Abstract: A variety of rose plant of the shrub class, named ‘AUSkitchen’. The ‘AUSkitchen’ rose is a plant suitable for repeat flowering production having flowers with the full-petalled character of an English Rose that are a deep pink, almost red, and that gradually fade to a pure deep pink and are borne on large, pyramidal clusters. The rose is very disease resistant with thick, glossy foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Azalea plant with spring and fall blooming, attractive, showy, single dark red flowers, easily propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring through summer and fall, moderate growth rate under normal fertilization and moisture conditions; broadly-rounded and freely-branching in habit, grows well in containers, thrives in shade or sun and is hardy in Zone 7, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Erysimum plant named ‘WALFRASTAR’ which is characterized by compact freely-branching habit, variegated foliage, bright yellow sweetly scented sterile flowers which are produced from spring until late summer. In combination these traits set ‘WALFRASTAR’ apart from all other existing varieties of Erysimum known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new Chrysanthemum plant named ‘CIDZ0010’ particularly distinguished by the spoon-type yellow and orange-red bicolored ray florets, dark yellow-green foliage, excellent flowering uniformity, good branching and an eight week flowering response.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Echinacea plant named ‘Balscblum’, characterized by its double-type, purple-pink colored inflorescences, medium green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, upright growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Echinacea plant named ‘Balsomselo’, characterized by its single-type, light creamy-yellow colored inflorescences, medium green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, compact-upright growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Echinacea plant named ‘Balsomsed’, characterized by its single-type, deep red-orange colored inflorescences, medium green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, compact-upright growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A metal cutting tool assembly comprising a rigid holder blade, an insert receiving slot formed in a leading end of the holder blade and defined between a resiliently displaceable clamping jaw formed integrally with the holder blade and rigid base jaw forming part of the holder blade, spaced apart displacement and supporting surfaces respectively formed in or on the clamping jaw and the holder, and a slot opening key, a pair of spaced apart projecting prongs of the key with adapted to engage the surfaces. At least one of the prongs is displaceable with respect to the holder blade so as resiliently to displace the clamping jaw outwardly with respect to the base jaw into an opening position for insertion or removal of an insert.

Abstract: A method of matching the power of a photovoltaic system producing electric energy by which a working point at which the system produces maximum power is set by changing the working point in an MPP matching process and by comparing the system power, which changes as a result thereof, is intended to be suited both for stationary characteristic curves and for non stationary generator characteristic curves and to be easy to carry out so that the best working point is always set, even when the system is subjected to external interfering factors. This is achieved in that one or several additional control steps or control cycles are performed in order to track during the matching process a power point changing under external impact for a working point of even higher power to be set.

Abstract: A multi-chip device which includes a plurality of integrated circuit die disposed one over another. Each integrated circuit die includes one or a plurality of bond pads. One or a plurality of conductors are disposed to electrically couple the bond pads of vertically adjacent integrated circuit die. Each conductor is designed, calculated, specified and/or predetermined to have a length so as to behave as a segment in a multi-drop transmission line. The multi-drop transmission line may be terminated at one end or utilized in a flow-through approach. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit die may be horizontally offset with respect to a vertically adjacent integrated circuit die to expose the periphery region. In another embodiment, each integrated circuit die may be stacked and aligned in a vertical column. In this embodiment, a spacer such as a thermally conductive spacer is disposed between each integrated circuit die in the stack.

Abstract: The projector comprises an image forming panel that forms an effective panel image for modulating the light into an image light in an image forming area of a panel surface, and an image capturing unit for capturing a specific projection area wherein the image light corresponding to a specific area in the image forming area is projected. The projector calculates one or more edges of the outside perimeter lines of the screen and of the specific projection area by detecting plural points in a captured image. Based on the detection results, a post-correction image forming area is calculated, and trapezoidal distortion is corrected by forming the effective panel image within the post-correction image forming area. When only three or less of the four edges of the outside perimeter lines of the screen are detected, the projector calculates the post-correction image forming area based on the position and slope of the detected edge within the captured image.

Abstract: A 3-D LADAR imaging system incorporating stacked microelectronic layers is provided. A light source such as a laser is imaged upon a target through beam shaping optics. Photons reflected from the target are collected and imaged upon a detector array though collection optics. The detector array signals are fed into a multilayer processing module wherein each layer includes detector signal processing circuitry. The detector array signals are amplified, compared to a user-defined threshold, digitized and fed into a high speed FIFO shift register range bin. Dependant on the value of the digit contained in the bins in the register, and the digit's bin location, the time of a photon reflection from a target surface can be determined. A T0 trigger signal defines the reflection time represented at each bin location by resetting appropriate circuitry to begin processing.

Abstract: A power control circuit for an optical information recording device is disclosed. A power sampling signal from a photodiode is transmitted to a peal envelope acquiring circuit and a bottom envelope acquiring circuit and then sampled and held, which is fed-back to a laser diode driving circuit. The laser diode driving circuit alters a driving signal emitted to the laser diode according to the fed-back signal to adjust the power of the optical signal emitted from the laser diode. Therefore, cost is reduced and the power control circuit is particularly suitable for high-speed recordable optical disk drive.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte for a lithium ion rechargeable battery and a lithium ion rechargeable battery that includes the same. More particularly, the present invention discloses an electrolyte for a lithium ion rechargeable battery that provides excellent cycle life characteristics and high-temperatures storage stability and prevents a drop in discharge capacity of a battery at low temperature, and a lithium ion rechargeable battery including the same. The lithium ion rechargeable battery including the electrolyte provides improved cycle life characteristics and prevents the problems of a drop in discharge capacity at low temperature and high-temperature swelling through the formation of a stable SEI film at the initial charge cycle.

Abstract: A light emitting diode is disclosed. The diode includes a silicon carbide substrate having a first conductivity type, a first gallium nitride layer above the SiC substrate having the same conductivity type as the substrate, a superlattice on the GaN layer formed of a plurality of repeating sets of alternating layers selected from among GaN, InGaN, and AlInGaN, a second GaN layer on the superlattice having the same conductivity type as the first GaN layer, a multiple quantum well on the second GaN layer, a third GaN layer on the multiple quantum well, a contact structure on the third GaN layer having the opposite conductivity type from the substrate and the first GaN layer, an ohmic contact to the SiC substrate, and an ohmic contact to the contact structure.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing Short Message Service (SMS) message notification to a cellular telephone customer regarding missed incoming calls that are missed while the cellular telephone is unavailable such as when the telephone is powered off. This is accomplished by generating a notification message at a SS7 gateway that includes caller ID/name ID information and/or time of the missed call. The message is preferably generated at the SS7 gateway only upon receipt of an “access denied” response with a reason code of at least one of MS Inactive, Busy, No Page Response or Unavailable that is sent from a home location register in response to a location request sent by the SS7 gateway. Once the generated message is complete it is sent to a message center where it is stored until it is retrieved by the cellular telephone soon after registration with the cellular network.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one thiazolidin-4-one derivative to prevent or treat disorders associated with an activated immune system. Furthermore, the invention relates to novel thiazolidin-4-one derivatives notably for use as pharmaceutically active compounds. Said compounds particularly act also as immunosuppressive agents.

Abstract: A processor which executes positive conversion processing, which converts coded data into uncoded data, and saturation calculation processing, which rounds a value to an appropriate number of bits, at high speed. When a positive conversion saturation calculation instruction “MCSST D1” is decoded, the sum-product result register 6 outputs its held value to the path P1. The comparator 22 compares the magnitude of the held value of the sum-product result register 6 with the coded 32-bit integer “0x0000_00FF”. The polarity judging unit 23 judges whether the eighth bit of the value held by the sum-product result register 6 is “ON”. The multiplexer 24 outputs one of the maximum value “0x0000_00FF” generated by the constant generator 21, the zero value “0x0000_0000” generated by the zero generator 25, and the held value of the sum-product result register 6 to the data bus 18.

Abstract: A multi-piece article of clothing, and a method of manufacturing the same, includes a plurality of pieces of clothing. Each of the plurality of pieces of clothing includes a top strap and a bottom leg portion being substantially opposite one another for engaging with an opposite shoulder and leg of a person, respectively. Each of the plurality of pieces of clothing includes a body portion, and each of the body portions includes a crotch portion. Each of the body portions include one leg opening and one hip opening defined by the crotch portions and respective side sections. The body portion of each of the plurality of pieces of clothing is in overlapping relation with each other to at least partially cover the person.

Abstract: A grommet locking device, which combines the advantages of both a grommet and a cord lock in a single unitary device. The grommet locking device allows a user to tighten a cord with one hand. The grommet locking device includes a front piece having a locking mechanism and a back piece that are attached together with a piece of fabric therebetween. A cord is moveable within the locking mechanism between a first locked position and second unlocked position in order to tighten or loosen a portion of the garment, such as a hood of a jacket.

Abstract: An athletic padding arrangement includes a garment made of a fabric and a plurality of resilient bulge shaped gripping members disposed on the fabric. The gripping members provide at least one high friction area on the garment, each of the gripping members is uniform in composition. At least one protective pad is releasably positioned on the garment with and underside of the protective pad in contact with the at least one high friction area. The gripping members exert a frictional force on the underside of the protective pad that is greater than the frictional force exerted by the fabric on the protective pad. The garment may be, for example, a shirt or a pant comprised of a compression fabric with moisture wicking properties.

Abstract: A glove closure system having an opening dividing the glove into a lateral portion (thumb side) and a medial portion (pinky side). The opening allows for easy access of the user's hand. The system consists of a rectangular or oval flap attached to the lateral portion and pulled over the access opening. A push button is mounted on the flap and movably connected to a slide bar attached to the medial portion. The slide bar includes a notched surface for engaging and stationing the button at any point along the bar. The button includes a release tab which when depressed allows the button to move along the slide bar therein allowing for the closure to either be tightened or loosened. The further the button moves toward the lateral portion the tighter the closure. When the button is engaged and locked, a simple press on the release tab disengages to allow the glove to be opened.

Abstract: A device used while cooking to retain utensils and protect a user's hand and forearm from grease splatters is herein described. The device comprises a glove body made of a flexible fire-resistant material with individual finger and thumb appendages for increased dexterity. The device extends from the hand portion toward a wearer's elbow where an elastic strap provides a seal which prevents heated grease from splattering inside of the glove. A pair of straps is located within the palm area to help retain spatulas, spoons, tongs, whisks, or other similar food preparation utensils. The straps are secured together with fasteners thereby allowing the straps to adjust to any size utensil handle.

Abstract: A mask for aquatic activities, the mask comprising a relatively rigid frame carrying at least one transparent lens, and a flexible skirt joined with a perimeter of the frame. The mask also includes a strap for holding the mask against a user's head and buckles for adjusting the length of the strap. The buckles are joined with lateral sides of the frame by brackets extending from the lateral sides. The brackets are made of a selected flexible material.

Abstract: A one-piece protective device includes a shirt member and a pants member. The shirt member includes a proximal end comprising a neck area and a distal end comprising a waist area. The pants member includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the pants member is integrally joined with the distal end of the shirt member to form the waist area. The one-piece device is compressed around the body of the user to conform about the contour and shape of the user. The one-piece protective device also includes a plurality of pockets formed within the shirt member and pants member, wherein a plurality of pads disposed within the plurality of pockets. The device also includes a plurality of fasteners, such as zippers and fasteners, for securing the pads within the pockets. An elastic band is disposed at the waist to hold the device around the waist area of the user. The one-piece protective device is fabricated from stretchy material to provide increased elasticity.

Abstract: An orthopedic protective assembly is disclosed. The orthopedic protective apparatus includes a foam shaped collar to conform to a user's neck area. The foam shaped collar comprises a multi-layer polymer material having a pliable outermost protective layer to absorb initial impact energy and additional layer(s). The additional layer(s) require(s) greater impact energy to deform than those of the pliable outermost protective layer. In one embodiment, shim extension(s) customize(s) impact energy absorption properties of the foam shaped collar by filling a gap between an underside of the foam shaped collar and a shoulder region of a user.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a toilet seat, the hinge assembly comprising a hinge post for pivotally supporting the toilet seat on a toilet bowl, and a bolt embedded in the hinge post and configured to extend through an opening in the toilet bowl, the bolt having thereon a plurality of projections extending into the hinge post to distribute to the hinge post forces applied to the bolt.

Abstract: A system is provided herein which includes a closet flange insert and at least one spacer to be positioned between the closet flange insert and an installed closet flange. The closet flange insert includes a toilet connecting flange which extends radially outwardly from a through pipe. The through pipe is sized to be inserted into a pipe section of a closet flange. Each spacer includes spaced apart first and second faces, and spaced apart inner and outer edges extending between the first and second faces. The inner edge defines an opening extending through the body, the opening sized to permit passage therethrough of the through pipe of the closet flange insert but not the toilet connecting flange of the closet flange insert. With the subject invention, a system is provided which allows the closet flange insert to be mounted atop an installed closet flange flush with surrounding finished flooring.

Abstract: A hidden sensing device and its urinal are disclosed. The hidden sensing device, which is attached on some sanitary installations, comprises a conductivity sensor for detecting urine and a Micro-programmed Control Unit (MCU) for processing signals, wherein said conductivity sensor has electrodes extending into urine. The device further includes a microwave sensor controlled by the MCU to detect human's movements. When the conductivity sensor has detected urine, the MCU will turn on the microwave sensor to detect the human's presence or departure.

Abstract: A multi-functional handheld hygienic device with a J-shaped nozzle and attachment options for alternate use externally on either the genital area as a bidet or the rectal area as a wash and for use internally in the genital area as a douche and the rectal area as an enema. A temperature controlled water tank or water diverter attached to a combined hot and cold faucet supplies temperature controlled water to the nozzle.

Abstract: A flush toilet for prevention of reverse flow and uses a reduced number of parts. The flush toilet includes a toilet body having a bowl, a rim water outlet, a jet water outlet, and a discharge water trap piping; a water storage tank. A flush water supply mechanism is provided for supplying flush water to the rim water outlet and the water storage tank and a pressurizing pump pressurizes the flush water in the water storage tank. A jet-side water supply path supplies the pressurized flush water to the jet water outlet. An overflow path is provided having a lower end connected to the downstream side of the highest position of the jet-side water supply path and an upper end opened in the upper part in the water storage tank with a flapper valve provided in the overflow path.

Abstract: A motor with associated load sensor is connected to a circulation pump of a swimming pool circulation system. The load sensor performs the function of a safety vacuum release system by detecting underload of the motor. Underload is now discovered to be reliably indicative of blockage on the intake side of a circulation pump. A switch controlled by the load sensor shuts off the motor in response to a suitable underload. Vacuum on the intake side of the circulation pump neutralizes, thereby freeing a person or object blocking the suction line.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adapter for allowing add-on devices to be attached to an above ground pool. The adapter includes a housing having a first opening for allowing water in, defining an inlet. The housing having a second opening adapted for compatible connection with an existing above ground pool return fitting. The second opening defining an outlet from which the water flows into the return fitting after traveling through the housing. The housing having an open end and the open end being adapted for receiving a device module. The housing including a means for detecting water flow through the housing, the water detection means physically moving in response to the flow of water; and the device module connectable with the housing and including activation means for activating the device in response to the flow of water.

Abstract: The drain apparatus of the present invention is designed and configured to prevent the entrapment of a person by the suction or vacuum forces of a drain in a swimming pool, spa, or any other large body of water with a recirculation system. The drain apparatus of the present invention has a spring biased plunger that immediately closes the drain of a swimming pool, spa, or any other large body of water when a substantial portion of the drain cover is blocked or restricted. By closing the drain, the drain apparatus of the present invention eliminates any vacuum or suction pressure at or underneath the drain cover that entraps a person thus allowing the person to break free easily and immediately without any time delays.

Abstract: A shower unit includes a shower seat having a plurality of moveable seat pads. Each seat pad is moveable between an extended position wherein the pad is in contact with the body of a user sitting on the seat and a retracted position wherein the pad is spaced away from the user's body. When a pad is in the retracted position, the body surface that would normally be occluded by the pad becomes accessible to spray from a nozzle so that the body surface can be cleaned. While any one pad is in the retracted position, the user is supported on enough of the other seat pads to remain in a stable sitting position. The spray nozzles may be mounted in the seat pads themselves, or may be mounted in the shower seat proximate to the pads.

Abstract: Viewing device comprised of two or more mirrors and an illumination component for self-viewing the anal-genital region while seated on a toilet bowl. The preferred embodiment comprises a forward mirror and a rear mirror positioned within a toilet bowl at angles with respect to each other, to the user's eye and to the user's anal-genital region such that when the user peers between slightly spread legs into the forward mirror an upward directed image of the user's anal-genital region is visible. The device preserves the region of the toilet bowl directly below the anal-genital region free of mirrors and all supportive apparatus.

Abstract: An extraction and transfer sling facilitating lifting of an injured, incapacitated, or person of interest for any reason that may be warranted by emergency services or assistance. The sling has several embodiments each capable of supporting a thigh, buttocks, and back region of a person being lifted. Additionally the sling can include shoulder, head, and leg including foot support for transporting a lifted person from one location to another location.

Abstract: A changing table is mounted on the vertical frame members of a play yard by mounting members located along the transverse centerline of the changing table. The frame of the changing table is formed in an oval shape to eliminate any portion thereof that would be oriented generally parallel to the upper frame members of the play yard. The vertical frame member is formed with a linear upper portion and a curved lower portion. The linear upper portions enable the mounting members to be telescopically received for height adjustment of the changing table. The curved lower portions positions the foot members at the lower ends of the vertical frame members outboard of the upper ends on which the changing table is mounted to enhance stability.