includes, on one side of a polyester fabric A, a waterproof moisture-permeable layer B including a colorless transparent polyester film stacked, and a white or gray resin C partially stacked, and clothing including the waterproof moisture-permeable fabric. Preferably, a moisture-permeable polymer resin D containing inorganic fine particles is stacked on the waterproof moisture-permeable layer B, and the white or gray resin C is partially stacked thereon.

Abstract: Underpants particularly worn during intercourse which include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels interconnecting and extending between the front and rear panels. Leg straps interconnect and extend between respective lower corners of the front and rear panels. Lower margins of the front, rear and side panels collectively define an open crotch area while padding arranged over a lower area of the front panel protectively covers a symphysis pubis area of the wearer during intercourse.

Abstract: A wearable protective body appliance for reducing the likelihood of injury to a wearer. One embodiment provides a wearable protective body appliance having an articulating protective shell assembly that includes one or more first shell members formed from a first material having a first hardness, and a second shell member directly connected to the first shell member and formed from a second material having a second hardness less than the first hardness. The second shell member is flexible and enables the one or more first shell members to articulate relative to one another, yet still provide impact protection. Another embodiment provides a body appliance including a padding assembly that defines a ventilation hole and includes an inner engagement member. The inner engagement member can surround the ventilation hole and can be adapted to frictionally engage the skin of a wearer to substantially prevent the appliance from moving relative thereto.

Abstract: A controlling apparatus for automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device is provided, including a mat, at least a detection module, and a control module. The detection module is located inside the mat. The control module is electrically connected to the detection module and an automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device, respectively. The mat is placed in front of the toilet. When a user steps on the mat, the detection module and the control module detects the orientation and position of the footprint to determine whether the user is facing or facing away from the toilet and sends control signals to the automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device to operate accordingly. Also, the detection module can detect the user finishing using the toilet and leaving the mat, a corresponding signal is sent to the automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device to close the lid and flush.

Abstract: The Toilet Warm Water and Air Ejection Device is a sanitary device for the flush toilets. People can use this device to wash and then dry up their anus area using warm water jet and warm air jet after they used the toilet. The concept of this device can be used for new toilet designs. The device is simple and can also be used as an added on system to install onto existing toilets. A close up PTC water heater is integrated into the device to produce fast available warm water. An electric air heater (hair dryer for example) is used to provide warm air. Two moveable nozzles (tied-together) are used for ejecting warm water and air. During washing process, one nozzle ejects warm water. During drying up process, both nozzles eject warm air. The moveable nozzles can be rotated out of the toilet after they are used.

Abstract: A spa pool assembly has a pool having an enclosing wall and a base that together defines an interior. The base has a plurality of inflatable sections that are divided by a plurality of air passages that includes a first air passage that has a plurality of small bubble openings, and a second air passage that has a plurality of large bubble openings. The small bubble openings eject bubbles that are smaller in size than the bubbles ejected from the large bubble openings. The spa pool assembly can also include a bubble controller that controls the ejection of bubbles from the small bubble openings and the large bubble openings.