Abstract: A Buddleia plant particularly distinguished by an upright and dense growth habit, large, inflorescences that are upright-curved with a rounded tip, and is a plant suitable for use in hanging baskets, containers, and beddings, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new variety of Verbena named ‘KLEVP11419’, particularly characterized by having good flower quality, good branching, and flowers with large white eyes, is disclosed.

Abstract: An osteospermum variety named ‘KLEOE11185’ particularly distinguished by dark red-purple disc florets, uniformly enlarged disc florets of the corolla, and very strong contrasting flower color, is disclosed.

Abstract: An osteospermum variety named ‘KLEOE11189’ particularly distinguished by a spreading growth habit and good branching, is disclosed.

Abstract: An osteospermum variety named ‘KLEOE11187’ particularly distinguished by bright yellow flower color and a very good branching habit is disclosed.

Abstract: A new calibrachoa plant named ‘KLECA11227’ particularly distinguished by large orange flowers and very healthy leaves is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Kniphofia plant characterized by its numerous spikes of coral red flowers the first year, repeat blooming from June through September in Canby, Oreg., a compact habit with multiple crowns, narrow, grassy leaves, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new lobelia plant named ‘KLELE11769’ particularly distinguished by its flat vigorous growing habit, white flowers, and strong dark green foliage, is disclosed.

Abstract: Composite compounds of co-structured or co-adsorbed organic or mineral fillers or pigments containing at least two organic or mineral fillers or pigments of a different nature and the use thereof in the paper industry for manufacturing paper, filling or coating or for any other surface treatment of the paper as well as wood or metal or plastic or cement surface treatment compounds in the fields of aqueous and non-aqueous paints and plastics materials. Coatings colors, uncoated filling compound and sheets of base paper for coating containing them.

Abstract: A nailer device has a housing containing a motor and a transmission mechanism. The housing has a nozzle portion with a striking rod for striking a nail arranged therein, the striking rod being moved in a reciprocating manner. A rotating shall is mounted in the housing and the rotating shaft is coupled to the output shaft of the motor through the transmission mechanism. An impact member surrounds the rotating shaft and is moved with the rotating shaft. Corresponding slots are formed on the rotating shaft and the impact member respectively and mate with each other with engagement members being contained in the corresponding slots.

Abstract: A non-radioactive atmospheric pressure device for ionization of analytes comprises an atmospheric pressure chamber having an inlet for carrier gas, a first electrode at one end, and a counter-electrode at the other end of the chamber for creating an electrical discharge in the carrier gas thus creating metastable neutral excited-state species. Optionally, a grid is provided to generate electrons or ions by contact with the excited-state species. The carrier gas containing the excited-state species or the electrons generated therefrom is directed at an analyte at atmospheric pressure near ground potential to form analyte ions.

Abstract: A system for and a method of synchronous acquisition of pulsed source light performs monitoring of aircraft flight operation. Diode sources of illumination (18, 108, 208) are pulsed (16, 106, 206) at one-half the video frame rate of an imaging camera (36, 136, 236). Alternate frames view the world-scene with lights of interest pulsed on, and then off, respectively. Video differencing (34, 134, 234) eliminates the background scene, as well as all lights not of interest. Suitable threshholding over a resulting array of camera pixel-differences acquires the desired lights and represents them as point symbology on a display (40, 140, 240). In an enhanced vision landing system embodiment, the desired lights (symbols) overlay or are fused on a thermal image of the scene; alternatively, the symbols overlay a visible scene (TV) image.

Abstract: Integrated spectroscopy systems are disclosed. In some examples, integrated tunable detectors, using one or multiple Fabry-Perot tunable filters, are provided. Other examples use integrated tunable sources. The tunable source combines one or multiple diodes, such as superluminescent light emitting diodes (SLED), and a Fabry Perot tunable filter or etalon. The advantages associated with the use of the tunable etalon are that it can be small, relatively low power consumption device. For example, newer microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) implementations of these devices make them the size of a chip. This increases their robustness and also their performance. In some examples, an isolator, amplifier, and/or reference system is further provided integrated.

Abstract: Autoband's distributed networking intelligence provides a novel architecture capable of dynamically reconfiguring communications pathways consisting of links whose transmission media are opportunistically and dynamically selectable. At least one constituent node in such automatically configurable transient pathways is mobile, for example, information (source) server, intervening router node(s), gateway server and/or client device. Additionally, Autoband's ad hoc communications pathways may seamlessly and dynamically integrate (i.e., “graft”) into standard fixed node networks such as terrestrial networks, other wireless networks or combinations thereof. These communications may consist of point-to-point or multicast links. An economic market-based approach further assures allocation of available network resources (i.e., bandwidth and processing) needed to achieve the most optimally resource efficient communications pathway configurations for the totality of communications.

Abstract: A routing system of call connection and call routing for radio telephone communications system including cellular radio systems wherein the mobiles transmit on channels in a first band, and the bases transmit on channels in a second band. The routes are selectable from more than one possible route to a desired destination using routing tables to permit different destinations for different calls selectively based on telephone number indications. The system includes multiple blind nodes that do not support direct base to mobile communication. The blind nodes transmitting in the band used for transmission by the mobiles, and nodes receive in the band used for receiving by the mobiles such that the system performs in a limited number of bands of frequencies.

Abstract: A bib is described that includes multiple flaps, each flap providing a surface to prevent soiling of clothing. The flaps are secured to one another through multiple fastening mechanisms, which may include one or more magnets. A neck bridge portion couples the plurality of flaps to one another.

Abstract: The invention incorporates the use of reconstituted leather board in decorative wearing accessories such as cuffs, belts, necklaces, hat bands, headbands, bracelets, decorative chokers, vests and other wearing accessories for personal use and adornment worn by both men and women. Reconstituted leather board is incorporated into decorative wearing accessories so that the decorative wearing accessory is made stronger and more durable and at the same time also is more malleable and can be formed into a desired shape and maintain that shape through continuous wear.

Abstract: A cheek pad for mounting on an inside of a helmet shell includes an attaching member and a cushion member, the attaching member including a base member mounted in contact with the shell and a form-maintaining member disposed at an inner lower section of the base member in a space provided with respect to the cushion member for simultaneously keeping a surface of the cushion member in a profile corresponding to the cheek and chin of a wearer when the helmet is worn by a wearer and, following displacement that causes the space to contract, is restored so as to return to an original location under normal circumstances, and kept there. Elastic members are positioned in the space between the base member and the form-maintaining member to help restore the space to an original configuration subsequent to contraction.

Abstract: Headgear and head suspension system adapted to support an object with a head of a wearer. A flexible circumferential band has an anterior portion and a posterior portion, at least a portion of the anterior portion of the flexible circumferential band having a replaceable headband bridge having a particular configuration. A configuration of the head suspension system may be modified by replacing the replaceable headband bridge with another headband bridge of a different configuration.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifting device maintains a toilet seat in a partially elevated position when at rest. The device includes a lifting spring attached to a toilet rim. The lifting spring includes a compressible air bellow which provides resistance for maintaining a front end of the toilet at a prescribed angle when in the resting state. The spring is compressible such that a user may depress the toilet seat to a flat position when seated. The seat is not attached to the spring such that the seat can be lifted to an upright position in a traditional manner. The spring is attached to the toilet rim underneath the toilet seat, adjacent to a hinge by an adhesive.

Abstract: A manual toilet seat lifter apparatus is provided for lifting and lowering a toilet seat and toilet seat cover. A riser rod is pivotally connected to a hinge pin supported on the toilet seat. A handle is connected to a top end of the riser rod, and a counterweight is connected to a bottom end of the riser rod. An engagement member on the riser rod proximal to the counterweight is adapted to engage a hook provided on the toilet seat cover so that the toilet seat and cover both may be lowered simultaneously upon manipulation of the handle on the riser arm.

Abstract: A dual flush device is disclosed to provide a full flush for removing solid waste and a water-saving partial flush for removing liquid or light solid waste in a toilet. It includes a first flush handle attached to a shaft to raise a lever to open a flapper valve, and a second flush handle that overlaps the first handle and opens the flapper valve through the first handle. A float assembly is disclosed to be used either with the dual flush device or with the original single flush lever assembly to prematurely close an opened flapper valve and reduce water consumption. Using the original flapper valve in a conventional toilet tank, a dual flush function is achieved by any of the three implementation choices: (1) the dual flush device alone; (2) the dual flush device and a float assembly; and (3) a float assembly alone.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly of a toilet bidet and its control method are disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes: a cleansing nozzle with a cleansing water flow path; a dispensing tube connected with the cleansing water flow path to dispense cleansing water; an actuator including a connector coupled to the dispensing tube and a plurality of polymer driving bodies coupled to the connector, wherein an electroactive polymer is housed within the polymer driving bodies, a pair of electrodes are formed on an outer surface of the polymer driving bodies, and when voltage is selectively applied to the electrodes of each polymer driving body, the electroactive polymer moves toward one electrode to force a corresponding polymer driving body to be bent to thereby adjust a dispensing angle of the dispensing tube; and a voltage supply unit that applies voltage to the electrode of the polymer driving body.

Abstract: A child's potty (10) comprises a bowl (12) within a substantially continuous surrounding skirt (40), seat portions (16) being formed on the rim of the bowl between the bowl and the skirt, and a raised backrest (30) at the rear of the potty, and a discharge spout (20) extending from the bowl under the backrest to an outlet (22) at the rear of the potty, to allow the potty to be emptied hygienically without contamination of the sides and seat portions.

Abstract: A corner for a pool providing a transition of the corner angle therein and thereby providing for ease of installation, improved aesthetics, improved operation, and simpler maintenance.

Abstract: A system is provided for enhancing the interconnectability of a bathtub to a plumbing system. More specifically, provided is a flexible conduit and an overflow assembly that allows for a portion of the overflow assembly to be easily located with the wall of a bathtub. The flexible conduit provided allows for adjustability of the conduit to the openings of the bathtub. In addition, provided are methods and apparatus that facilitate testing of a plumbing assembly. Finally, an apparatus and methods are provided that protect portions of the finished bathtub assembly to decrease in the need for replacing said hardware. It is envisioned that aspects and inventions disclosed herein can be used in conjunction to facilitate the interconnection and protection of hardware associated with a bathtub.

Abstract: A device for enabling a wheelchair user to enter and exit the wheelchair includes a stabilizing frame. The stabilizing frame has two slide rails to which a base plate is movingly attached. An electric motor drives a leadscrew, causing the base plate to move along the slide rails. A telescopic column is vertically mounted onto the base plate. The seat assembly, including handlebars and a seat platform, is rotationally attached to the top of the telescopic column. The telescopic column is extended and collapsed by a linear actuator, raising and lowering the seat assembly. A stationary non-rotational rod is vertically mounted onto the telescopic column. When a user sitting on the seat platform exerts a moment force on the stationary rod, the seat assembly rotates about the stationary rod. A locking mechanism prevents the seat assembly from rotating when the user is transferring to or from the seat platform.

Abstract: A patient support and transport system for a multi-modality medical suite includes a track system with one track in one room aligned with another track in another room. A support carriage coupled to the track system and configured to move between the two rooms. A duplex socket interface module attached to the support carriage and flexible raceway including a first conduit management system coupled to the support carriage and configured to automatically couple with and decouple with the duplex socket interface module. A second conduit management system is coupled to electrical and data ports and include a conduit interface module configured to automatically couple with and decouple with the duplex socket interface module. The patient support and transport system also includes a vertical support member coupled to the support carriage and a support assembly coupled to the vertical support member configured to selectively articulate a patient bed.

Abstract: A device and associated method transfer a person having a handicap from one location to another, such as into or out of a wheelchair, bed, or bathtub. A wheeled base provides mobility to the device. A post and lifter arm support the patient during the transfer. The post is connected to a stabilization arm, which temporarily connects using a stabilization interface to a stabilization bracket. The stabilization bracket is typically attached rather permanently to a wall, ceiling, or other structural feature that provides substantial stability to the system. In various embodiments, the lifter arm may be actuated by hydraulics, the stabilization arm may be extendable, and a pair of extra wheels on the mobility base are adjustable horizontally (e.g., along one hedge of the base frame) or vertically (down to decrease the load on the casters, or up to allow the lifter to be “crabbed” sideways in confined spaces).

Abstract: Hammocks attachable to motorcycles, kits for assembling hammocks on motorcycles, and methods of utilization. The hammock includes two support members attachable to one of a front portion and a rear portion of the motorcycle, a safety support member attachable to the front portion or the rear portion of the motorcycle, and a flexible structure for supporting a person. The flexible structure has opposing ends which are attachable to support members such that the flexible structure is suspended in between the support members. The kit includes a front mounting structure attachable to a front portion of the motorcycle, a rear mounting structure attachable to a rear portion of the motorcycle, two flexible structure support members attachable to the front mounting structure and the rear mounting structure, a safety support member attachable the front portion or the rear portion of the motorcycle, and a flexible structure for supporting a person.

Abstract: A corner connector having a pie-shaped body portion formed by a first abutment surface, a second abutment surface, and a radiused surface, wherein the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface are formed at substantially 90° relative to one another; wherein a first portion of the first abutment surface extends from a substantially planar bottom surface to a substantially planar deck panel support surface and wherein a second portion of the first abutment surface extends from the bottom surface above the deck panel support surface; wherein a first portion of the second abutment surface extends from the bottom surface to the deck panel support surface and wherein a second portion of the second abutment surface extends from the bottom surface above the deck panel support surface; and one or more protrusions extend perpendicularly from the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface.

Abstract: A sofa sheet set for use with a sofa is disclosed. The sofa sheet set includes a bottom sheet that comprises a generally rectangular top portion and a peripheral side section, the side section having at a lower end thereof an embedded elastic band for capturing a plurality of sofa cushions. The sofa sheet set further includes a generally rectangular top sheet fixed at one of its long sides at a seam to one of the long sides of the bottom sheet. The top sheet is larger in length and width than the top portion of the bottom sheet. A handbag carrier is preferably included for containing and storing the bottom and top sheets in a folded configuration for convenient storage and transportation.

Abstract: A patient support surface including a cover defining an interior region, a layer of three dimensional material, located at the interior region, and an air circulation device disposed adjacent the layer of three dimensional material. The patient support surface includes at least one of a percussion device and a vibration device, located at the interior region.

Abstract: A pediatric surgical table configured to allow easy and quick positioning of an infant prior to craniofacial surgery which includes a head cradle with cheek supports, a chest ramp and a body support pad. The body support pad is provided with an abdominal trough to facilitate unhindered abdominal movement during breathing and a genital trough to allow placement of a urinary catheter. The chest ramp stabilizes the infant once positioned and decreases the risk of hyperextension of the neck. The cheek supports reduce the risk of ocular compression and a open chin rest area allows unrestricted placement of endotracheal tube. Straps are provided to secure the infant in place. The orientation of the chest ramp and head cradle allows for substantial adjustment of cervical extension and provides the surgeon with clear and unobstructed access to the frontal, parietal and occipital portion of the infant's skull.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing first and second hinged supports that form a frame supporting a patient. First and second connectors hold the first and second supports to first and second piers. Each pier is formed with a base with a linked positioning mechanism for each connector and support member. Each positioning mechanism utilizes a column and a first arm having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The first arm proximal portion is axially rotatable relative to the first column. The second arm possesses a proximal portion and a distal portion such that the second arm proximal portion is axially rotatable relative to the distal portion of the first arm. The second arm distal portion links to the frame connector. A controller determines the axial rotation of the proximal portions of the first and second arms to determine an overall configuration of the frame.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises an occupant support having adjustable settings that include an elevation, a profile and an angular orientation. The bed also includes an interface for allowing desired values of the adjustable settings to be individually commanded. The bed also includes a single-action boost control for commanding a boost configuration comprising a boost elevation setting and a boost profile setting and a boost angular orientation setting. The bed also includes an adjustment system for adjusting the bed to the desired values of the adjustable settings in response to inputs to the interface and for adjusting the elevation, profile and angular orientation to the boost configuration settings in response to input applied to the single-action boost control.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a portable sleeping device. The portable sleeping device includes a headrest, where the headrest is configured to support the head of a user. The portable sleeping device also includes a trunk support, where the trunk support is configured to support the trunk of the user while sleeping in a sitting position.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a pillow convertible between an open position as a food and beverage holder and a closed position as a pillow. By way of example, the pillow has a first and second pillow portion that may be coupled and uncoupled to switch between a closed position and an open position. The pillow also has a food surface member with one or more beverage holders that is sized to fit within the interior of the pillow in the closed position. In another example, the food surface member is a two-piece construction with a slidable tray lock that moves between a first position when the pillow is closed and a second position that secures the two pieces together as a substantially coplanar surface when the pillow is open. In yet another example, the beverage holder is tapered so as to fit a variety of sizes of beverage containers.

Abstract: The present invention is a travel pillow that provides head cushioning, lateral support and stays in place when the user is in a seated position or semi-reclined. The travel pillow including a neck support cradle, head base contour to provide vertical head support, head support platform, side buttresses to provide lateral head support and support bases to achieve an anatomically neutral position for the cervical spine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a self deflating cushion whereby a volume of air within the cushion is controllably released to a surface of the cushion thereby providing a cooling effect to the seated anatomy of a user. The cushion further provides a variety of internal, open cell cushioning materials that store and release air during use of the cushion.

Abstract: A pad including first and second air impervious chambers adhered to one another is provided. The first air impervious chamber is provided by a plurality of fluidly interconnected air tubes. Each tube is formed between a first and a second thermo-plastic sheet. The first and second thermo-plastic sheets are affixed together at seams on opposite sides of the tubes. A first length between the pair of seams along the first thermo-plastic sheet is different than a second length between the pair of seams along the second thermo-plastic sheet. The second air impervious chamber is coupled to the first air impervious chamber. The second air impervious chamber including a core therein to provide self-inflating features to the second air impervious chamber. Methods of forming the same are provided.

Abstract: A mattress expander used to increase a width of a mattress, the mattress expander including a top pad having a width greater than the mattress to define overhanging portions on either side of the mattress, a pair of side members, under the overhanging portions; and, a mattress extending from one side portion and attachable to the other side portion to hold the side members under respective overhanging portions defining a mattress receiving channel there between.

Abstract: A laundry treatment machine and a washing method therefor are provided. During a rinsing operation, the laundry treatment machine may rotate a drum while supplying fluid into the drum. In addition, the laundry treatment machine may control a fluid circulation device to circulate the fluid, and thus, to spray the circulated fluid into the drum during the rotation of the drum. The drum realizes at least one of first through fourth motions. The laundry treatment machine may perform various rinsing operations in consideration of the fluid level in a tub.

Abstract: A flexible, floating walkway (10) is described to make it possible to securely transport people and/or goods between installations at sea, such as ships, and land (30,20). The walkway is characterized in that it comprises bridge elements (50) coupled in between floating elements (60A, 60B, 60C) fitted with horizontal and vertical segments, so that the floating elements can be pulled out during use to couple the installations (30,20) (20) and folded up when the walkway (10) is not in use. The bridge elements (50) are designed, together with the floating elements (60A, 60B) to be unfolded and folded up in a zigzag concertina type formation. The invention also relates to applications of the construction to combine with land areas separated by a strait or a river where there is, for example, heavy traffic.

Abstract: A whole mouth toothbrush with an elongate hollow handle portion, and attached U shaped brush retaining portion. The housing holds an electric motor, a battery power supply, a microprocessor, a printed circuit board and an on-off switch. A primary drive belt connects the motor shaft to a first brush spindle. A plurality of secondary drive belts connect the first brush spindle to the remaining brush spindles. Each spindle terminates in a rotating brush head. Upper brush heads brush the user's top teeth and the lower spindles brush the user's bottom teeth. The microprocessor is programmed to cause the brush retaining shafts to cycle back and forth from a clockwise rotation to a counter clockwise rotation.

Abstract: A powered, mechanical teeth cleaning device having a pair of rotating brushes. The brushes rotate inward from each side, providing a cleaning effect on both buccal and lingual surfaces of a tooth from the gum tissue to the tooth. The toothbrush automatically adjusts the pressure applied to the pair of brushes in response to the width of a particular interfacing tooth. The toothbrush also has protective shield for minimizing mouth tissue irritation, and a guiding stop for proper tooth positioning.

Abstract: A device for removing metallic and other contaminant particles accumulated on footwear, comprises in one embodiment, a housing and a grid of cleaning rods supported by the housing. The grid of cleaning rods typically includes rotating rods and non-rotating rods which vibrate. Some of the rotating rods are provided with brushing elements and some of the rotating rods are provided with magnetic elements or are magnetic. The rotating rods with the magnetic elements or which are magnetic, remove the metallic contaminant particles from the footwear.

Abstract: A scrub head includes a first disc scrub member, a movable support having first and second positions, and a movable disc scrub member. The first disc scrub member is rotatable about a first vertical axis. The movable disc scrub member is rotatable about a second vertical axis and is connected to the movable support. The movable disc scrub member is configured to move relative to the first disc scrub member along first and second orthogonal axes of a horizontal plane, which is transverse to the first and second vertical axes, between first and second positions respectively corresponding to the first and second positions of the movable support.

Abstract: The invention is a snow and ice remover for the roofs of trucks and trailers that is rollable along the ground. Two vertical beams and an upper cross piece support a vertically adjustable snow plow assembly, so that when a snow or ice covered truck or trailer moves under the properly positioned plow, the snow or ice is pushed off the top of the vehicle. The entire structure is supported by two horizontal base structures at ground level. The base structures each have wheels on jacks at their ends to permit lifting and rolling the unit. Each base structure also has a platform to hold a ballast weight to prevent movement of the unit when it is lowered to the ground and in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning bleeder valves is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rigid casing and a flexible casing rotatably connected to the rigid casing. The flexible casing is adapted to provide fluid-tight coupling of the flexible casing to a bleeder valve. Within the flexible casing, a flexible shaft is rotatably mounted and extended from one end of the flexible casing to a position outwardly of an opposite end of the flexible casing. Connected to the flexible shaft is a drill adapted for engagement to effect rotation and reciprocation thereof. Also connected to the rigid casing is a valve adapted for selective venting of an interior of the rigid casing.