Abstract: A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Vigorous, upright tree growth. 2. Heavy and regular bearer of fruit. 3. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 4. Fruit with attractive red skin color. 5. Fruit with good handling and shipping quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct strawberry variety. The varietal denomination of the new variety is ‘PLANASA 02-32’. Among the characteristics which appear to distinguish the new variety from other varieties are a combination of traits which include big size of flower, a big size of calyx relative to corolla and abundant production of red colored, conical shaped, and big fruit size, and medium time of ripening.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Campsis hybrid, ‘Takarazuka Zujin’, characterized by its dark green, clean foliage, its flowers that are coral-red in color with a yellow-orange throat, its compact, upright vining plant habit with good suitability as a container plant and its long bloom season, blooming from April to August in Japan.

Abstract: A Japanese holly plant having a unique upright growth habit that makes it suitable for topiary usage, hedge plant usage and as a landscape shrub. The new plant is widest at the middle or central area, with a rounded base and pyramidal apex. The new plant has large leaves and a relatively fast growth rate for a Japanese holly plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lagerstroemia plant named ‘Purple Magic’, characterized by its compact, rounded to upright intermediate growth habit, reddish new growth, lustrous dark green foliage in summer, purple flowers, and resistance to powdery mildew and Cercospora leaf spot.

Abstract: A new cultivar of interspecific Baptisia, ‘Cherries Jubilee’, characterized by its bi-color flowers that are maroon with a yellow keel held on erect flower stems, its densely branched, uniform and upright plant habit, its vigorous growth rate and its hardiness to U.S.D.A. Zones 4 to 8.

Abstract: A new Chrysanthemum plant named ‘CIFZ0024’ particularly distinguished by the small to medium sized decorative inflorescences, darker yellow-green foliage, medium ball-shaped plant habit, with a natural flowering season response of mid-September.

Abstract: A new Chrysanthemum plant named ‘CIFZ0019’ particularly distinguished by the small light red to orange-red over yellow decorative inflorescences with medium yellow-green foliage, compact and mounded plant habit with a mid to late September natural flowering season.

Abstract: A new Chrysanthemum plant named ‘CIFZ0033’ particularly distinguished by the small dark red inflorescences, medium yellow-green foliage color, compact plant size and rounded habit with good stem strength, and a natural season flowering response of mid-October.

Abstract: A new and distinct Euphorbia cultivar named ‘DIWAL2’ is disclosed, characterized by a mass of foliage, early flowering and upright plant habit. The new variety forms a short plant with strong branching. The new variety is a Euphorbia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant, with potential indoor use as well.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens plant named ‘Duemagfi’ characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading growth habit; mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; relatively vigorous growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely and early flowering habit; large light red-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Aloe plant named ‘Tiki Tahi’, characterized by its compact and upright plant habit; leaves arranged in a dense basal rosette; green-colored leaves with white-colored spots and margins; upright flowering stems; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: Adjacent blocks are identified in an image. Coding parameters for the adjacent blocks are identified. Deblock filtering between the identified adjacent blocks is skipped if the coding parameters for the identified adjacent blocks are similar and not skipped if the coding parameters for the identified adjacent blocks are substantially different.

Abstract: There are provided fiber optic local convergence points (“LCPs”) adapted for use with multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) that facilitate relatively easy installation and/or optical connectivity to a relatively large number of subscribers. The LCP includes a housing mounted to a surface, such as a wall, and a cable assembly with a connector end to be optically connected to a distribution cable and a splitter end to be located within the housing. The splitter end includes at least one splitter and a plurality of subscriber receptacles to which subscriber cables may be optically connected. The splitter end of the cable assembly of the LCP may also include a splice tray assembly and/or a fiber optic routing guide. Furthermore, a fiber distribution terminal (“FDT”) may be provided along the subscriber cable to facilitate installation of the fiber optic network within the MDU.

Abstract: A low cost and high speed AF sensor is realized by increasing AF speed without providing a sensor dedicated for a large de-focusing AF. The AF sensor has two sensors each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and detects a focus based on signals read from the sensors. The two sensors each includes a plurality of linear sensors 11 to 13. The two sensors each has a plurality of accumulation controlling circuits (PB detection circuits 14 to 16 and accumulation decision circuits 17 to 19) for controlling the accumulation time of the photoelectric conversion elements and a plurality of scanning circuits (shift registers 21 to 23) for reading out output signals from the photoelectric conversion elements.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die mounted to a substrate with a plurality of composite interconnects formed between interconnect sites on the substrate and bump pads on the die. The interconnect sites are part of traces formed on the substrate. The interconnect site has a width between 1.0 and 1.2 times a width of the trace. The composite interconnect is tapered. The composite interconnects have a fusible portion connected to the interconnect site and non-fusible portion connected to the bump pad. The non-fusible portion can be gold, copper, nickel, lead solder, or lead-tin alloy. The fusible portion can be tin, lead-free alloy, tin-silver alloy, tin-silver-copper alloy, tin-silver-indium alloy, eutectic solder, or other tin alloys with silver, copper, or lead. An underfill material is deposited between the semiconductor die and substrate. A finish such as Cu-OSP can be formed over the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nail and fastener assembly for use in providing a stable construct for optimal fixation of the hindfoot and to methods for implanting the nail and fastener assembly. One embodiment of the nail and fastener assembly provides additional fixation, for example, in the form of one or more threaded bores, to hold the fasteners in a fixed position. Another embodiment provides angled bores to allow multi-planar and multi-axial implantation of the fasteners. In some instances, the fasteners may cross one or more articulating surfaces of the foot. For example, the fastener may traverse one or more of the calcaneo-cuboid and the talo-calcaneal articulating surfaces to aid in more secure stabilization of the hindfoot.

Abstract: A system and method for determining approval of a multi-currency transaction between a customer and a merchant over a network. The system includes a customer computer which is connected to a communication network, a merchant computer which is connected to the communication network, and a server connected to both the customer computer via the communication network and to the merchant computer via the communication network. The customer computer includes a first set of data which contains an amount the customer is willing to pay the merchant for a product in a first currency. The merchant computer includes a second set of data which contains a product price at which the merchant agrees to sell the product in a second currency. The server receives the first set of data and the second set of data. The server then converts the amount in the first currency into a converted amount in the second currency.

Abstract: In a memory system using a removable recording medium and data stored in the recording medium, identifying information for identifying each recording medium from others is held in the recording medium, and when data stored in the recording medium is used, the identifying information of the recording medium is required. As a result, when a flash memory card, etc. is used, a copyright is reliably protected.

Abstract: A quickly releasable vest capable of protecting a torso portion of a user is disclosed. The quickly releasable vest includes a first torso panel, a second torso panel, a plurality of plug members, a plurality of socket members and a quick release mechanism. The plurality of plug members is disposed on the first torso panel. The plurality of socket members is disposed on the second torso panel. Each of the plurality of socket members is configured to detachably couple to one of the plurality of plug members disposed on the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism is disposed on the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism includes a pull cord and a plurality of connecting tapes. The quick release mechanism is configured to separate the first torso panel from the second torso panel.

Abstract: A protective undergarment (10), shown in the form of shorts, includes integrally formed protective panels (22, 26, 30) that exhibit slash-proof properties. The protective areas (22, 26, 30) are made from a flexible Kevlar® knit or the like, and extend to cover the groin, crotch, substantial areas of the buttocks and the inner thigh regions of both legs. The protective panels (22, 26, 30) are externally snitched to a low thermal burden material (18, 20), such as a polyester mesh, that provides elasticity and completes the structure of the shorts (10). The Kevlar® knit is flexible and preferably lies directly against the skin of a user to provide blast wave and ballistic fragment deflection while permitting mobility in a lightweight arrangement. Varying thickness of the Kevlar® knit can be used in the protective areas (22, 26, 30) selectively to enhance protection against blast wave and fragment penetration.

Abstract: A stabilizing garment system featuring a shirt component and a pant component and strips of spandex integrated into the shirt component and the pant component. The strips of spandex follow the path of a ligament or a muscle of the wearer. The strips of spandex can help provide compression or added support to the wearer's ligaments and/or muscles.

Abstract: A collapsible interactive personal privacy shelter for changing into and out of suits used in association with cold water activities and clothing that is portable and convieniant for use at the beach or anywhere it is desirable to change in open. The embodiment is non see thru light weight textile, trapezoidal in shape, open at the top with a draw cord, and has a flexible rubber base/changing matt. The enclosure rests upon the users hips when the draw cord is tightened. Openings on either side of the enclosure are covered by a privacy flap open on one side secured by Velcro. A rectangular transparent window and stretchable material run across the front mid-section of the enclosure. The bottom of the enclosure is of a durable material. A weep hole located in the bottom corner of the base releases trapped water.

Abstract: An article having an improved closure device. The article includes an opening including: (i) an overlapping portion with a receiving aperture; and (ii) an underlying surface; and (b) an asymmetrically offset fastener attached to the underlying surface of the article for fastening the underlying surface to the overlapping portion, wherein the asymmetrically offset fastener is dimensionally greater in one direction than in the other direction with respect to the aperture.

Abstract: A hospital garment and method includes a garment fabric having a set of sleeves constructed and arranged to enclose a patient's arms, and a body portion constructed and arranged to enclose a patient's back, chest, and abdomen. The body portion defines a front side corresponding to a region of the body portion constructed and arranged to be worn on top of the patient's chest and abdomen, and an inner surface constructed and arranged to face the patient's back, chest, and abdomen. The hospital garment also includes an adjustable pocket attached to the inner surface of the front side of the body portion. The adjustable pocket defines a left seam, a right seam, a bottom seam, an attaching surface, and a pocket chamber, the adjustable pocket attaching to the inner surface at the attaching surface.

Abstract: A sterile glove that includes a hand and finger portion, a cuff having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a cuff rim. The cuff is adapted to be folded over at a fold when the glove is packaged, and a portion of the inside surface of the cuff becomes an outer facing surface when it is folded over. The glove further includes a detachable tab that is coupled to the inside surface and includes a free end and a non-free end. The glove further includes a detachable shield covering at least a portion of the outer facing surface when the cuff is folded over at the fold.

Abstract: Secondary energy absorbing helmet underwear is to be worn by a user under a primary rigid hard hat, sports helmet or military helmet. The helmet underwear includes an integral self elasticized stretchable material that includes a three-dimensional structure that is generally of semi-spherical shape to fit about the users head and that includes an optional peripheral stretchable stretch band that provides a means for retaining the helmet underwear in place on the users head. The stretchable material and core includes front and rear layers that are each formed as a knitted layer and interconnecting yarns that interconnect between the front and rear layers and define a predetermined spacing between the front and rear layers. The interconnecting yarns, in combination with the layers provide a safety barrier between the rigid hat and the user's head.

Abstract: A protective helmet has a helmet cap and a shock-absorbing inner fitment in the form of a grille-like basket. The basket includes bosses pointing to the inner wall of the helmet cap exercising a shock-absorbing function based on their plastic deformation under an impact. The basket may be fastened to the helmet cap with a shock-absorbing effect directly at the fastening point, by providing a fastening boss for the fastening of the basket to the helmet cap. The fastening boss includes an end face having a through opening for firm contact against the helmet cap. The helmet cap has a through opening aligned with the through opening in the end face. Correspondingly, bolt-shaped fastener abut against the outer side of the helmet cap and the inner side of the end face, and are connected such that the end face pressed against the inner wall of the helmet cap.

Abstract: A garment comprising an undershirt having a plurality of first pads, at least two mounting loops extending from the undershirt, a plurality of second pads, each of the plurality of second pads having at least two fingers, and wherein the at least two fingers are engaged with the at least two mounting loops to secure the plurality of second pads to the undershirt.

Abstract: The present invention features a ballistic vest 100 for protecting a spinal cord of a person wearing the ballistic vest. In some embodiments, the ballistic vest 100 comprises a pocket 110 disposed on the backside of the vest at a place where it overlays the user's spinal cord and a soft or hard trauma plate 120 that is inserted into the pocket 110. The trauma plate is effective to prevent a projectile from damaging the user's spine.

Abstract: An improved incinerating commode for the disposal of human waste through injection of a combustible or cleaning fluid into the chamber where the waste is incinerated, separation of the urine component from the fecal component of human waste, the use of one or more burners, the use of a baffle to increase heat and create turbulent flow, and use of the urine component mixed with a cleaning fluid to steam clean and cool the chamber that incinerates the waste. Cyclic rate is improved by the introduction of a water cooling jacket around the combustion chamber to decrease both cooling and pre-heating times for the combustion chamber. Waste is directed into the combustion chamber using a splash plate.

Abstract: A pool cleaning system, method of designing a pool cleaning system and method of making a pool cleaning system comprising origin cleaning heads, transition cleaning heads and debris capture zones. Transition heads comprising net water flow vectors may be positioned to establish net water flow in the direction of one or more debris capture zones. Transition heads may comprise incrementally rotating pool cleaning head assemblies or a recessed incrementally rotating nozzle assembly configured to establish the net water flow. Cleaning head structure may comprise a slidably rotatable reverser between upper and lower portions of a cam assembly, the slidably rotatable reverser adjustable between first and second positions such that an incrementally rotating stem slidably mounted to the cam assembly incrementally rotates clockwise when the reverser is in its first position and counter clockwise when the reverser is in its second position.

Abstract: Shower fixing seat with LCD has a fixing seat fixed on the front end of its main body. The rear end of the main body is a water inlet connected with a water supply pipe. The lower end of the main body is a water outlet connected with the flexible pipe of the shower head. A hydroelectric device and a thermistance are disposed in the main body. A display module connected with one side of the main body has a circuit board and an LCD screen which are electrically connected to the hydroelectric device and the thermistance. When water flows into the main body, the hydroelectric device supplies power for the display module, and the thermistance transmits the temperature information to the display module so that the temperature is shown on the LCD screen. The shower fixing seat shows the shower outflow temperature.

Abstract: A pistol supporting device having a base and a support post. The base is shaped to be disposed between a mattress and a box spring so that the base is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation. The support post is constructed of a material that is softer than the material of the bore of a pistol and is preferably formed of a carbon fiber material. The support post is attached to the base and extends in a direction that crosses, but is not perpendicular to, a plane associated with the base. The support post is constructed to be received in a bore of a pistol and oriented to align a grip of the pistol with a palm of a prone user.

Abstract: A trolley for transporting a patient includes a couch for the patient, an extendable and retractable component, and a coupling device on the extendable and retractable component for coupling the trolley to a medical apparatus. The couch and the extendable and retractable component are arranged such that extending or retracting the extendable and retractable component when the trolley is coupled to the medical apparatus (NMR) causes a relative movement of the couch with respect to the medical apparatus.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a frame, a head board, a foot board and an apparatus for lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board. The apparatus includes a first motor unit, a shaft unit, a gear box and a second motor unit. The first motor unit is provided beneath the frame. The shaft unit is connected to both of the head board and the foot board. The gear box is provided on a side of the first motor unit and connected to the shaft unit for lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board. The second motor unit includes a motor and a pair of wires. The motor is provided with a mandrel. The mandrel is engaged with the gear box. The second motor unit is electrically connected to the first motor unit through the pair of wires for automatically lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board.

Abstract: An adaptive cushion apparatus for minimizing force concentrations on body parts of a person seated or lying on a chair or bed includes an overlay cushion having a plurality of individual air bladder cells, each having thereon a stretchable piezoresistive force sensor of novel design and construction. The apparatus includes an electro-pneumatic control system for inflating and deflating individual air bladder cells to pressures measured by a pressure transducer which tend to minimize force concentrations sensed by the force sensors.

Abstract: A multi-purpose layout tool has an elongated main body component and a slide block component. Each component is designed to be used separately or in combination to perform a multitude of functions. An elongated opening extends substantially the length of the main body. The opening is configured to accept a slide block guide member extending from the slide block, which is secured within the opening by a threaded knob. The slide block can be adjustably secured within the opening, at designated angles in relation to the main body. The slide block also has a number of features, including dual level members and a compass pin which is used in conjunction with the main body for circular measurement, layout, and marking.

Abstract: A method for treating laundry in a laundry treating appliance including the application of a lipase solution to the laundry during a cycle of operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laundry treating appliance having a drum and a torsionally flexible drive mechanism. The drum simultaneously rotates in a first rotational direction and oscillates about an axis of rotation.